Roddick Advances to Santoro Semi at ATP Lyon

"I played a good match yesterday but I definitely played a great match today," Roddick said. "Mario and I always have close matches. I came into this tournament not having won too many matches in the last two months but I feel I've found my form back here this week."

Joining Roddick in the semifinals was a crowd-pleasing three unseeded Frenchmen in Fabrice Santoro (d. Spadea), Gael Monfils (d. (Q) Gicquel), and Sebastien Grosjean (d. O.Rochus), all in straight sets.

"He really started out unbelievably to lead 4-1 but I knew that my shots were going too short and that I had to start hitting deeper which I managed to do," Monfils said in conquering his countryman Gicquel. "From then on I think I returned well, had some good passing shots and it's good to get through in straight sets. It will be great to play Sebastien in the quarterfinals tomorrow."

Saturday's semifinal match-ups will be (1) Roddick vs. Santoro (the American won their only meeting in 2000 in three sets) and Grosjean vs. Monfils (first meeting).

"He's always great fun to watch," said Roddick on facing Santoro. "I don't know if there are two more opposite styles of play on tour. It's going to be the battle of the opposites tomorrow."