Federer chases 20th win over Roddick

Top seed Roger Federer has set a semi-final showdown with longtime rival Andy Roddick at the Swiss Indoors Basel after beating Czech veteran Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-2 Friday.  In a master class serving performance, Federer dropped just four points on his first serve and five points on his second serve.

“It was a tough match, even though the scoreboard showed it as pretty routine,” Federer said. “He makes you work hard and second guess your choices. I didn’t face a break point and that allowed me to take some chances on the return."

Federer, 29, the three-time Basel champion, is chasing a second consecutive title following his triumph two weeks ago in Stockholm. The Swiss World No. 2 has not faced a break point in his three wins en route to the semi-finals.

Federer is seeking a 65th career title to move into outright third position in the list of Open Era titles leaders. He also chases a 20th career win over Andy Roddick, whom he leads 19-2 in career meetings. They have met at least once a year for 10 straight years, dating back to their first meeting in 2001, which came in the Basel quarter-finals.

On facing Roddick, Federer said:  “I know the danger, I know the serve, I know his game.  We’ve faced off over 20 times in the past, but I’ve got to be ready for it. It’s not an easy draw to have Andy in the semis. We’ve both played three solid matches now so it will come down to who has the better day.”

Date: 06.11.2010, Source: ATP