Ruud in 'shock' after ending Djokovic jinx in Monte Carlo to set up Tsitsipas title clash

Casper Ruud finally defeated Novak Djokovic at the sixth attempt on Saturday, setting up a Monte Carlo Masters title showdown with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Norwegian eighth seed Ruud, who had been swept off court by the world number one in a demoralising French Open final loss last year, came through 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in his semi-final when Djokovic double-faulted after saving two match points.

An inspired Tsitsipas handed world number two Jannik Sinner just his second loss of the season as the two-time champion Greek booked his place in Sunday's final, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

"I'm super-happy, this is a day I will remember for a really long time," said Ruud who had never taken a set off Djokovic in their five previous meetings.

"I've never beaten Novak and I've never beaten a world number one. I'm still in a little bit of shock."

Ruud and Djokovic traded breaks in the final set, with the Norwegian getting the final word when Djokovic blinked first after just over two and a quarter hours.

"I was up and he came back, the top guys are good under pressure," Ruud said. "I was just hoping the match would not slip away.

"In the last game I was hoping something or someone up above was listening... I was so happy to see that last ball sail along."

On Sunday's final, Ruud added: "Stef will be tough in the final but I will give it my all."

Djokovic was competing in his first semi-final in Monte Carlo since he lifted his second title in 2015. He was hoping to reach a 59th Masters final.

"Congratulations to Casper. He played really good, especially in the beginning of the first and third set," said the 36-year-old top seed.

"Of course I'm disappointed now, to lose a match like this... it was a close one."

Tsitsipas's victory ended the nine-match winning streak of Australian Open champion Sinner who also has titles in Rotterdam and Miami to his name this season.

"Today was a great day, I'm hoping for a good recovery and a fresh mind," said Tsitsipas. "I hope to come out extra strong tomorrow."

Sinner began the final set, during which he was twice treated for a right knee injury, with a break of serve.

But he lost it in the eighth game after saving four break points which allowed Tsitsipas to level at 4-4.

The Greek then finished it off by playing what he called "tennis at the highest level that I've been able to play recently".