Roger Federer, winner of the past four US Open titles, faces Nikolay Davydenko on Saturday after defeating 2003 champion Andy Roddick in straight sets.

Davydenko has never beaten Federer and is currently shaking off rumblings of gambling connections.
“I don't care what's happening out there,” said the Russian, referring to the investigation. Davydenko feels the rumours won’t be too much and cause him to falter against the world No.1. “For me, it's more important what I do right now here,” he added.

The No.4 seed looked strong against Tommy Haas in his quarter-final and reached his second consecutive semi-final at Flushing Meadows in straight sets. But after the scandal over a game in which Davydenko had nearly $7 million riding - mostly against him at the bookmakers - will the Russian be able to put all his focus on to Federer? He will need to. The world No.1 is the current king of the Grand Slam arena and he insists: “I’m at my best always in the Slams.” Ominous words from the best player of our time.

'The US open is Federer’s stage and with the departure of Roddick and Nadal it appears there are no serious contenders to his crown'

The other semi-finalists have not yet been finalised as No.3 seed Novak Djokovic faces Carlos Moya and David Ferrer takes on Juan Ignacio Chela in the remaining quarter-finals tonight.

Djokovic is looking to get to his first US semi while the resurgent Moya is hoping to reach a stage at the US Open that has eluded him since 1998. The No.17 seed is “coming back big time”, according to the Serb, who shows great respect for the 31-year-old Spaniard. Moya’s experience is what has carried him up from 43rd in the world and he is just happy to be in the last eight. The youthful energy of Djokovic should see him through.
In the other quarter-final, 15th seed David Ferrer looks a strong favourite to beat Chela, mainly thanks to beating Rafael Nadal in the last round.

However, the US open is Federer’s stage and with the departure of Roddick and Nadal it appears there are no serious contenders to his crown. Djokovic would be the best bet for an upset but whoever faces the great Swiss will be the underdog.