Federer continues dominance of Roddick

Roger Federer managed only one break against Andy Roddick's serve but still improved his career record against the fifth-seeded American to 14-1 with a 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/4) 6-2 win in the US Open quarter-finals.

Dressed in all black, the three-time US Open champion advanced to the semi-finals after maintaining his stranglehold over Roddick.

"I could've lost the first two (sets)," said Federer. "So it was a tough match. I came through in the end in straight sets. I'm very happy about it."

As expected, the big-serving Roddick faced very few break points, but he had just one of his own. Federer reeled off 15 aces, including consecutive ones on his second serves in the second set and would often catch Roddick guessing one way, then go the other, catching a line.

Roddick's attempt to rush the net was largely ineffective. If he was not missing volleys, Federer was beating him with his trademark passing shots. The American battled hard and controlled his service games with 14 aces, as many as he has had against Federer in their 15 meetings, but he faltered in the two crucial tiebreaks.

One point in the second tie-break said it all. Roddick ripped a 140mph serve into Federer's backhand side but the Swiss just stuck his racket out, blocking it back beneath Roddick's feet, putting him 5-4 up.

Federer hit 48 winners, as opposed to his 18 unforced errors, and is on pace for an unprecedented fourth straight US Open title.

"I'm happy I understood at one stage in my career I have to work hard," he said. "I worked really hard the last few years and it's been paying off. I run a lot, do weights, practice a lot, do the right schedule. I'm lucky I'm not injured."

He will meet Russian fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko, who continued his march through the bottom half of the men's draw, reaching the semi-finals with a straight sets win against Tommy Haas.