Sydney - Russian qualifier Daniil Medvedev upset Italian fourth seed Fabio Fognini 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 to reach the Sydney International final on Thursday. 

The 84th-ranked Medvedev came back from a set down to move within one win of what would be his maiden ATP title against either rising Australian star Alex de Minaur or Frenchman Benoit Paire in Saturday's final. 

"I'm very happy, first of all, because life on ATP Tour is not easy. Every match you win, you're glad to win it, no matter first round, second, so it goes step by step," Medvedev said. 

"To win here six matches in a row, to be in my second ATP final, to have the chance to get the title is amazing feeling. I'm just motivated to do it."

Results from the ATP/WTA Sydney International on Friday (x denotes seed):

Men

Semi-finals

Daniil Medvedev (RUS) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA x4) 2-6, 6-4, 6-1

Alex de Minaur (AUS) bt Benoit Paire (FRA) 4-6, 6-1, 6-1


Women

Semi-finals

Ashleigh Barty (AUS) bt Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2

Angelique Kerber (GER) bt Camila Giorgi (ITA) 6-2, 6-3