Roddick to face Ferrer for semis spot

Andy Roddick will today face Spaniard, David Ferrer in the quarter finals of the Nasdaq-100 Open. In a day that also features the “popcorn match” between Roger Federer and James Blake, Andy will be looking to make the semi finals in Miami for the second time in his career.

Ferrer is the number 11 seed in Miami, and is currently the number two ranked Spaniard behind Rafael Nadal. To get to this stage he has beaten the likes of Grosjean and Olivier Rochus, and is clearly enjoying being back in Miami where last year he made it through to the semi finals.

Ferrer started making big waves on the ATP tour last year when he finished at a career high 15. The young Spaniard kick started his season in Miami last year and went on to make the final in Valencia and numerous other semi and quarter final appearances, including a quarter final spot in Roland Garros. Ferrer made it into the top ten for the first time in his career in January of this year and is currently ranked 11.

Here is some more information on Ferrer from the ATP site:

Birthdate: 2-Apr-82
Birthplace: Javea, Spain
Residence: Valencia, Spain
Height:5’9’’ (175 cm)
Weight:160 lbs (72 kg)
Plays:Right-handed
Turned Pro:2000
Career High INDESIT ATP Ranking – Singles:10 (1/30/2006)
Career High Stanford ATP Doubles Ranking:42 (10/24/2005)

The Nasdaq-100 Open is also a tournament where Andy has enjoyed a lot of success. He won the tournament in 2004 and has enjoyed some convincing wins so far in his 2006 campaign. Speaking about his game right now Andy said “I think I’m playing a lot calmer now. I’m competing a little bit better. I’m not worried trying to win every point or win the match in every point. I’m kind of just staying a little bit even keel and I’m serving ten times better than I have been this year, which is a big, big plus for me.”

Andy has played David Ferrer just once before on the ATP circuit, last year in Paris Bercy where Andy emerged the winner in a closely fought encounter. Ferrer is very excited about playing Andy again, but wary of the American’s powerful game. “I played against him in Paris Bercy last year. Obviously, he’s a very good player. He serves very well. He’s a very complete player so I will have to be concentrated throughout the match.”

The match is scheduled to be third on Stadium Court today starting not before 3pm local time with ESPN2 having live coverage today from 1pm until 5pm. Stay tuned to AR.com for all the latest news on Andy from Miami. Go Andy!