Andy Roddick beats Paul-Henri Mathieu to send US past France and into Davis Cup semis

domingo, 13 de abril de 2008

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)—Andy Roddick proved dominant again in the Davis Cup, sending the defending champion United States past France on Sunday and into the semifinals against Spain.

Behind a blistering serve, Roddick defeated Paul Henri 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 for the deciding victory in the best-of-five quarterfinal. This was Roddick’s second singles victory in three days.

A day after a loss by the No. 1 doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan kept France’s hopes alive, Roddick was never threatened in giving the Americans an insurmountable 3-1 lead. While he was held to 17 aces, he lost only 13 points on his serve to improve to 10-0 in clinching situations for the U.S.

“I think everyone makes a big deal about the 10-0 thing,” Roddick said. “I have to be up 2-1 in order to clinch, so I’ve been put in good positions a lot of times.”

Roddick wrapped up the sixth straight Davis Cup victory for the U.S., including last year’s win over Russia in the final, with an ace down the middle. He then made a lap around the court with the American flag and his teammates.

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