U.S. cruises into Davis Cup semifinals

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Andy Roddick leaned back in his chair, drink in hand, and yelled, “Let’s go, Bob!”

With the United States assured a spot in the Davis Cup semifinals, Roddick rested his sore left hamstring on a stress-free Sunday. But he remained a cheerleader for a competition he desperately wants to win.

The Americans entered the day with a 3-0 lead over Spain in the best-of-five event, making reverse singles meaningless. Tommy Robredo beat Roddick’s replacement, doubles specialist Bob Bryan, 6-4, 6-4. James Blake then beat Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 7-6 (3) for a 4-1 U.S. victory.

This was a day for lighthearted tennis. Robredo joked with Spanish captain Emilio Sanchez that he’d play hard if Sanchez would do 10 pushups. The captain did them – on the court – after the match.

Roddick already was looking toward the September matchup with Sweden, which closed out a 4-1 win over Argentina on Sunday. While many top players shy away from the Davis Cup, Roddick is intent on giving the U.S. its first title since 1995.

“I want to be here,” he said. “I don’t think Davis Cup is something that you can play at your convenience.”

In the other semifinal, defending champion Russia will play Germany. Russia, with a decisive victory by Marat Safin, downed France 3-2 in its quarterfinal. Germany, guaranteed of advancing, lost two singles matches and defeated Belgium 3-2.

Roddick’s Davis Cup commitment may be crucial to ending the longest title drought for the Americans. Spain’s chances were weakened when Rafael Nadal pulled out last week, citing a sore foot but likely more concerned with the upcoming clay-court season. Spain reached the quarters after beating Switzerland, which was without Roger Federer.

But Roddick, ranked No. 3, has played in 12 consecutive Davis Cup events for the U.S. And barring injury he’ll be in Sweden on Sept. 21-23.

“I feel that you start at the beginning of the year and you decide whether you’re going to go through the long haul of it or not,” Roddick said. “If it might be difficult or you’re not playing in your comfort zone, then all of a sudden you don’t want to play. I don’t necessarily understand that or agree with it.”