Monte Carlo - Third seed Novak Djokovic thwarted the upset plans of Stanislas Wawrinka, defeating the Swiss 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday to reach his first final at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic will test himself against either four-time champion Rafael Nadal or Scottish fourth seed Andy Murray, competing for the first time in his career on clay after a breakthrough week on the surface.

Wawrinka was riding a wave of form which began as he beat Roger Federer in the third round. But the 13th seed was unable to reverse a run of four victories in their series by Djokovic.

Wawrinka won the 55-minute first set on a break but allowed the third seed back into it in the second.

The Swiss went up an early break in the third game of the third but lost it as Djokovic powered back as his comfort level rose at the Country Club.

The win was a repeat of the Rome final won by Djokovic over Wawrinka last May.

"He played well and was controlling the match," said 2008 Australian Open champion Djokovic. "But I was able to play my style in the end and that helped."

"I knew I was the favourite coming in which is why I was a bit nervous at the start," said the 26-8 winner.

Djokovic now Wawrinka 6-2 after last losing to his rival three years ago. (dpa)