Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will face similar challenges in Saturday's semi-finals when they aim to set up a third US Open final meeting.
Top seed Djokovic takes on Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka at 17:00 BST on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Second seed Nadal then faces another talented opponent with a single-handed backhand in Richard Gasquet.
Wawrinka is in his first Grand Slam semi-final and Gasquet his second, six years after his first at Wimbledon.
Djokovic and Nadal by contrast have won 18 major titles between them.
Switzerland's Wawrinka is more confident than ever, however, after beating defending champion Andy Murray in the quarter-finals.
The ninth seed puts much of his improvement down to a stunning match against Djokovic at the Australian Open in January, despite losing 12-10 in the fifth set.
"It's one of the key [matches] of the season, for sure," said Wawrinka, 28.
"That was a really tough moment, but at the end I was really positive with that match because at the Australian Open my level was better than ever.
Potential final head-to-head records
Djokovic v Nadal: Nadal leads 21-15
Djokovic v Gasquet: Djokovic leads 6-1
Wawrinka v Nadal: Nadal leads 10-0
Wawrinka v Gasquet: Tied 1-1
"When I feel I'm playing good tennis, then I know the result will come."
World number one Djokovic has won 12 of 14 matches against Wawrinka, including the last 11, but expects to face a different opponent since their Australian meeting.
"It was definitely one of the most exciting matches I have played in my life on this surface, against Stan, played on a very, very high level," said the Serb, 26.
"He's a very complete player. He can play equally well on any surface. He had one of the best seasons I think in his life.
"[On Thursday] he won in straight sets against the defending champion on Arthur Ashe. That was quite impressive. I'm sure he's very confident and he has nothing to lose now.
"He's going to go for the win."
Nadal has an equally convincing 10-0 record against Gasquet, and the Frenchman's only win came in a junior match when the pair were 13-years-old.
"He's a nice guy, very nice person, one of the players on the tour that I feel closer to] because we are from the same age," said Nadal, 27.
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I know he's the favourite for the match. Nobody will say I'm the favourite.
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Richard Gasquet on expectations ahead of his match against Rafel Nadal
"We grew up in similar ways and we played when we were kids.
"Today we have the chance to be in the semi-finals of the US Open, so it's great. It's a great thing for both of us, so I'm very happy."
Nadal has been in superb form at Flushing Meadows, yet to drop serve and extending his unbeaten record on hard courts this year to 20-0.
"I think it's very difficult to play against Rafa," admitted Gasquet, 27.
"It's very difficult because he's powerful, especially with the forehand.
"I'm in the semis in the US Open. I want to do the best I can do. I will try to go in this match to win. If not, don't go on the court.
"But I know he's the favourite for the match. Nobody will say I'm the favourite." source : http://www.bbc.co.uk
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