Austria's Dominic Thiem defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with five-time champion Roger Federer at the ATP Indian Wells Masters.

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Thiem, ranked eighth in the world, withstood 17 aces from the rangy Canadian, gaining the only break of the contest in the third set.

He'll fight for a maiden Masters 1000 title against Swiss great Federer. Federer, seeking a record sixth Indian Wells crown, reached the final when semi-final opponent Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament with a right knee injury.

Thiem, 25, has split four prior meetings with the 20-time Grand Slam champion 2-2.

Federer prevailed in straight sets in their most recent meeting in the ATP finals last year after Thiem had won back-to-back encounters in 2016.

"It's always something special to play him,," Thiem said. "I know it's going to be very tough, but at the same time, I will give it everything to hopefully win my first (Masters 1000) title."

(With agency input)