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Djokovic is just one game away from securing a 100th Tour-level title after reaching the final, despite his injury scare deep into the second set.

The Serbian missed three break points in the opening game, but was able to get his nose in front in the fifth game after breaking the American's serve.

Djokovic held his serve for the remainder to gain the early advantage, moving within touching distance of a record-extending 59th Masters 1000 final and his first of 2024.

But Fritz responded well in the second set, despite Djokovic producing some stunning tennis that included a brilliant backhand winner in the fifth game which drew applause from his American opponent.

The pair continued to trade blows, with a tie-break deciding whether the game would go the distance or Djokovic would reach a record fifth final in Shanghai.

Djokovic held his nerve, fighting back from 5-3 down to seal his progression to the showpiece, becoming the 13th different ATP Masters 1000 finalist so far this year.

Djokovic expressed his relief at reaching the final, admitting the win had pushed him to his limits.

"It always takes it out of me, these kinds of battles, but particularly towards the end of the tournament," the 37-year-old said.

"At this stage of my career, I’m doing my best to recover, and I had some issues here and there on the court, physically, yesterday and today. But I managed to overcome it.

"It was a stern test. Taylor is in form, playing probably the best tennis of his life coming off a grand slam final, and he's playing really well, particularly on this surface.

"He's serving big, so I knew it was going to be a big test for me. I did not want to get to a third set, and I'm just glad to overcome in two.”

Djokovic's meeting with world No.1 Jannik Sinner, who beat Tomas Machac 6-4 7-5 in the other semi-final, will be the pair's first meeting since the final four clash at the Australian Open earlier this year, a contest Sinner would go on to win, and also claim his maiden grand slam title.

But having performed well at his first tournament since his US Open exit, Djokovic is hoping to join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in the 100 club against a player he described as "the best in the world".

"I came to Shanghai after five years of not playing in China, the place where I've always had great success, both in Shanghai and Beijing," Djokovic said.

"[I've won] many titles, had great battles and great performances. I’ve said it many times, the support that I get here is tremendous, and I'm very grateful.

"That creates an energy that keeps me going, keeps me running, so I did come here definitely with a vision and a desire to get to the final and fight for a 100th title.

"I get that chance against the best player in the world, and let's see what happens."