Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko overcame Argentine baseliner Guillermo Canas 7-5 6-4 6-4 on Tuesday to set up a semifinal showdown with world number one Roger Federer.
World number four Davydenko (26) showed more composure when it mattered to reach the last four at Roland Garros for the second time in three years.
The 29-year-old Canas, who returned to action last September after a 15-month doping ban, was bidding to make the semifinals of a grand slam tournament for the first time. He has now fallen in the quarterfinals here three times.
Davydenko looked in control throughout a tight contest until converting the first match point with a superb forehand winner after three hours of play.
The Russian, who had struggled in the previous round to move past another Argentine, David Nalbandian, said his victory had not been as straightforward as the score might suggest.
”It was not easy,” he said. ”Three hours is a long time for three sets.
”I was not as tired as him,” he added. ”He was losing power and I was still able to hit the ball hard and win points.”
In command
The Russian broke his opponent in the opening game but Canas broke back in the fourth.
Davydenko was 5-4 down and serving when he saved a set point. In the next game, he managed the telling break with a superb cross-court backhand winner and served for the set, which he took with a service winner.
A set up and with an early break in the second set, Davydenko stayed in command until wrapping it up with a smash.
The third set followed a similar pattern at first with the Russian capturing his opponent’s serve straight away. In the eighth game, however, Davydenko dropped serve by sending a backhand into the net, enabling Canas to level the set at 4-4.
The unflappable Davydenko moved back on top immediately with another break and served for the match, sealing victory with determination, then allowing himself a rare smile.
Federer would be a different proposition, he said.
”What works against Canas will not work against Federer,” he said. ”But I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’ll just try to enjoy myself on court. When I enjoy myself, I play well.” – Reuters