US Open 2011: Rafael Nadal beats Andy Roddick to reach semis

US Open

  • Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York
  • Dates: 29 August - 12 September
  • Session start times: 1600 & 0000 BST
  • Tournament coverage: Scores and reports on BBC website plus live text commentaries including all Andy Murray matches; updates and commentaries on BBC Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra; TV coverage on Sky Sports & Eurosport
Rafael Nadal

Nadal is through to the semi-finals for the fourth successive year

Rafael Nadal kept his US Open title defence on track with a 6-2 6-1 6-3 demolition of Andy Roddick to set up a semi-final against Andy Murray.

The world number two raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set and never looked back, breaking three times in the second and once in the third.

Roddick was treated for a leg injury but looked lost for ideas as Nadal beat him in an hour and 53 minutes.

The Spaniard goes on to play Murray after the Briton overcame John Isner .

Match stats

Nadal Roddick

6

Aces

8

67%

First serves

59%

1

Double faults

3

35

Winners

15

13

Errors

25

84%

1st serve win %

63%

55%

2nd serve win %

32%

50%

Receiving pts won

25%

6/7

Break points

0/4

While Roddick appeared to be struggling physically in the latter stages, it was a highly impressive display from Nadal.

The 10-time Grand Slam champion hit 35 winners, including 22 off his fearsome forehand side, and he remains the only men's player yet to lose a set in the tournament.

"The beginning was really important," said Nadal. "Andy had a really tough match yesterday [against David Ferrer] so he was probably tired.

"I'm sorry for him - he has had a fantastic career and it a great champion."

Looking ahead to his meeting with Murray, Nadal added: "It's always a pleasure to play Andy, he's one of the players with the most talent on the tour.

"It's always exciting against him and a big challenge for me. I lost to him in the 2008 semi-finals and I will have to play aggressive, play my best tennis.

"If I play like I did today then I'll give myself a good chance."