CINCINNATI, Ohio: Novak Djokovic handed world No.1 in waiting Rafael Nadal his first defeat in nearly three months, stunning the Spaniard 6-1 7-5 to reach the final of the Cincinnati Masters.

The Serbian No.3 seed ended a 32-match winning streak for Nadal, who was last defeated on May 7.

"I played the best summer season in my life, so I'm very happy for that," said Nadal, who is 64-8 for the season with seven titles. "Today he played unbelievable in the first set. In the second set I felt well and in some moments I felt I was playing better than him. Finally, he beat me. I just congratulate him because he's playing well."

Djokovic is re-emerging as a force in the game just two days after Roger Federer lost his grip on the top ranking after 4½ years. The Swiss star lost in the third round to Ivo Karlovic.

Djokovic has defeated Nadal in four of their six matches on hardcourt.

"Day after day I'm getting stronger in the segment of my game which is really important coming up to the final stages of the tournament," said Djokovic. "Rafa always gives 100 per cent in every match and on any surface."

Djokovic will line up in the final against Andy Murray, to whom he lost in a quarter-final in Toronto last week.

Despite his loss and whatever happens at the Beijing Olympics, Nadal will take over the top ranking from Federer on August 18 when computer points adjust.

Djokovic, the Australian Open champion and winner of two Masters shields already this season, will climb to second in the 2008 season points race.

"I feel happy because for sure I will be No.1," said Nadal. "But there's no time to enjoy. I have Olympics in one week."

AFP