Roddick and Federer ease home to set up cracker

AMERICAN Andy Roddick and defending champion Roger Federer will meet in the Australian Open semi-final after enjoying straightforward victories at Melbourne Park.

World number one Federer booked his place after easing past Tommy Robredo 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 in the late match at Rod Laver Arena.

Roddick, the big-serving number six seed, was the first through after he put close friend and compatriot Mardy Fish to the sword 6-2 6-2 6-2 in an hour and 27 minutes.