Federer in semis

PARIS (AP):

Top-seeded Roger Federer reached the semi-finals of the Paris Masters for the first time by defeating Jurgen Melzer of Austria 6-1, 7-6 (4) yesterday.

Federer, who this week called the Parisian indoor tournament his "worst" Masters, had previously lost three times in the quarter-finals.

Andy Roddick lost the serving contest against Robin Soderling, who had 18 aces in the 7-5, 6-4 win.

Following victories in Stock-holm and Basel, Federer won a 12th consecutive match and sent winners all over the court during a 20-minute first set that he opened with an ace.

Federer, who had 18 aces and 33 winners overall, will face the winner between No. 3 Andy Murray and Gael Monfils of France.

Soderling will play Michael Llodra after the Frenchman, who defeated Nikolay Davydenko 7-5, 6-1.