Roddick clinches win to send U.S. into semis

Andy Roddick led the U.S. into the Davis Cup semifinals on Sunday, overwhelming Spanish substitute Alberto Martin 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 with his huge serve and powerful forehand.

The teenager's victory against Martin -- a late replacement for Pete Sampras's conqueror Alex Corretja -- gave the hosts an unassailable 3-1 lead on the Texan grass courts.

The fifth and final rubber was cancelled due to rain with Tommy Robredo leading James Blake 6-2 5-4.

"It didn't matter who Spain brought to this tie because we played well enough to win anyway," U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe said afterwards.

Roddick won both his singles matches in the ties and now boasts a 7-0 record in Davis Cup competition -- a statistic which ties him with Andre Agassi for the best start in U.S. team history.

"Playing for your country is the biggest honour," Roddick said.

"I'm a long way from being able to match what Andre's done, but it's an honour to be mentioned in the same breath with him."

SCAMPERING BASELINER

The U.S. will visit defending champions France in September's semifinals.

McEnroe relishes the challenge. "We have a real good chance," McEnroe said.

"We look forward to taking them on. They have a great team and so do we."

With Spain's Corretja having to sit on the sidelines due to a hand injury sustained while beating Sampras on Friday, the powerful Roddick took full advantage of Davis Cup debutant Martin's inexperience on grass.

He whipped 130 miles (209.2 km) per hour serves past his diminutive foe, torching his forehand into the corners and playing adeptly at the net.

Martin, a scampering baseliner with a fairly weak serve, was broken twice in the first set and had tremendous problems getting his racket on Roddick's deliveries.

After being broken twice in his first two service games in the second set and appearing to be on his way to a quick exit, the Spaniard clawed his way back, returning much more effectively and winning the vast majority of their baseline exchanges.

FRENZIED RODDICK

Martin failed to convert on three break point opportunities at 1-4 down, but at 2-5, he managed to break the American when he caressed a soft slice backhand passing shot down the line.

Martin held for 4-5, but in the next game, Roddick cranked up the heat again, winning the set 6-4 after belting two service winners.

Although Spanish captain Jordi Arrese implored him to keep his head up, Martin was immediately broken to open the third set, when the 19-year-old Roddick crushed a forehand winner.

Roddick again broke Martin for a 5-2 lead after winning a spectacular end-to-end baseline rally that ended with Martin netting a backhand.

Roddick then closed the match out by whipping a serve into Martin's body that the Spaniard knocked behind the baseline.

The American went into a frenzy, diving onto his back and then running around the court to the delight of the fans at the Westside Tennis Club.

"I have to go with what I feel. I can't control myself," Roddick said.

"There's no other feeling like having the crowd behind you."