Novak Djokovic is relishing the chance to go head-to-head with Rafael Nadal again in the China Open final and expects a tough encounter on Sunday.
Both men sealed their progress with straight-set semi-final wins in Beijing on Saturday, Djokovic making short work of David Ferrer as he kept alive his hopes of what would be a dominant seventh title in eight years at this event.
Nadal was first to seal his place in the final as he overcame recent nemesis Fabio Fognini. The two fierce rivals will now meet each other for the 45th time in their career and their 23rd final.
"I played great, except that last service game when I failed to serve it out," Djokovic told the ATP Tour website after beating Ferrer.
"Generally it was a very good performance.
"Ahead of the final, knowing I've played this well throughout the week gives me a good chance and confidence.
"We've [him and Nadal] have played each other so many times, and played here the Olympic Games in 2008 and the (China Open) final in 2013.
"Every time I get to play him is another challenge, he is the player I've played the most in my career.
"He's not been playing at the level this year that he was at [in the last] 10 years, but he's a champion, he knows how to play a big matches, he deserves to be in the final and it's going to be a good one."