Roddick win puts U.S. in semifinals

He defeated France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu. In September, the U.S. travels to Spain.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Andy Roddick proved dominant again in the Davis Cup, sending the defending champion United States past France Sunday and into the semifinals against Spain.

Behind a blistering serve, Roddick defeated Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 for the deciding victory in the best-of-five quarterfinal. This was Roddick’s second singles victory in three days.

A day after a loss by the No. 1 doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan kept France’s hopes alive, Roddick was never threatened in giving the Americans an insurmountable 3-1 lead. While he was held to 17 aces, he lost only 13 points on his serve to improve to 10-0 in clinching situations for the U.S.

“I think everyone makes a big deal about the 10-0 thing,” Roddick said. “I have to be up 2-1 in order to clinch, so I’ve been put in good positions a lot of times.”

Roddick wrapped up the sixth straight Davis Cup victory for the U.S., including last year’s win over Russia in the final, with an ace down the middle. He then made a lap around the court with the American flag and his teammates.

Next up for the U.S. is a road matchup against Rafael Nadal and Spain in the semifinals Sept. 19-21, which almost certainly will be on clay.

“I know it’s not convenient for us. I know we’re not going to be the favorites,” Roddick said. “But I know we’re going to go and we’re going to try. The thing about this team is we don’t play when it’s convenient. That’s probably different from some of the other countries.”

In other quarterfinals, Russia eliminated the Czech Republic 3-2, and Argentina ousted Sweden 4-1. Spain advanced Saturday by defeating Germany and led 4-0 Sunday.

Roddick, who had 30 aces in a straight sets win over Michael Llodra Friday, never faced a break point against Mathieu. Roddick wasn’t broken in two matches on the quick, indoor hard-court suited to his style.

“I wasn’t giving him anything,” Roddick said. “The points he was winning he was having to step up and crank two or three balls to the corners and really execute his shots.”