But after taking a first set punctuated by five breaks of serve, Nadal faltered late in the second, relentless pressure forcing him into a wild forehand to level the match.

Nadal, both knees taped after suffering from tendinitis coming into the tournament, had no answer to Ferrer's relentless pressure in the decider.

Ferrer, who beat Nadal in their previous meeting at this year's U.S. Open, closed out a marathon tussle after two hours and 40 minutes with a pummelling cross-court backhand.

"I was just happy to qualify for the Masters Cup," said Ferrer. "Rafa is the best player in Spain's history. This is just one match."

Gasquet's backhand, a shot Federer says is the best in the game, did most of the damage against Djokovic as the Frenchman breathed fresh life into his challenge.

"I had nothing to lose -- he's number three in the world," said Gasquet, who was the last player to qualify for the event.

"It's my first time in Shanghai but I was confident about playing Novak. I played a lot of amazing shots with my backhand. It was a perfect match."

Novak blamed his lack of spark on fatigue.

"I had amazing season but I think it was too long for me," said Djokovic, who won five titles in 2007 and reached the final of the U.S. Open. "I probably burned out a little bit."

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