• ATP Tour

Roddick advances into semis with ease

ESPN staff
July 21, 2012
Andy Roddick stormed into the final four © Getty Images
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Andy Roddick continued his London 2012 preparations in fine style as he breezed into the semi-finals of the Atlanta Open on Friday.

Roddick, fourth seed for the tournament, defeated Michael Russell 6-3 6-4 in just 72 minutes. Delivering 12 aces during the contest, Roddick's powerful serve proved a valuable weapon as he swept into the final four.

Indeed, Russell won a mere nine points on Roddick's serve, and had not made a single breakthrough when Roddick made a decisive break of his compatriot's delivery in the eighth game of the first set.

After going on to claim the opening set, Roddick broke Russell once more to take a 5-4 lead in the second, and made no mistake while serving for the match.

Roddick will now take on London 2012 doubles partner, and top seed, John Isner who edged out fellow American Jack Sock 7-6(7) 6-4. The pair had their match delayed by rain during the first set, before Isner seized the advantage in a tight first-set tiebreaker.

Third seed Kei Nishikori suffered a shock defeat at the hands of compatriot Go Soeda. Nishikori failed to establish any sort of rhythm on his groundstrokes, ultimately crumbling to a 6-1 6-2 loss.

Soeda will face Gilles Muller in the other semi-final following his 6-4 6-4 victory over Australia's Matthew Ebden.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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