Top two aim for repeat showing

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are expected to set up a second successive showdown in the French Open final when they play their respective last-four matches today.

Federer, the top seed from Switzerland, takes on Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko, the fourth seed, first on Philippe Chatrier court.

Reigning two-time champion Nadal, who is yet to lose in three years at Roland Garros, will then meet up-and-coming Serb Novak Djokovic, seeded six.

Federer and Nadal, the top two players in the world by some distance, are heavy favourites to claim victories and fix up a repeat of last year’s final here, which was won in four sets by the Spaniard.

Federer, who has topped the rankings since 2004, needs a first Roland Garros title to complete his clean sweep of the majors.

“I think he’s a great player,” the Swiss, who has dropped just one set on his run to the semis, said about Davydenko.

“I’ve had some great matches with him over the years. He’s really improved, and he’s got more consistent. He’s tough to play against.”

Second seed Nadal is looking to become the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to win three straight French Open titles, but he is not underestimating Djokovic.

“He’s a great player with a lot of confidence,” said the 21-year-old.

“His potential is huge. He has a great serve, which is an advantage, and he is young. He is a potential world number one.”

Neither Davydenko nor Djokovic have ever made it to a grand slam final, but have shown superb form over the past week and a half.

Davydenko eased through his first three matches without dropping a set, before seeing off seeded rivals David Nalbandian and Guillermo Canas.

The big-serving Djokovic, bidding to join female compatriot Ana Ivanovic in reaching a singles final at this year’s Roland Garros, has dealt well with dangerous duo Fernando Verdasco and Igor Andreev in his last two rounds.

Davydenko has not beaten Federer in eight previous attempts, but is not discounting victory against the Swiss.

“It will depend on how I go into the match, on how I prepare,” said the 25-year-old.

“I have always had a chance to beat him, he always finds trouble against me.”

Djokovic has beaten Nadal once in their four previous meetings, but in their two matches on clay, the Serb has not won a set.

They met in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year, but Djokovic retired injured prior to the start of the third set when he was already 6-4 6-4 down.

“He’s the best player in the world on this surface,” said Djokovic.

“He’s a big favourite whoever he plays against on this surface, but I hope it will be a good match.”