Novak Djokovic defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 and will face Milos Raonic, who beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6 63, in the final of the Western & Southern Open in New York.
Nole struggled early with an apparent neck complaint and needed three hours and one minute to close the win.
"I don't know how I won it, to be honest. He was the better player." Djokovic said.
He called on his mental toughness and strong serve in the win, serving just three times in the final-set tie-break but with each an ace.
The Serbian is one victory away from tying Rafael Nadal for the most Masters 1000 titles with 35.
But to do it he will have to beat former No 3 Raonic, who conquered Andy Murray on the way to the semi-final, won 90 per cent of first-serve points across one hour and 37 minutes on court.
The Canadian will attempt to become the first unseeded player to lift the trophy in the Open era when he meets Djokovic in the final.
"It would be incredible [to win an ATP Masters 1000 title]. Just generally as part of my career, it's not just the past six months coming back [and] playing. Just with everything else, I want to go to heights I haven't achieved yet and this is a part of it," said Raonic. "This is what I've worked hard for with very clear, specific goals and I hope that I can get that step closer and maybe make a difference tomorrow."
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