Roger Federer managed to overcome Australian Lleyton Hewitt 6-3, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-1) after a “classic” semifinal with dramatic score changes and precise shots that were the salt and pepper of another feast for tennis fans present in Ohio for the Cincinnati Masters.

As the Swiss acknowledged, his game against Hewitt was a real challenge, the Australian putting aside his medical problems or poor form to get the best out of Federer.

“This was a classic match. It's always tough stuff between us,” Federer said. “Playing Lleyton makes me nervous. He makes you miss so much, I'm happy to escape with this win.”

Hewitt amazed once more with his defence and movement around the court, but despite a bunch of unforced mistakes Federer managed to clinch the first set harder than the score shows, 6-3.

In the second set, both players decided to sit back and wait for the other one’s mistake, a tactic that clearly didn’t please the crowd. Slowly, Hewitt and Federer reached tie-break where the display of force finally took the eyes of spectators, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the Australian managed to level the overall score, 6-7 (7-9).

A third and decisive set came with nerve-wracking play, the world number one having a hard time shaking the tenacious Hewitt. The ATP number 20 played aggressively and didn’t give his opponent time to display his regular game, taking the helm in several rows. But again they were sensibly equal and another thrilling tie-break decided the fate of the Cincinnati Masters semifinal.

Despite his struggle, Hewitt caved-in and gave Federer green light for a clash with American James Blake in the tournament’s final on Sunday that could bring the Swiss his 50th trophy.

Blake gave no chance to Russian Nikolay Davydenko who doesn’t seem to get a grip on his game on hard surfaces, 6- 2, 6-4.

“To earn my 50th would be really special,” the Swiss said. “I just missed it last week by three or four points. I'll give everything I have to get it here.”

Hewitt felt once more the bitter taste of defeat in the face of Federer, but didn’t forget the spirit of fair play and acknowledged his opponent’s strength.

“I played some big points on my serve to get out of trouble. But all in all, he served well in the big serve games. That's why he's one of greatest players ever. He can pull the trigger on the big points and nine times out of 10 it comes off,” the Australian said.