MONTE CARLO, Monaco — Roger Federer rallied from a set down to defeat David Nalbandian 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 today and advance to the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Federer remains on course for a third straight final against three-time defending champion Rafael Nadal, who beat No. 5 David Ferrer of Spain 6-1, 7-5.

"The level of play was excellent today," Federer said. "Tough rallies. I think I definitely played my best match of the tournament, no doubt."

The top-ranked Swiss player was shaky in the first set before dominating the next two and breaking Nalbandian's serve five times in five chances, including the first match point.

"It's always nice playing against him," Federer said. "Because of the great player he is. He's (a) wonderful ball striker."

Federer next plays third-seeded Novak Djokovic, who beat unseeded Sam Querrey of the United States 6-4, 6-0.

Also, fourth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko defeated unseeded Igor Andreev 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 despite losing his serve seven times.

At 5-2 in the third set, Federer sent a forehand winner down the line, and a crisp backhand made it 0-40. Federer took the match with a crosscourt winner on the run that Nalbandian couldn't get near.

"I think we both played (at) a great level," Nalbandian said. "I got a little tired in the second set and third set."

Nalbandian won his first match against Federer six years ago in the second round at Monte Carlo — the first of five consecutive wins for Nalbandian. Federer took eight of the next nine meetings, then Nalbandian beat Federer twice last year in the Madrid Masters final and the third round of the Paris Masters.

Nadal was troubled by Ferrer's big forehand in the second set. The 2007 Masters Cup finalist broke Nadal's serve twice to lead 3-0, and was then 40-15 up on his serve before Nadal broke back for 3-1.

Serving for the set at 5-4, Ferrer led 40-0 but then crumbled, smacking the turf with his racket after his drop shot bounced out and Nadal drew even at 5-5.

Davydenko overcame his serving problems by breaking Andreev's serve nine times.

"Maybe I was lucky on this match," said Davydenko, who attributed his poor serving to the tennis balls. "(They are) really heavy here. I don't feel good topspin or good control, you know, for the serve."

Andreev appeared in a commanding position in the 11th game of the deciding set, with Davydenko needing to rally from 15-40 down on serve to lead 6-5. Andreev then led 40-0 on his serve in the next game, but Davydenko rallied and won the match when Andreev sent a forehand long.

Davydenko is nearing his second straight final on clay after losing to Federer last weekend at Estoril, Portugal. Davydenko withdrew in the second set with a left leg injury.