Roger Federer

Federer returned from a lengthy injury hiatus 12 months ago to win a stunning 18th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, while this time his preparation has been virtually perfect.

His rival Rafael Nadal he has not contested a match since November because of knee troubles while the fitness of six-time champion Novak Djokovic is even more uncertain after six months out with an elbow injury, but Federer said of his expectations: "It's totally different.

Second-ranked Federer came from behind to beat Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to ensure he would meet Nadal for the fourth time this year in Sunday's final.

Nadal leads the head-to-head with Federer 23-14 but has not beaten the Swiss in 2017, losing in the finals of the Australian Open and Miami Masters and in the last-16 at Indian Wells.

The Spaniard was pushed hard by fourth seed Cilic, who put his booming forehand to good use but could not stop Nadal claiming a 16th consecutive victory.

Nadal battled past Marin Cilic 7-5 7-6 (7-3) in Saturday's opening semi-final, before Federer fought back from a set down to overcome Juan Martin del Potro 3-6 6-3 6-3.

The Spaniard enjoys a 23-14 head-to-head record over his great foe although each of the last four meetings have gone the way of the Swiss, including this year's Australian Open and Miami Masters finals.

Dolgopolov was the only qualifier to reach the third round and posed little threat to his more illustrious opponent.

Federer faced just one break point as he wrapped up the victory in an hour.

That minor scare came as the Swiss served for the first set, but he won five games in succession as he cruised to the second.

Red hot @rogerfederer

The Swiss great has thrived on a reduced schedule aimed at easing the strain on his 36-year-old bones, following an injury-plagued 2016 in which he failed to lift any silverware.

"I couldn't be happier with this season to be quite honest," the world No 2 said as he attempts to win his second title in Shanghai.

"I'm just happy being here now and it would be nice to pick up another title and get in training and start again the next year and get more chances then."

Federer has prioritised key tournaments this year after struggling with a knee problem in 2016, and he is reaping the rewards.

Sunday saw him capture a record eighth Wimbledon singles crown by beating Marin Cilic in straight sets, securing the 19th major title of his career and second of the year, having also won the Australian Open.

In between his triumphs, Federer strategically opted to miss the entire clay-court season. Nevertheless, the Swiss claimed he did not expect to be enjoying so much success.

A month shy of his 36th birthday, Federer is now the oldest champion at The All England Club since 1930.

The sublime Swiss enjoyed a 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 triumph in under two hours and, 23 days before his 36th birthday, became the oldest Wimbledon men's singles champion in the professional era.

The third seed achieved the feat without dropping a set during the tournament, continuing an unlikely renaissance that began with the ageless Federer returning from a six-month injury layoff to win the Australian Open earlier this year.

The world No 5, building up to an assault on an eighth Wimbledon title in July, was made to sweat in his 13th consecutive semi-final by young Russian Karen Khachanov, before coming through 6-4 7-6 (7-5) in one hour and 25 minutes of action.

Federer, 35, has yet to drop a set after four matches in Halle this week, although his victory over the rapidly rising talent of the 21-year-old in their first meeting was a huge test of his credentials.

The world No 1 says he is targeting a return to competitive action in Monte Carlo next week.

Murray has suffered with shingles and illness since the turn of the year and was forced to withdraw from the Miami Open in the middle of March after injuring his elbow.

Murray subsequently missed Great Britain's exit from the Davis Cup against France over the weekend, but he kept up his promise to play against Federer in 'The Match for Africa 3' at the Hallenstadion on Monday night.

The Swiss great beat his Spanish rival for a third time this season and fourth in succession, needing just two breaks of serve and 94 minutes to claim his 91st career title and with it, a 26th Masters crown thanks to a 6-3 6-4 victory in Florida.

Federer also cements his place at number one in the year's race for ranking points and will rise to number four in the world after adding Miami to his titles at Indian Wells and the Australian Open already this season.