World No 1 Novak Djokovic swept aside opponent David Ferrer of Spain in straight sets to set up China Open summit clash against third-seed Rafael Nadal.

The Serbian defending champion overcame Ferrer 6-2, 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final contest that lasted for one hour and 14 minutes on Saturday.

The Serbian is chasing his sixth title in Beijing and his seventh this year, which already includes the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open championships.

Meanwhile, Nadal, who remained one win away from securing his first hard-court title in almost two years, defeated new Italian nemesis Fabio Fognini 7-5, 6-3 for the final-berth.

Nadal, who has dropped to eighth in the rankings following a slump in form, is aiming to book a place at the end of season ATP Finals in London next month.