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Rafael Nadal took care of Andy Roddick in straight sets and Andy Murray downed John Isner to advance to the semifinals.
Andy Murray will advance to the semifinals of the 2011 U.S. Open after defeating John Isner in a tight four-set match, 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6. Murray played the type of technical, defensive tennis that he has become known for, forcing Isner into 54 unforced errors in contrast to 20 for himself.
After taking the first two sets, Murray appeared headed to a straight-set victory. Isner looked sluggish early, struggling to keep up with Murray's baseline returns. He seemed to gain a second wind in the third set, however, breaking Murray in the second game to go up 2-0 in the set. Isner would go on to win the set 6-3 while Murray showed his frustration by cursing into his sweat towel.
Both players traded serves in the fourth set to force a tiebreak. After nearly three and a half hours, Murray would win the tiebreak 7-2 to take the match. The winner between Andy Roddick and Rafael Nadal later in the day will face Murray in Saturday's semifinal.
For all of our U.S. Open coverage, head over to SB Nation Tennis. For the men's and women's draws check out our StoryStream.
Thursday's 2011 US Open schedule belongs to the men, with two marquee quarterfinal matchups taking center-stage. In early action, American John Isner faces Andy Murray for a shot to advance to the quarterfinals, leading into the main event at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Following the Murray and Isner's match, American Andy Roddick takes the quarter to do battle with No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal in the headlining matchup of the day. The two are each huge draws by themselves, and will meet in what's likely the biggest matchup of the tournament thus far on Thursday.
Here's the schedule for Thursday's US Open action.
No. 28 John Isner vs. No. 4 Andy Murray -- 12 p.m.
No. 21 Andy Roddick vs. No. 2 Rafael Nadal -- Following Isner and Murray's match
Mixed Doubles Finals
Melanie Oudin and Jack Sock vs. Gisela Dulko and Eduardo Schwank
For a full schedule, visit the U.S. Open's official web site.
For all of our U.S. Open coverage, head over to SB Nation Tennis. For the men's and women's draws check out our StoryStream.
Rafael Nadal Easily Downs Andy Roddick In Quarterfinals Of 2011 US Open
Rafael Nadal made quick work of his quarterfinal match at the 2011 US Open on Friday evening, battering Andy Roddick to advance to the semifinals. Roddick was never in the match, going down with a mere whimper as he watched his US Open journey come to a close as Nadal won in straight-sets, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3.
Roddick was unable to get anything going while stumbling his way through the match. He finished 0-for-4 on break points while recording 25 unforced errors to just 15 winners. On the other side of the court, Nadal was nearly perfect on break points, converting 6-of-7. Nadal also collected 35 winners to just 13 unforced errors, illustrating the gap between he and Roddick on the court on Friday.
Nadal advances to face Andy Murray, the No. 4 seed, in the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer face-off with a berth in the finals on the line.
For all of our U.S. Open coverage, head over to SB Nation Tennis. For the men's and women's draws check out our StoryStream.
Sep 09 7:01p by Brian Floyd - 0 comments