Defending champion Andy Roddick overcame determined resistance from South African Kevin Anderson to reach the final of the Brisbane International.
The 28-year-old American set up a clash with top seed Robin Soderling by seeing off Anderson 6-2 4-6 6-2.
Roddick experienced a disappointing end to 2010 when he lost all three of his round-robin matches at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
However, he has started this year strongly and now has the chance to win a 30th career title, although Soderling promises to be a tough opponent.
The Swede stands fifth in the world rankings, three places better off than Roddick, and has won three of their previous five matches.
Soderling was ruthless against last year’s Brisbane runner-up Radek Stepanek today, winning 6-3 7-5 against the Czech.