Novak Djokovic will challenge for a fourth Shanghai Masters title after a comprehensive 6-2 6-1 victory over Alexander Zverev in their semi-final in China.

The 21-year-old world No.5 Zverev, who was seeded fourth, conceded the first break with a wide forehand in the sixth game as Djokovic rallied to a 5-2 lead before breaking the German again to take the first set.

The 31-year-old Djokovic, the only player to win all nine Masters titles, outlasted Zverev in lengthy exchanges to break twice for a 5-1 lead and served for his berth in the final in a one-hour masterclass.

In their only previous meeting in the 2017 Rome Masters final, Zverev won in straight sets.

Djokovic will play top seed and defending champion Roger Federer or Croatia’s Borna Coric in Sunday’s final.