Federer, Roddick in Action today in Cincinnati

At the Cincinnati Masters today, World No. 1 and 2005 champion Roger Federer and No. 3 seed/former two-time winner Andy Roddick lead Thursday’s third round action. In addition, No. 5 Nikolay Davydenko, No. 9 James Blake and No. 10 Tomas Berdych are the other seeds on the schedule along with former No. 1s Carlos Moya (2002 champ) and Lleyton Hewitt (2002, ’04 finalist). There are four Spaniards and three Americans among the final 16 players from 11 different countries. 

The top-seeded Federer meets Marcos Baghdatis in their first meeting since their 2006 Australian Open final won by Federer in four sets after having dropped the first set to the Cypriot. Federer has won all four prior meetings with Baghdatis.

Roddick will be challeged by baseline grinder David Ferrer, who already ushered one American big server in John Isner in the first round. Roddick, the 2006 Cincinnati winner, has beating Ferrer in two of three meetings with the Spaniard earning a three set win at Indian Wells a year ago.

Also today No. 5 seed Nikolay Davydenko will look to push his record against the bombing Tomas Berdych to 6-0.  (ATP Digital Services)