Novak Djokovic sealed his place in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 4-6 6-3 6-2 win over Tomas Berdych.

Berdych, who defeated Andy Murray in his quarter-final on Friday, claimed a tight first set as blustery conditions made play challenging.

Thereafter, Djokovic upped his game, improving his forehand returns in particular, and sealed the win.

Rafael Nadal, who is aiming for his eighth straight title in Monaco, takes on Gilles Simon later on Saturday.

As clouds of dust blew across the court, both players found gaining rhythm difficult in the first set, but 26-year-old Berdych prevailed with some thunderous ground strokes.

A disgruntled Djokovic, who has played on despite suffering the death of his grandfather on Thursday, rallied in the second set.

The Serb world number one then ensured the win in comprehensive fashion, powering past Berdych to reach Sunday’s final.

Defending champion Nadal, who has won 40 matches on the bounce, faces home favourite Simon for a place in his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo final.