A red-hot Novak Djokovic booked a US Open final date with Juan Martin del Potro courtesy of a dominant straight-sets triumph over Kei Nishikori, which extended his winning run against the Japanese to 14 matches.
Djokovic was beaten by Nishikori at the last-four stage of the 2014 tournament at Flushing Meadows, but has since triumphed in every single meeting between the two.
Another success for the Serbian never looked in doubt as he took control from the outset, winning the first three games, and maintained his form to secure a hugely impressive 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory.
Djokovic, who has made seven previous finals in New York but won only two, will now face Del Potro in Sunday's final. The 2009 champion was two sets to love up on Rafael Nadal in the first last-four tie when the injured defending champion retired.
MORE: Juan Martin del Potro through to final as injured Rafael Nadal retires
Back from career-threatening wrist problems, Del Potro has shone throughout this tournament, but will have his work cut out to deny former world number one Djokovic if the Serbian reproduces the form he showed on Friday.
Staying cool:@DjokerNole is appearing in his 11th #USOpen semifinal, second-most behind Jimmy Connors...#USOpen pic.twitter.com/h6cXsDcG03
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2018
The Wimbledon champion, who ended a two-year grand slam drought by winning at the All England Club, has now won 13 sets in a row in New York.
He looks back to his very best and is one victory away from equalling Pete Sampras' haul of 14 slam titles - only Roger Federer (20) and Nadal (17) have more.
Nishikori, seeking to follow compatriot Naomi Osaka into a singles final at the US Open, faced immediate pressure and saved four break points in the second game of the match before Djokovic converted a fifth.
This contest started earlier than expected following Nadal's retirement and there was a worrying moment for Nishikori, whose left leg buckled as he came to the net trailing 5-3.
Novak off to a strong start
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) September 7, 2018
Novak Djokovic wins the first set of his #USOpen semi-final against Kei Nishikori 6-3. The has claimed per cent of his first-serve points.
How impressed are you by Djokovic's performance so far? pic.twitter.com/imiMbyU0Pk
Thankfully, the 21st seed appeared to avoid injury and duly played his best tennis of the match after dropping the first set, fighting hard to stay with his illustrious opponent.
However, Djokovic eventually broke for a 3-2 lead in the second and there was an inevitability to proceedings thereafter.
Nishikori was outclassed in the third and must wonder if he will ever record another victory over Djokovic, who rounded proceedings off in fitting fashion with a sensational backhand winner.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Djokovic [6] bt Nishikori [21] 6-3 6-4 6-2
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Djokovic - 17/29
Nishikori - 22/51
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Djokovic - 3/2
Nishikori - 2/2
BREAK POINTS WON
Djokovic - 4/17
Nishikori - 0/2
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Djokovic - 64
Nishikori - 61
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Djokovic - 80/71
Nishikori - 60/51
TOTAL POINTS
Djokovic - 104
Nishikori - 75