Federer beats Roddick to advance

Turning to the Madrid Masters, world number two Roger Federer beat Andy Roddick to move to the semi finals on Friday.

Swiss Roger Federer returns a backhand to US Andy Roddick during  their quarterfinal match of the ATP Madrid Masters clay court  tournament. Roger Federer won 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.(AFP/Pierre-Philippe  Marcou)

Roddick received a walkover into the quarterfinals after Nikolay Davydenko pulled out due to a leg injury. The American broke the Swiss early on, but Federer broke back in the 11th game and served out the set, 7-5.

Roddick then saved three break points in the ninth game and rallied from 3-0 down to take the second set 7-6. But Federer made full use of his consistent serve to claim the third set 6-1, and with it the win.

Roger Federer, Madrid Masters semi-finalist, said, "I think it was like in boxing where you wait and see how things go and he got off to the better start but I was able to come right back and was able to find my groove a bit better. It was a good match I thought and I could have won it in two but, in the end, I am really happy to be through in three and I am excited to be back in the semi finals here."