Khachanov showed why he is one of the finest young talents in tennis with a thunderous 6-4 6-2 victory over Thiem on Saturday.
The 22-year-old, 6ft 6in Russian, already the owner of two indoor hard court titles this year, crushed his Austrian friend and practice partner in 70 one-sided minutes.
He was then asked if he would like to face Federer or Djokovic in the final.
A smiling Khachanov replied: “I’m going to watch [Federer-Djokovic] definitely and any scenario is good for me.” Djokovic later beat Federer to set up today’s final.
On his win over Thiem, Khachanov said: “It was really intense the first couple of games and at 4-4, when there was more pressure coming, I broke him and took the lead.”
“It was one of my best matches, and what I’m happy about is that I was increasing my level, which shows that I’m becoming a better player.”
The 18th ranked Muscovite overpowered a third top-10 player in successive days, having hammered Alexander Zverev in the quarters and defeated John Isner in the last-16.
It’s the first time he has reached an ATP Masters 1000 final.
Later on Saturday Djokovic ruined Roger Federer’s ambitions of a 100th career title as he outlasted his great adversary 7-6(6) 5-7 7-6(3) in an epic Paris Masters semi-final that stretched his remarkable unbeaten run to 22 matches.
In a 47th meeting between the two greats, the stubborn Djokovic simply refused to be beaten as he eked out a fourth successive victory over Federer in a tiebreak decider after three compelling hours.
Djokovic, who had complained of competing with flu-like symptoms in his previous matches this week, was proud and relieved to repel a wonderful challenge from Federer, who appeared close to his imperious best.
“We’ve had epic matches throughout our rivalry but this one definitely ranks as one of the best matches we played. High quality tennis,” Djokovic said.
“Next to the match I played against (Rafa) Nadal in the Wimbledon semis, this was definitely the most exciting match I’ve played this year, and probably the best quality match that I was part of.”