Top two aim to set up 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 on Friday.

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.