Whipping passing shots from all angles and returning superbly, the No. 2-seeded Nadal beat No. 21 Roddick 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 on Friday to reach the semifinals at Flushing Meadows for the fourth consecutive year.
Nadal compiled a stunning 22-0 edge in forehand winners and broke Roddick’s powerful serve six times.
“It was quick. Obviously, it was a combination of things that probably weren’t going to work out today,” said Roddick, who had trouble pushing off on his fatigued legs and was massaged by a trainer during a medical timeout in the third set. “It was evident pretty early that he was in full control.”
Nadal took the first four games against the 2003 U.S. Open champion thanks to two breaks in the opening 18 minutes, then took 16 of the last 17 points to close the second set.
“The beginning of the match was really important,” Nadal said. “Andy had a really tough match yesterday. Probably, he was tired. Sorry for him.”
Seeking his 11th Grand Slam title, Nadal has yet to drop a set heading into today’s semifinal against No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat No. 28 John Isner 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2) earlier Friday.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
Rafael NadalRafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
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