Djokovic is struggling for form ahead of the year's first Grand Slam event

Novak Djokovic missed out on the chance to become world number two as he lost to Finland's Jarkko Nieminen in the Sydney international semi-finals.

A victory would have seen Djokovic overtake Roger Federer in the rankings next week, but Nieminen came through 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

Djokovic got a wild card for Sydney after losing early in Brisbane.

Nieminen will face David Nalbandian in the final after the Argentine beat Richard Gasquet 6-4 6-3.

"I felt today I played much better than the first one and yesterday, so it looks like every day I have more feeling on the ball and on the game," said Nalbandian.

Djokovic now heads to Melbourne to defend his Australian Open title having failed to hit top form in the build-up.

"Well, (my game's) not 100%, but it's getting there," said the 21-year-old Serb.

"I needed a couple matches here, that's why I came to Sydney. Hopefully, I can get into my shape from last year for Melbourne."

At the Kooyong Classic exhibition event, Stanislas Wawrinka beat Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 to set up a final against fellow Swiss Roger Federer.

In other matches, Marcos Baghdatis beat Marin Cilic 6-3 6-2 and Carlos Moya saw off Ivan Ljubicic 7-5 3-6 7-5.

American Sam Querrey shocked second seed David Ferrer 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) in the semi-finals in Auckland, while top seed Juan Martin del Potro beat Robin Soderling 6-4 6-3.

"I was winding up, especially on the forehand," said Querrey. "I was hitting it as hard as I could on the line.

"I missed some of them by 10 feet but I think that's what you've got to do."

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