Russian Nikolay Davydenko saw off Tommy Haas in the U.S. Open quarter-finals for the second successive year, beating the German 6-3 6-3 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the last four without dropping a set.
The fourth seed was at his consistent best as he wore down the 10th seed to set up a clash with either three-times defending champion Roger Federer or American Andy Roddick, the winner in 2003.
Davydenko is the only man left in the draw who has not dropped a set and the Russian said he would be completely fresh for his semi-final.
"For me it's good if I play less," he told reporters. "Today I didn't think about what to do, I just concentrated for every point."
Haas, who had come through two five-set battles to reach the quarter-finals, broke Davydenko in the second game but the Russian, dominating from the baseline, hit back to take the opening set.
The German recovered from 4-1 down to 4-3 but Davydenko held on to take the second set and after five straight breaks in the third Davydenko served out to reach the semi-finals.
Haas admitted he had simply not been good enough.
"Every time I would tried to do something different or fight my way out of it or do something he came up with an answer," he said.
"The guy's a tough player. You just have to hand it to him today. He came up with some great shots, very defensive play. At times he makes you try to do too much.
"There's no excuses. I don't have a hat, but I tip it for Nikolay once again. It's all you can do. Overall I'm happy with the result, but obviously I'm not feeling too happy right now."