Roddick And Soderling Advance To Semis

Even when Robin Soderling let Andy Murray up for air, the troubled Scotsman could not pull himself together to stave off the inevitable defeat on Friday at the BNP Paribas Open. For the Scotsman, it was another lackluster tournament and in the wake of his performance at Dubai, one must wonder what the youngster’s plans are.

It appears the disappointing performance in the final round of the Australian Open took a high physical and emotional toll on the UK’s best player. Murray’s conditioning and skill level are nowhere near the standards he set in Melbourne.

On the other hand, Sweden’s number one player has mounted a dazzling comeback since a frustrating start to the season. His 6-1, 7-6 dismissal of the fourth ranked Murray earns the world’s number seven a shot at American Andy Roddick today for a spot in the prestigious finals.

Once Soderling held four break points in the opening game, Murray disappeared from contention in the first set. Soderling seemed content to allow Murray to make mistake after mistake and jumped out to a 5-0 lead before the Scot managed a hold.

The two exchanged breaks in the second set and Murray held off three match points at 3-5 to get back on serve and eventually force the tiebreaker. Soderling’s game has steadily improved since his break through win over Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros last season. The Swede has never advanced past the third round at Indian Wells. However, he has never lost to Roddick and holds a 2-0 lifetime record against the American. This will be their first outdoors encounter.

Rodddick now has an 11-0 record against Spaniard Tommy Robredo after their quarterfinal match. The American just had too much game, too much savvy for Robredo who fell 6-3, 7-5. Once again Roddick did not lose serve in the match.

The American converted the only two break points he earned in the match and then promptly served both games out at love to conclude the sets. The 27-year old world number 8 has never reached the final at Indian Wells in four attempts.

Roddick and Soderling will join the lower bracket semifinalists, Rafa Nadal and Ivan Ljubicic, on Saturday in advance of Sunday’s final. Nadal is the defending champion, having defeated Murray in last year’s final.

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