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   Moya, more than a decade older than his opponent, ended frustratingly with two double-faults.

    Serb third seed Djokovic, continually thwarted by the game of the 31-year-old former number one, prevented an all-Spanish showdown between Moya and David Ferrer, the 15th seed who had earlier booked his own semi-final place.

    Ferrer followed up on his ouster of Rafael Nadal as he reached the first major semi-final of his career with a 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 defeat of Juan Chela.

    "I play more in clay. But if you told me before that I'd make a Grand Slam semi on hard court, I wouldn't believe you - clay maybe, but not hard court," said Ferrer, whose last title came in January on Rebound Ace in Auckland, New Zealand.

    "This tournament has been a dream for me. I'm playing very, very well. I'm really happy."

   1998 French Open champion Moya was the third Spanish-speaking opponent in a row for 20-year-old Djokovic, who has now reached his third straight Grand Slam semi after Paris and Wimbledon.

    Moya was bidding for the last four in New York, nine years after previously completing the feat. The pair now stand 2-2 in their series after Moya won two matches over Djokovic this season.

    Djokovic was unable to get a tight grip on the first set, finally ending the struggle with a break in the final game.

    Midway through the second, Moya showed flashes of his best, saving five break points in a 14-point marathon game to hold for 2-all.

    But the younger man managed to squeeze out a tiebreaker for a two- sets-to-love lead before turning the screws in the third on the way to victory, breaking the veteran three times in the third to go through on a roll.

    "It's always good to win in three sets," said Djokovic.

    "Carlos is a big competitor, and he has a lot of experience. Luckily I had a good tiebreak and played my best tennis when I needed to. I'm pretty confident in that situation. This is one of the best feelings I've had, playing here."

     Djokovic now stands 54-19 in deciders.

    "I've had good results on hard court," he said. "I can't say I expected to already be third in the world, but I've been working hard and trying, and it's paying off."

     Ferrer dominated his first meeting on hard court against Chela after losing twice to the Argentine on clay.

    Ferrer broke on five of 16 chances, obtaining his last in the penultimate game as the South American was unable to handle a return at his feet.

    Ferrer, winner of a title on cement in January in Auckland, moved through on his third match point from a low forehand into the net off the Chela racket.

    "I can't believe this. I'm so happy to win," said Ferrer. "I played very focused the entire match. I just tried to do my best. I'm playing very well here."

    Ferrer's previous best Grand Slam showing was a French Open semi- final two years ago.