Wimbledon: Williams, Roddick Move into Semis
In a match that never lived up to expectations, two-time defending champion Serena Williams beat a listless Jennifer Capriati 6-1, 6-1 in 45 minutes Wednesday to advance to the Wimbledon semifinals.
Andy Roddick had a much tougher test to reach the men's semis, outslugging Sjeng Schalken 7-6 (4), 7-6 (9), 6-3. The second-seeded American, who hasn't lost a set in five matches, served 18 aces and closed out the match with a leaping overhead.
``It was a dogfight,'' Roddick said. ``He's doesn't look spectacular, but he's a great player.''
Roddick advances to meet Croatia's 20-year-old Mario Ancic, who upset fifth-seeded Tim Henman 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-2. Roddick is 3-0 against Ancic, including a three-set win on grass at Queen's Club last month.
``He's playing great, he has a great serve,'' Roddick said. ``I'm expecting a very tough match.''
In another men's quarterfinal, defending champion Roger Federer was up 6-1, 5-5 against 2002 champ Lleyton Hewitt when rain interrupted play for the third time. Sebastian Grosjean was due to play Florian Mayer in the other match. It was uncertain if the matches would be completed Wednesday.
Roddick's match featured a compelling 20-point second-set tiebreaker in which he saved three set points, ripped forehand winners, hit a tournament-best 146 mph serve and connected on big second serves.
Roddick, who was never broken, saved three break points in the first game of the third set. After a second rain delay at 1-1, he got the only service break of the match with a forehand pass to go up 4-2. He served out the match at love, starting with his 18th ace and ending with a soaring smash reminiscent of Pete Sampras during his run of seven Wimbledon titles.
``The power Andy has, the ball's coming at you -- you don't have any time to react,'' the 12th-seeded Schalken said. ``That's something very special. He doesn't have a weakness, I think.''
Williams and Capriati have built one of the best rivalries in women's tennis, but this Centre Court match was completely one-sided. The 13,000-capacity stadium was one-third empty and guests in the Royal Box barely had time to settle in their seats before it was all over.
The most animated point of the match was the last one -- with Williams tumbling on a stretch forehand volley that Capriati couldn't reach.
``I was really focused coming out, I knew what I wanted to do,'' Williams said.
Williams will next face Amelie Mauresmo, who beat Paola Suarez 6-0, 5-7, 6-1 to reach her second Wimbledon semifinal. Suarez had six double-faults, 32 unforced errors and only seven winners.
Williams has a 6-1 career record against Mauresmo, including a 6-2, 6-1 win in the Wimbledon semifinals two years ago.
The top-seeded Williams, who has lost only 17 games in five matches, is trying to become the third woman in 35 years to win three straight titles.
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