Sixth seed Andy Roddick overcame 14th seed Tommy Robredo in a fierce centre court battle 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 at the Rome Masters here on Friday.

It’s the second time the hard court specialist has reached the semi-finals of this competition following his appearance at the same stage in 2002.

It was Roddick’s eighth win in as many matches against Robredo, although the Spaniard did claim a set for the first time.

The sixth seed will meet Stanislas Warinka in the next round after the Swiss ousted eighth seed James Blake in three sets.

Roddick won the first set on a single break but despite many chances and lots of pressure on the Spaniards serve, he could not do likewise in the second.

Robredo’s forehand was regualrly ripping past Roddick at the net but the American was not letting himself be discouraged from advancing.

However in the 10th game of the second set he was beaten by another scorching Robredo forehand to give up the break and the set.

[1] Click here to read the full article at TurkishPress.com.