The top half quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open Tennis Masters in Miami on Thursday are highlighted by former Miami champions No. 1 Roger Federer (2005-06) against No. 6 Andy Roddick (2004) and No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko against unseeded Janko Tipsarevic.
On Wednesday, No. 2 Rafael Nadal and No. 10 Tomas Berdych advanced to the semifinals in the bottom half of the draw. Nadal overcome James Blake in three, while Berdych won comfortably over Igor Andreev.
If No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko advances to the semifinals, he will become the first Russian man to reach the semis in the tournament’s 24-year history. It will also guarantee an all-Top 10semifinals in Miami for the first time since 1988.
Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia is trying to become the fourth unseeded player in the last five years to reach the semifinals in Miami. Last year qualifier Guillermo Canas advanced to the final. In 2005, David Ferrer reached the semifinals and in 2004 Vincent Spadea made it to the semis. The only unseeded champion in tournament history was Tim Mayotte in the first year in 1985.
Overall, Federer has defeated Roddick 15 of 16 times, including 12 straight since the American's win back at the 2003 Tennis Masters Canada in which the Swiss held a match point. Federer's also won his last 10 sets against Roddick. This marks their first career meeting in Florida, where Roddick once lived.
Federer's last loss came to American Mardy Fish in the semifinals at Indian Wells two weeks ago. Roddick has since followed Fish's footsteps revealing he is engaged to Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker.
Federer is attempting to defeat Roddick for the 12th consecutive time. Here is a look at the longest active streaks against his opponents:
No. Career W-L
1) Andy Roddick 11 15-1
Lleyton Hewitt 11 13-7
Nikolay Davydenko 11 11-0 (possible SF opponent)
4) Mikhail Youzhny 10 10-0
5) Nicolas Kiefer 9 10-3
Ivan Ljubicic 9 12-3
(ATP Digital Services)
Quick Links
