Defending champion Novak Djokovic has beaten 21st seed Richard Gasquet 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4 to reach the final of Wimbledon.
Djokovic opened the match with an immediate service break, but Gasquet underlined the tenacity that dragged him past French Open winner Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals by responding in kind.
The man who won the battle of the backhands with Wawrinka in the last eight turned the first set into a real contest, even forcing a tie-break during which Djokovic took early control on his way to edging ahead in the match.
Djokovic wrestled an immediate break to start the second set, flummoxing Gasquet - who had thrown everything at the opening exchange but to no avail.
The top seed fended off two break points to hold serve as Gasquet was again unable to find any telling breach of Djokovic's armour.
After that the set stayed on course, Djokovic taking control and the honours 6-4, eyeing a quick resolution to this last-four battle.
Djokovic came under fire for shouting "Towel" at a ball girl during his testing fourth-round victory over Kevin Anderson, before seeking her out and apologising after defeating Marin Cilic in straight sets in the quarter-finals.
The 28-year-old had to fend off allegations of cheating in Wimbledon's early stages after Becker admitted sending signals to the Serbian from the players' box during matches.
Those two incidents aside however, Djokovic has remained largely untroubled en route to another Wimbledon final.
Offering Gasquet precious little opportunity, he sealed the third set 6-4, and with it the match.
Gasquet fended off two match points deep into the set, but by that stage Djokovic already had one service break, so was left to serve out the contest without issue.
Arriving at the showpiece contest effectively by sneaking under the radar is extremely tough going at a major tournament - especially after blowing his third chance for a career grand slam at Roland Garros.
Djokovic's fuss-free procession to the final offers worrying portent that his eventual opponent - whether Murray or Federer - will do well to heed.
The Serbian admitted he was "living the dream" in victory.
"If you look at the names of the legends and elite group of players who are playing the finals of this great event, it's a great honour and privilege to be out there, but I need to keep on going," said Djokovic.
"I'm definitely living the dream, here at Wimbledon on the most renowned tennis court in the world.
"I try to take the best of myself and I have a responsibility to play well - and I'm just glad to reach another final."
