Defending champion Djokovic loses to Federer in Dubai

DUBAI - Serbia's Novak Djokovic failed to defend his title at the ATP tournament in Dubai, losing to Switzerland's Roger Federer 2-1 (3-6, 6-3, 6-2) in the semifinals on Friday.

This has been the 32nd match between the current world no. 2 and the world no. 8, and the 17th defeat for Djokovic.

In the title match on Saturday, Federer will face Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, who beat Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 7-5 earlier today.

Djokovic has won the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships four times, in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013.

AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili