Roddick snaps losing streak against Federer

Andy Roddick celebrates after dating Roger Federer of Switzerland during day eleven of the Sony Ericsson Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on April 3, 2008 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo credit: Al Bello/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, April 4) -- American Andy Roddick will face Russian Nikolay Davydenko in the semi-finals of Sony Ericsson Open after defeating World. No. 1 Roger Federer 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3 in a quarterfinal match played Thursday night in Miami.

The victory, completed in one hour and 55 minutes, gives Roddick a 2-15 lifetime record against Federer and ends his 11 game losing streak against the formidable Swiss player.

After Roddick took the first set in a tie-break, the first time he's won a set off Federer since the 2006 Masters Cup in Shanghai, Federer tied the match in the second, breaking Roddick at 4-all and holding serve to close out the set.

The Swiss player faltered in the third set, however, committing two errors to give Roddick a triple break point in the eighth game. Roddick capitalized on the opportunity and then held serve to win the match.

Ranked No. 6 in the world, Roddick has had success against the world's top players this year. He beat No. 2 Rafael Nadal and No. 3 Novak Djokovic last month en route to a title in Dubai. "To kind of build on Dubai," said Roddick, reflecting on his recent success, "and to have wins over 1, 2, 3 in the world early in the season is a good thing. It's probably what's been missing the last two, three years, so it is encouraging."

Roddick could extend his success against top-ranked players with a win against No. 4 Davydenko in the semis. He holds a 5-0 lifetime record against the 26-year-old Russian who advanced past the quarterfinals by defeating unseeded Janko Tipsarevic 6-2, 6-1.

After winning three consecutive three-set matches to begin the tournament, Davydenko looked dominant against Tipsarevic, serving up nine aces in the one hour and 12 minute match. Establishing himself as best Russian player in the world with three consecutive seasons in the top five of ATP Rankings, Davydenko has started this season with a career best 17-5 record. This will be his third ATP semifinal this year.