theindychannel.com
Tennis

Federer Pushed To Five Sets; Roddick Also Into Quarterfinals

POSTED: 11:21 pm EDT September 2, 2008

(Sports Network) - Roger Federer needed 3 1/2 hours to complete his five-set, fourth-round win over 23rd seed Igor Andreev of Russia, while American Andy Roddick continued to roll in moving to the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.

Federer kept alive his quest for a fifth straight U.S. Open title, earning a 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory. That advanced him to the quarterfinals against an unlikely opponent, Gilles Muller of Luxembourg. Muller upset fifth-seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (12-10).

The eighth-seeded Roddick breezed past 11th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile, 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in less than 1 1/2 hours.

Last year's runner-up Novak Djokovic was a hard-fought fourth-round winner Tuesday. The third-seeded Djokovic came from behind to beat game 15th-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 on Day 9 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The second-seeded Federer ran his winning streak to 31 at the U.S. Open, last losing in Flushing in 2003. The former long-time world No. 1 Swiss, a 12-time major champion, overcame 60 unforced errors, but dominated at the net, winning 58 of a possible 84 points. Conversely, Andreev was just 12-of-28 on his net approaches. Also, the Russian converted just 2-of-15 break point chances.

Federer won the first three games of the final set, which included a key break of serve in the second game. Andreev was successful on a drop shot, but Federer returned the ball to the right corner, and the Russian's backhand went wide as the Super Swiss went up 2-0.

Then came four break point saves by Federer in the seventh game, when he went ahead 5-2 before finally serving out for the match.

It marked just the third time ever that Federer has played five sets at the U.S. Open.

"I'm very happy with the score, of course you always wish three sets," said Federer. "Honestly, those five-setters are pretty fun too."

Roddick, the 2003 champion here, had just seven unforced errors in his match with the Olympic silver medalist Gonzalez. Roddick was in complete control, firing eight aces and facing just one break point the entire match.

Now he has the task of facing Djokovic, who has been slowed by a number of injuries, including ones to his hip and ankle.

"I've got to feel good, he's got about 16 injuries right now," said Roddick. "He's made himself one of the elite players in the world. I'm just going to have fun and try to get the upset."

Davydenko reached the semifinals here the last two years, but couldn't handle Muller's expert play at the net. Muller converted 35-of-47 net approach opportunities.

Djokovic struggled mightily physically on a warm Tuesday at the year's fourth and final major. The Serb was bothered by an upset stomach and a sore ankle, but ultimately outlasted the pesky Robredo in 3 hours, 44 minutes.

The 21-year-old Djokovic broke Robredo to grab a 3-2 lead in the fifth and final set and broke again four games later to finally end the battle at Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic converted on his first match point when Robredo netted one final forehand. The Serb, who let the Spaniard hang around by committing 58 unforced errors, wound up with 11 aces and broke Robredo's serve six times.

The 6-foot-3 Djokovic was last year's U.S. Open runner-up to Federer and captured the Australian Open title back in January.


Sports E-News

Sign up to receive daily sports headlines.
 


Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Besieged by nagging aches and pains? You might have fibromyalgia. Read about the signs and symptoms. More

Nothing makes moving more tiresome than sifting through clutter. Here are some tips for getting rid of your stuff and eliminating the hassle. More

If you’re feeling like you’re not doing what you’re supposed to, take this quiz and take control of your working destiny. More

With the holiday season fast approaching, most of us plan to repeat the new-age tradition of online shopping. Check out the best sites and find that perfect gift for less. More

Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.

Sponsored Links