Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic ousted defending champion Rafa Nadal in straight sets to reach the final of the Pacific Life Open.

Djokovic dropped just five games as he avenged last year's Pacific Life final defeat to Rafa Nadal. Djokovic, the third seed, defeated second-seeded 6-3 6-2, turning the tables on the man who beat him in the final of this Masters Series tournament last year.

Djokovic gained the upper hand in the second set with a service break in the fifth game as Rafa knocked a forehand wide. He broke again in the seventh game and took the match after an hour and 27 minutes when Nadal dumped a service return into the net.

After an early exchange of breaks in the opening set, Djokovic earned the key break in the eighth game -- with a little help from the net cord on break point. Between sets, Rafa received treatment on court for a troublesome toe.

Djokovic now awaits the winner of the second semifinal, unseeded American Mardy Fish.