Federer ponders Djokovic grand slam final debut

NEW YORK, Sep 9 (Reuters) Roger Federer quickly turned his thoughts to next opponent Novak Djokovic after beating Nikolay Davydenko 7-5 6-1 7-5 to reach his 10th grand slam final in a row.

The 20-year-old Djokovic, seeded third, will contest his first major final at the US Open today after beating Spain's David Ferrer in the semis.

''I have to say I can only be impressed by his performances, because at this young age I never did results like this,'' the world number one Swiss told reporters yesterday when asked about the precocious Serb.

''First grand slam final. Obviously, it's a big occasion for him.'' Federer, aiming for his 12th grand slam crown to join Roy Emerson in second place on the all-time list behind Pete Sampras's 14, lost his last match against the hard-hitting baseliner in the recent Montreal Masters final.

''He played great, I mean, from the baseline. I have to say he was very consistent. He played very effective as well on his forehand side. He just hit the ball really well,'' said Federer, who had won his first four matches against Djokovic.

That was a magical tournament for the Serb, who beat Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and Federer in successive matches.

''Obviously he was going to be confident. I knew that. And usually coming out of a match with Nadal where you hit many bballs, he's obviously going to hit the ball well.'' ''He's done an incredible job, because I remember the first time I played him in Monaco. I beat him in three sets.

Everybody was wondering, What do you think? I was like, 'Not crazy impressed.' ''But he's had a great run and he's really improved his game,'' Federer said of this season's four-times winner.

Federer mused about his own grand slam final debut as a 21-year-old, in 2003 at Wimbledon.

''I played against (Australian Mark) Philippoussis, who was kind of coming back from injury. Wimbledon was my number one of all time. I always dreamt of winning that one. So for me it was a lot of pressure.

''I remember being very nervous going into the match, hoping to win. Because I was the favourite, too. That was the tough part. I think it's maybe easier if you're not the favourite for your first final.'' Federer said he felt great physically, an important factor considering there is no rest day before the final.

''I'm feeling well. That's the main thing right now, right before the finals.

''I'm feeling great. I know how to play him. I hope I can just do what I do best and hopefully win tomorrow.'' REUTERS BJR KP1033