Roddick, Federer bow out, Williams wins

Men’s quarterfinal results Tipsarevic bt Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-6, 6-2Murray bt Cilic 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-0NEW YORK – Roger Federer was knocked out of the U.S. Open on Wednesday when he lost a quarter-final thriller to Tomas Berdych just hours after his old rival Andy Roddick bid a tearful farewell to his tennis career.Federer was unable to conjure up any of his old magic as Berdych stormed to a surprise victory, 7-6 6-4 3-6 6-3, handing the world number one his earliest exit from Flushing Meadows in nine years.“It couldn’t be better,” Berdych said in a courtside interview. “There is no better feeling. There is no better moment than this one.”Federer could not hide his disappointment after arriving in the Big Apple full of hope following his win at Wimbledon in July.“There were so many moments I thought, man, it’s just not happening for me,” said the five-times U.S. Open champion. “It was just a very disappointing match for me.”Roddick made his final appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium when he lost to Juan Martin del Potro in the fourth round, while Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova both dug themselves out of trouble to stay alive on a drama-charged day at the last grand slam of the year.Tournament favouritesOnly Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic had an easy time, both romping to comfortable victories to enhance their status as the favourites for the singles titles.Djokovic was in complete control of his fourth round match against Stanislas Wawrinka, leading 6-4 6-1 3-1, when the Swiss called it quits in one of five matches that were held over from Tuesday because of rain.Sharapova needed all her fighting qualities to come from behind and beat Marion Bartoli of France 3-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the semi-finals for the first time since she won in New York in 2006.Bartoli led 4-0 overnight and wrapped up the first set when play finally resumed after another morning shower but Sharapova regained her composure to win the next two and book a semi-final against world number one Victoria Azarenka.Williams will play Italian Sara Errani in Friday’s semis after she defeated her doubles partner Roberta Vinci 6-2 6-4.Roddick, the face of U.S. men’s tennis for most of the past decade, was reduced to tears after losing 6-7 7-6 6-2 6-4 to Del Potro.With his parents and wife watching from the stands, the 2003 champion said he was leaving the game with no regrets after 13 years as a professional.

Sports

Roddick, Federer bow out, Williams wins