Federer and Davydenko in showdown

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PARIS, France -- Roger Federer's 36-set record winning streak in grand slam tournaments was snapped by Tommy Robredo on Tuesday but that did not stop the Swiss from sweeping into the French Open semifinals with a 7-5 1-6 6-1 6-2 victory.

He will next face Russian fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko who beat Guillermo Canas 7-5 6-4 6-4 in three hours.

World No. 1 and Australian Open champion Federer had not dropped a set at a major since losing the second in his four-set triumph over Andy Roddick in the U.S. Open final last September.

Spanish ninth seed Robredo took the second set with a forehand crosscourt winner but it was not long before Federer was once again meting out punishment.

"I'm not looking for excuses but it was windy and he used his forehand well," said Federer, who recovered from 15-40 down in his first service game in the third to romp through the next two sets and reach his 12th consecutive grand slam semi-final.

"But I was struggling then and he played well in that set. Luckily I got a good start in the third and I was on a roll again. I started to mix it up better because in the second set I wasn't happy with my game."

The Swiss, bidding for the only grand slam title to elude him, leads Davydenko 8-0 in career meetings, but said: "Before he was good but not fantastic because he had some shortcomings. He has a good mindset now and plays on all surfaces."

World number four Davydenko, 26, showed more composure when it mattered to reach the last four at Roland Garros for the second time in three years.

The 29-year-old Canas, who returned to action last September after a 15-month doping ban, was bidding to make the semifinals of a grand slam tournament for the first time. He has now fallen in the quarterfinals here three times.

Davydenko looked in control throughout a tight contest until converting the first match point with a superb forehand winner after three hours of play.

The Russian, who had struggled in the previous round to move past another Argentine, David Nalbandian, said his victory had not been as straightforward as the score might suggest.

"It was not easy," he said. "Three hours is a long time for three sets.

"I was not as tired as him," he added. "He was losing power and I was still able to hit the ball hard and win points."

A set up and with an early break in the second, Davydenko stayed in command until wrapping it up with a smash.

The third set followed a similar pattern until Davydenko dropped serve by sending a backhand into the net, enabling Canas to level at 4-4.

The unflappable Davydenko moved back on top immediately with another break and served for the match, sealing victory with determination, then allowing himself a rare smile.

Federer would be a different proposition, he said.

"What works against Canas will not work against Federer," he said. "But I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I'll just try to enjoy myself on court. When I enjoy myself, I play well."

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