Tuesday, 15 April, 2008

Andy Roddick secured the United States' place in the Davis Cup World Group semi-finals with a straight-sets win over Paul-Henri Mathieu on Sunday.

The 25-year-old triumphed 6-2 6-3 6-2 in the fourth rubber in Winston-Salem to give the Americans an unassailable 3-1 advantage over the French and secure a last-four tie against Spain in September.

Roddick has now clinched Davis Cup ties for his country on 10 occasions.

The world number six was in sparkling form on his return to the scene of his Davis Cup debut seven years ago.

Mathieu simply could not handle the Roddick serve throughout the contest, which the 2003 US Open champion concluded in style with two aces.

A rare loss by the top-ranked doubles pair of Bob and Mike Bryan had prevented the US team from clinching a spot in semi-finals on Saturday.

The Bryan brothers were stunned by the French duo of Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra, 6-7 (5/7) 7-5 6-3 6-4.

The USA will travel to Spain for their last-four clash in a re-match of last year's quarter-final, which was won by the north Americans.

Zvonareva through in Charleston
Monfils progresses in Valencia
Teenager Harrison records historic win
Mahut falls at first hurdle
Federer teams up with Higueras
Sharapova claims first win on clay
Roddick sets up Spain re-match
Nalbandian sees Argentina through
Kiefer saves face as Spain progress
Russia advance after Berdych injury