Rafael Nadal put in an imposing performance to demolish Spanish compatriot Carlos Moya 6-1 6-3 and reach the semi-finals of the Hamburg Masters.

The 21-year-old French Open champion will now face 20-year-old Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in a match that will determine who carries the mantle of the world number two ranking into Roland Garros.

Nadal has been the number two to Roger Federer's world number one ever since first claiming that position in July, 2005 after winning the first of three successive French Open trophies.

But a loss to Djokovic will hand the Serbian the coveted ranking for the first time in his young career with just one week to go until the start of Paris' Grand Slam.

Nadal showed no signs that he was ready to surrender the spot in his match against Moya, however, dominating the first set with an imposing display of winners and top-notch defence.

The 2007 Hamburg runner-up easily outclassed his close friend and fellow Mallorcan, winning five straight games to close out the opener in just 25 minutes.

After breaking Moya, who is ten years Nadal's senior, in the opening game of the second set, Rafa looked headed for an equally comfortable margin of victory.

But the former world number one showed the fighting spirit that has kept him in the top-20 for so long, breaking back in the fourth game thanks to a stunning exhibition of volleying.

Nadal, however, was able to reclaim his advantage in the very next game and - despite stubborn resistance from Moya - never looked back, wrapping up the comfortable win in just one hour and 15 minutes with another break of serve in the ninth game.

For his part, Djokovic easily swept aside unseeded Spaniard Albert Montanes 6-2 6-3 in his earlier quarter-final.

After the players exchanged early breaks of serve, Djokovic took hold of match with a confident display of powerful hitting.

Three breaks saw him home in the opening set, and after a subdued start to the second he broke in game eight and finished the job with consummate ease.

Jeremy Stahl and Will Tidey / Eurosport