Rafael Nadal is into the final of the Shanghai Masters ©Getty Images

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will meet in the final of the Shanghai Masters following very different semi-final victories today.

Spain's Nadal, the current world number one, came through his last four encounter unscathed, while Federer had to come from a set down to progress.

Nadal, a 16-time Grand Slam champion, is seeking a maiden title on the hard courts at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in the Chinese city.

He defeated Croatia's fourth seed Marin Čilić 7-5, 7-6  at the Association of Tennis Professionals Masters 1000 tournament.

Nadal was broken twice in the second set but recovered to win in two hours 11 minutes.

Switzerland's Roger Federer, pictured, came from a set down to beat Juan Martin del Potro ©Getty Images
Switzerland's Roger Federer, pictured, came from a set down to beat Juan Martin del Potro ©Getty Images

Federer secured his place in very different circumstances, coming from behind to beat Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in three sets.

Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion and Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist, took the opening set 6-3.

Federer, the reigning Wimbledon champion, battled back to win the second and third 6-3, 6-3 to progress.

The Swiss' victory means he is now due to face his old rival for the fourth time this year and the 24th time in a final.

Britain's Andy Murray and Serbia's Novak Djokovic, winners of six out of the last seven editions between them, are both absent due to injury.