Andrey Rublev and Hubert Hurkacz set for blockbuster Shanghai Masters final

Both men are vying for a second Masters 1000 title, with Russian Rublev going for a second of the season having lifted the trophy in Monte Carlo in April.

Rublev edged a very close first set against his good friend Dimitrov, before coming from a break down in the second to clinch a 7-6 (7) 6-3 victory.

The 25-year-old will climb to a career-high world number four if he can claim the title on Sunday.

"It's not easy when you win matches against friends, because you feel both sides," said Rublev. "You feel sad, but at the same time you want to win. It's a mix of feelings."

Hurkacz produced a strong serving display against Sebastian Korda to reach a Masters final for the third successive season.

Korda battled for nearly three hours to see off fellow young American Ben Shelton in the last eight and was unable to produce the same level of play here.

But he was kept at arm's length by Hurkacz, who did not face a break point during the contest, wrapping up a 6-3 6-4 victory in an hour and 17 minutes.

"I'm just really happy with my performance today," said Hurkacz. "I was serving well, playing some good groundstrokes and definitely putting pressure on Sebi from the ground."

"I'm working on being difficult to play against," added the Pole. "It's the same with every opponent. They try to come out with their best foot forward that day and they're trying to [implement] their tactics or plan against you. You've just got to stay mentally strong and really battle."

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