Novak Djokovic set up a blockbuster ATP World Tour Final against Andy Murray for the right to end 2016 at year-end world No 1 after seeing off Kei Nishikori 6-1 6-1 on Saturday night.
The Serb saw his 122-week grasp at the top of the rankings ended by Murray in Paris almost a fortnight ago, but he can reclaim the position when they meet in Sunday's showpiece at London's O2 Arena.
Djokovic will be looking to seal a fifth straight title and record-equalling sixth overall at the season-ending spectacular.
He took an unerring record into his match against Nishikori and it took just 66 minutes to extend his winning streak against the Japanese trailblazer to 10 matches.
Shot of the match
Djokovic produced a array of fine winners during the semi-final, but this sumptuous volley by the elasticated Serb was particularly impressive...
Djokovic reaction
"I started off very well and got a 4-0 lead. I pretty much executed everything that I tactically planned to do before the match. You never know how you are going to start, but I started off very well. Obviously that helps when you a playing a top player, to build the confidence.
"Kei was obviously a little bit tired and he was not close to his best tonight, but well done to him for a great tournament and a great season and I hope to see him next season."
Expert opinion
Greg Rusedski: "Absolutely brilliant from Novak Djokovic. Perfection. He looked like the guy who was winning Slams at the beginning of the year. He has made a statement of intent that he wants to be No 1 at the end of the year and Murray is going to have a tough task now with that performance from Djokovic.
"It's a little bit advantage Djokovic [in the final] - easier group, easier semi, less time on the court - so Murray is going to have to dig deep if he wants to be the season-ending world No 1. History will be made tomorrow."
The match
Djokovic went into the semi-final in confident fashion, especially after a week that has seen him return to somewhere close to top form and the defending champion made an impressive start by racing into a 4-0 lead, playing high-class tennis.
The confidence was flowing from this year's Australian and French Open champion, who was looking fresh and equally as clinical in attack.
Although Nishikori broke to get on the board, the dominant Serb struck back immediately before successfully serving out the opening set in 35 minutes.
The punishment continued in the next set for a weary looking Nishikori, as the second seed dismantled his service game.
Nishikori was attempting to become the first Asian-born player to reach the final in the tournament's history, but the 26-year-old only held onto one of his service games in a one-sided encounter.
Djokovic has now won 22 out of his last 23 matches at the O2 Arena, with his last defeat coming against Roger Federer in the round-robin stage last year.
Check our game-by-game coverage from ATP World Tour Final in London on Sunday as Andy Murray aims to secure the year-end world No 1. Follow us on skysports.com/tennis, our app for mobile devices and iPad and our Twitter account @skysportstennis to see how the drama unfolds.