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Juan Martin Del Potro has admitted he would like to see Roger Federer win the French Open should he lose to the Swiss in thier semi-final match.
The Argentine has reached the last four of a grand slam for the first time but has never beaten the world No2 in five meetings.
Federer is enjoying the backing of the majority at Roland Garros as he bids for a record-equalling 14th major and Del Potro concedes he faces a tall order on Court Philippe Chatrier.
"Everybody wants Roger to win this tournament," said the 20-year-old. "And if I can't win, I want to see Roger with the trophy on Sunday. We all know how he plays and we all know what he wants to achieve here now that Rafa [Nadal] is no longer here.
"With his game, he does everything perfectly. His game is a big problem to me and this is why I've never won when I played him. But we've played quite a few matches, so I know him. I think I know what he's going to do and I'll do everything to return his serve. Also I have to make him doubt, not to give him any points."
Federer dismantled Del Potro for the loss of only three games at the Australian Open in January but the pair's only previous meeting on clay, in Madrid was a much closer affair as the Swiss came through 6-3, 6-4.
And Del Potro added: "In Madrid, I had my chances. I know that if I want to beat him, I have to be at the top of my form. I have to be there 100 per cent mentally and physically.
"I hope he's going to make some mistakes like he did against Tommy Haas in the quarter-finals. But in all cases, you need to be very present and you need to get your opportunities when they occur."
In the other semi-final, Fernando Gonzalez, who beat Andy Murray on Tuesday, faces Robin Soderling.
And the Chilean admits he was not expecting to meet Soderling, conqueror of Nadal in the fourth round, at this stage. He said: "It is a big surprise to play him. We all know Soderling and how he plays. Had someone told me that I would reach the semi-final of a grand slam and I would have to play him, I don't know if I would have believed it.
"But when you play guys like Federer or Soderling in the semi-final in such a big tournament, of course it's a big moment in your career and you want to make the most of it.
"Robin is a great player. He hits the ball harder than most of the guys. If he's on a good day he doesn't let you play, so it's going to be a really tough match for me.
"I dream about winning the tournament but I'm still two five-set matches short of that cup - and that's a lot."
As well as Nadal, Soderling has seen off 10th seed Nikolay Davydenko in straight sets and 14th seed David Ferrer. "I haven't had an easy draw," said the Swede. "I have played three excellent clay-court players but produced three very good performances. I am getting more and more confident."
