Ruthless Novak Djokovic dispatches Alexander Zverev in Shanghai semis

The win means that Djokovic will return to No.2 in the ATP world rankings when they are published later this month, with the possibility of reclaiming his No.1 sport now in sight.

In his 1000th tour-level match, the 31-year-old saw off competition from world No.5 Zverev in just an hour and 19 seconds.

Though Zverev had been on course to become the only man to record 50 tour-level victories this season, he was no match for the Serbian, who covered the court well and put the youngster under relentless pressure.

Djokovic will face either top seed Roger Federer, currently ranked No.2 in the world, or Borna Coric in the final on Sunday.