Top seed Janko Tipsarevic takes on former champion Nikolay Davydenko for a place in the Kremlin Cup final.
Not so long ago, Davydenko used to rule supreme at the Kremlin Cup, winning this title three times. However the last of those successes was back in 2007 and since then the Russian has toppled from his lofty career best ranking of number three.
However he's done enough so far this week, beating Michael Berrer 6-3, 6-2 to reach the last four but he will have to overcome injury if he's to pick up a second title of 2011.
"I played well from the baseline but I am struggling with my serve," Davydenko complained. "I can't serve at full speed but I have been able to win my first two matches in straight sets. I wasn't able to play in Beijing and Shanghai so I want to do well in the last few tournaments because I have points to defend."
With that hindrance he will do well to see off a determined Tipsarevic who could move to no 10 in the ATP Race if he picks up the title. Tipsarevic looked very convincing on Friday as he saw off Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 6-2.
"It was my best match in a long time but now it will be even tougher against Davydenko," the top seed said. "It is not great to play against three Russian players in Moscow but the crowd has been very fair, applauding my good shots."
Davydenko leads 2-1 on the head-to-head and won 7-6(6), 6-1 in Moscow four years ago en route to the title. However expect Tipsarevic to level things up today.
