SHANGHAI - World number two Rafael Nadal blasted past Serb Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 to reach the semi-finals of the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup on Thursday.

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during a match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Masters Cup tennis tournament in Shanghai, November 15, 2007. [Agencies] The French Open champion sank to his knees in celebration after his Gold Group match in Shanghai but still faced a nervous wait before his place in the last four was assured.

Nadal's fellow Spaniard David Ferrer guaranteed his close friend would join him in the knockout stages by pulverising Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-1 6-1.

American Andy Roddick became the first man to reach the semi-finals on Wednesday, while world number one Roger Federer is hot favourite to claim the final spot on Friday.

An inspired Ferrer finished on a perfect 3-0 round-robin record with Nadal going through as runner-up in their group on 2-1 having lost to his compatriot earlier this week.

"I played a complete match -- one of my best matches of the indoor season," Nadal told reporters. "Even if I'd gone out today I would have gone out with very good feelings."

Djokovic, already eliminated after losing his first two matches, failed consistently to threaten Nadal, who was fired-up from the start.

A lucky net cord gave Nadal an early break and Djokovic effectively surrendered the set when he dumped an easy volley into the net to drop serve again in the fifth game.

【体坛英语资讯：Nadal reaches Shanghai semis with Ferrers help】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Accused Uma Thurman stalker rejects deal

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jessica Simpson hawks her line of handbags and shoes

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Im ba-ack, Aniston tells Harpers and the world

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears revealing reality

★ 体坛英语资讯：China, Indonesia share light at badminton worlds

★ 娱乐资讯： Nicole Richie detours to jail

★ 娱乐资讯： Jessica Alba and Cash Warren split

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Simon Rex and Hilton leaving Villa Lounge after enjoying a drink

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paris Hilton: Britneys a great mother

★ 体坛资讯：Bombs mar celebrations of Iraq soccer win