Andy’s Swiss Semi Showdown

With a thrilling three set victory over Spain’s Tommy Robredo, Andy has booked himself into Saturday’s Semifinals. This will be Andy’s second semifinal appearance in Rome. In 2002, Roddick battled into the semis but eventually fell to Tommy Haas. Andy will next face Stanislas Wawrinka.

Earlier this week, Andy likened an American advancing in a clay court tournament with the historic feat of putting a man on the moon. But all joking aside, Andy and Team Roddick’s clay court preparation is clearing paying off. With the recent announcement that the Davis Cup Semifinals in September will be held in Madrid on clay, Captain McEnroe must also be pleased with both Andy and James’s performance this week on the challenging surface.

Andy and Stanislas have never played before. Wawrinka defeated Safin, Murray, Ferroro and Blake to set up the semifinal showdown. Swiss No. 2 Wawrinka’s victory over Blake earned him a spot in the Top 20 and his first Master Series semifinal.

Check out some stats on Wawrinka courtesy of the ATP:

Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)
Pronounced: va-VINK-ah
Birthdate: 28-Mar-85
Birthplace: Lausanne, Switzerland
Residence: St. Barthelemy, Switzerland
Height: 6’0’’ (182 cm)
Weight: 174 lbs (79 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned Pro: 2002
Coach: Dimitri Zavialoff
Current ATP Ranking – Singles: 24
Career High ATP Ranking – Singles: 24 (5-May-08)
Current ATP Race – Singles: 18