Federer battles past Davydenko into final

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New Finals, Sep 9: Roger Federer moved to within one win of his 12th grand slam title after he battled to a 7-5 6-1 7-5 win over fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko to reach the U.S. Open final yesterday.

Russian Davydenko had two set points in the third set but three-times champion Federer hit back to clinch victory yesterday and set up a final against third seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

''It was tough and I thought it was quite windy today,'' the Swiss world number one said.

''When I came back in the first set I started to play really well. Then I had some chances early in the third set but after that he started to play much better and made it tough. In the end, I am relieved to get through.'' In a repeat of last year's semi-final, Davydenko broke in the first game and led 3-1.

The Russian had lost all nine of their previous meetings but came out of the blocks fast, making Federer look almost human.

Top seed Federer broke back in the sixth game and then again in the eighth only to falter when serving for the set at 5-3.

However, the Swiss recovered to take the set and then cruised through the second as Davydenko wilted.

The Russian then lifted his game impressively in a roller-coaster of a third set that included seven breaks of serve.

Three times he led by a break and at 5-4, he forced two set points on the Federer serve only for the world number one to shut the door.

Federer clinched victory to secure a place in his 10th consecutive grand slam final.

''I'm happy I am through in three because who knows what would have happened if it had gone to four against a great player like Nikolay,'' Federer said.

''I am thrilled to be in the final again and have the opportunity again.''

Reuters>