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World number one Rafael Nadal will gun for his second Indian Wells title after beating Andy Roddick, the lone American left in the singles draw, in two tight sets (6-4, 7-6). The Spaniard was the champion in 2007 but was beaten in the semifinals last year by Novak Djokovic. The rematch between the two was spoiled by Roddick who dispatched the defending champion in the quarterfinals.
Nadal will meet British world number four Andy Murray in the title match on Sunday after the latter defeated Roger Federer in a three-set marathon.
Murray’s win over Federer (6-3, 4-6, 6-1) marked his fourth consecutive win over the Swiss player. After the match, the world number two complimented the Briton’s “great counterpunching” skills.
“He reads the game really well. He’s got great feel. He knows he doesn’t have to play close to the lines because he knows he can cover the court really well. I think that calms him down mentally,” Federer was quoted as saying.
Federer, a three-time champion, also suffered an upset semifinal loss in the same venue last year by Mardy Fish.
Meanwhile, in the doubles event – Mardy Fish and Andy Roddick defeated Andy Ram and Max Mirnyi in three sets while Vera Zvonareva and Victoria Azarenka dispatched Shahar Peer and Gisela Dulko to win the men’s and women’s titles respectively
