KEY POINTS:
Top seed Roger Federer remained on course for his fourth consecutive US Open title by defeating combative Russian Nikolay Davydenko 7-5 6-1 7-5 in the semi-finals this morning (NZ time).
In tomorrow's final, the Swiss maestro will face Novak Djokovic, who became the first Serbian man to reach
a grand slam final when he defeated Spain's David Ferrer 6-4 6-4 6-3.
In a repetition of last year's semi-final, Davydenko broke Federer's serve in the first game and led 3-1 before the world number one recovered to take the set.
The 26-year-old Davydenko had two set points in the third set but Federer, shooting for his 12th career grand slam title, recovered to secure the victory.
"I'm happy I'm through in three (sets) because who knows what happens in the fourth set against a great player like Nikolay," said Federer, appearing in a record 10th successive grand slam final.
Federer, 26, holds a 4-1 career record over Djokovic, but lost to the talented Serb in their last meeting, a three-set affair last month in the Masters Series in Montreal.
"I think I'm ready and I need to be ready," Djokovic said of Sunday's championship. "I need to believe in myself, because otherwise I wouldn't get the positive outcome.
"I don't want to go out tomorrow and try to do my best or try to perform well. No, I'll go tomorrow to try to win."
Djokovic, 20, trailed 4-1 in the opening set against Ferrer but recovered with service breaks in the seventh and ninth games to win the opening frame and set the tone for the match.
"I started really nervous," admitted Djokovic. "I've played a lot of difficult matches, (spent) a lot of hours on the court these two weeks so I didn't have a lot of energy.
Djokovic served and volleyed well, winning 18 out of 22 points at the net.
"It was very important for me to serve well in the important moments, which I did," said Djokovic. "It was a relief for me that I won in the straight sets. If I would lose that third set, who knows what would happen."
Claycourt specialist Ferrer's form declined significantly from his fourth-round upset of French Open champion Rafael Nadal and his quarter-final triumph over Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela.
"He has more power, better serve," the 25-year-old Ferrer said of Djokovic. "When he plays good, I can't to do nothing else."
- REUTERS