Davydenko relishing Fed

Davydenko, who has quietly risen to number four in the world, reached his second semi final at Roland Garros with a straight sets 7-5 6-4 6-4 win over Argentinean Guillermo Canas but now has to face Federer, who has his best chance yet of securing a first French Open title.

But the Russian is facing an uphill task, having lost all eight of his meetings with the world number one including their only meeting on clay in Hamburg two years ago.

"The most important thing for me if to enjoy my tennis," Davydenko said.

"If I am enjoying it then I play well. You always need to make good results by getting to a Grand Slam final or semi final. You are playing on centre court, people know you. On TV people watch you.

"But what do I most enjoy? Hitting the ball and making winners."

The crowd support will be duly split during Friday's semi final. There will be those willing on the world number one to get the two wins he needs to win the title and become only the third man in history to hold all four Grand Slams at one time.

But there are also many people who feel Davydenko should have been in the 2005 final. The then 24-year-old lost a five set epic to Argentinean Mariano Puerta, who later failed a drugs test and was banned.

Certainly Federer is not underestimating the challenge from Davydenko, who has improved dramatically since their last meeting on clay.

"He's a great player," the top seed said.

"He's improved over the years. He's become more consistent from the baseline and his serve has improved. He's a great runner, it will be a very physical match."