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.

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