Novak Djokovic concedes there are not enough superlatives to describe Roger Federer as the top two players in the world prepare to face off in another Wimbledon final.
Reigning champion Djokovic advanced through from the semi-finals with a 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4 triumph over Richard Gasquet on Friday before Federer swept aside Andy Murray.
That set up a rematch of last year's final – which world number one Djokovic won following an epic five-setter - with Federer heading into Sunday chasing an 18th grand slam title and eighth Wimbledon success.
"He's one of my greatest rivals," said Djokovic.
"He's one of the people that actually made me a better player, as well.
"In the matches against him, I went through a lot of different emotions and things that allowed me to understand what I need to do to become a better player and to win against him and
win grand slam trophies.
"He's so good and so consistent, we shouldn't spend too much words about him. We all know how good he is. He's the greatest ever. There's not enough praises for what he does."
Frenchman Gasquet forced a tie-break during the opening set of his last-four clash, only for Djokovic to reel off five points in a row to force his way ahead.
"The first set was really close," added Djokovic. "I thought Richard played some really good tennis, especially from the backhand side.
"It was really difficult for me at times to play any kind of ball to his backhand side because he was really going for it, especially along the line.
"As I said, it was very close, but that was probably the turning point. Winning the first set tiebreak was psychologically very helpful for the rest of the match."