The 30-year-old’s tournament has been drawn out over more than 22 sets so far - but he does not mind putting in a final effort to secure a maiden major title.

Henman said: “I am not sure the schedule’s quite right playing Saturday and Sunday for the semi and final but I have had a great event and I want to carry on.

“I am glad to be in the match,” he told Sky Sports. “It is going to be an exciting match and I am looking forward to it. It is a big weekend of tennis.”

Henman beat Dominik Hrbaty with some classic volleying yesterday to reach the last four at Flushing Meadows for the first time – and Federer is prepared for his opponent to use this tactic again to finish points quickly.

“He will try to charge the net against me and serve-volley more than he would against other players because if he plays from the baseline it is going to be difficult for him,” Federer said.

The 23-year-old beat Henman when they last met at Indian Wells, California, but Henman has an impressive 6-2 winning record against the player from Switzerland.

He added: “It will be a good match. It will be a similar contest to Indian Wells but I think you will see him at the net more.”

“I have got two matches left and I am playing Henman next who I have quite a bad record against.

“Luckily for me I beat him last time we met and I hope I can repeat it.”

Federer reached the last four after an five-set epic against Andre Agassi yesterday.