Sampras sets up semi-final clash

Pete Sampras books his place in the semi-final of the US Open after defeating Andy Roddick 6-3 6-2 6-4 in the quarter-finals.

Sampras, the 17th seed, will play number 24 seed Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands in Saturday's semi-finals.

Much like the way he played in his fourth-round victory over third-seed Tommy Haas, the 31-year-old Sampras served well and played aggressive tennis, approaching the net whenever the opportunity arose.

Sampras recorded six of his 13 aces in the first set and was successful on 16 of his 19 net approaches.

Roddick, who dubbed this match against his childhood idol as "a dream come true" following his fourth-round victory against Juan Ignacio Chela on Wednesday, was given a break point opportunity in the second game of the second set.

But Sampras held then broke Roddick at love to go up 2-1.

Roddick did not see another break point opportunity for the remainder of the match, which was completed in just 90 minutes.

Sampras recorded 43 winners against 22 unforced errors.

Roddick served well in his two previous matches against Sampras - both victories - but mustered only one ace in the first two sets of this match, and finished with eight while he was broken four times.