The rematch could come Sunday.

“I don’t think about Roger, and I don’t think about if I have chances against Roger (in) the final,” Nadal said. “I know Roger is the best in the world, and Roger beat me last time, so in my opinion, he’s the favorite for the tournament. But right now we are four in the draw.”

A Djokovic-Davydenko final is unlikely, but both ride considerable momentum into the semis.

Djokovic is part of the Serb surge in Paris that also includes women’s finalist Ana Ivanovic and semifinalist Jelena Jankovic. At 20 he’s the newest star in men’s tennis, touted as a future Grand Slam champion because of his athleticism and all-around game.

“He has great confidence,” Nadal said. “I see him as a winner because he wins many matches in difficult situations. And his potential is huge. He has a great serve, which is a great advantage, and he is young, which is also a great asset. He is a potential future No. 1.”

Djokovic beat Nadal in the Key Biscayne final two months ago, but the slender Serb may lack the strength and stamina to stay with the muscular Spaniard in a grinding clay-court match.

“He plays much better on the clay,” Djokovic said. “So it’s not the same match, it’s not the same player. On clay you have to do more and try more to earn the point, because the balls he doesn’t get on the hard court, he gets here.

“So it’s going to be difficult.”

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Like Djokovic, the 26-year-old Davydenko seeks his first berth in a major final.

“He has really improved over the years,” Federer said. “He has gotten much more consistent from the baseline. His serve has improved a lot. He has always been a great runner from the baseline. He’s very tough to play against — very physical matches with him, and I enjoy playing against him.”

For Federer, it might be a lot more enjoyable than facing Canas.

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