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INDIANAPOLIS, July 27: Andy Roddick underlined his status as a leading contender for next month’s US Open by sweeping into the RCA championships final with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sjeng Schalken on Saturday.
The top seed will meet second seed Paradorn Srichaphan after the Thai fought hard over two hours, 17 minutes to end the fairytale week of unheralded Frenchman Nicolas Thomann in a 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 semifinal win.
Roddick’s progress, as he disposed of Dutchman Schalken in one hour, three minutes, was rather more serene than Paradorn’s, with his performance highlighting the American’s growing maturity.
Results:
Semifinals: 2-Paradorn Srichaphan (Thailand) beat Nicolas Thomann (France) 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3; 1-Andy Roddick (US) beat 3-Sjeng Schalken (Netherlands) 6-3, 6-2.
CLIJSTERS THROUGH
PALO ALTO (California): Kim Clijsters powered her way past Italy’s Francesca Schiavone 6-3, 6-2 in the Bank of the West Classic semifinals on Saturday to set up a highly-anticipated final against Jennifer Capriati.
The third seeded Capriati had earlier overcome Venezuelan qualifier Maria Vento-Kabchi 6-4, 6-4 to advance.
Clijsters, the number two seed, had few problems with the unseeded Schiavone, running her all over the court with powerful blasts to the corners.
Results:
Semifinals: 2-Kim Clijsters (Belgium) beat Francesa Schiavone (Italy) 6-3, 6-2; 3-Jennifer Capriati (US) beat Maria Vento-Kabchi (Venezuela) 6-4, 6-4.—Reuters
