David Ferrer moved a step closer to his fifth title of 2015 and a place at the ATP World Tour Finals with a semi-final win over Gael Monfils at the Erste Bank Open.

The Spaniard had to battle for his place in Sunday's final in Vienna during a tight last-four encounter with Gael Monfils, Ferrer eventually prevailing 7-6 (7-5) 7-5.

Neither man was dominant on their own serve in the opening set, Ferrer saving six break chances and Monfils four - and a set point - as they drifted towards a tie-break.

Ferrer eventually found a way through as he carved out further chances to win the set and eventually accepted his fourth opportunity to move ahead.

There was also little between the pair in the second set, but Ferrer picked up the only break of the match to book a final meeting with Steve Johnson.

The American had earlier secured his place in Sunday's showpiece event - the first final of his career - with a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) triumph over Ernests Gulbis.

Johnson recorded 12 aces - nine in the second set - against the Latvian, and held his nerve in the second set breaker to serve out for the match.