Federer into last four before beating Roddick

Roger Federer's place in the semi-finals of the season-ending Masters






Cup was decided before he had even hit a ball in anger earlier today.


The world number one then destroyed Andy Roddick 6-4 6-2, triggering a couple of furious outbursts from the American who smashed one of his rackets to pieces and at one point shouted over the net: "Don't worry, I'll get better!"


Russian Nikolay Davydenko's 6-4 6-3 victory over Fernando Gonzalez was enough to send Federer through regardless of the result of his final Red Group match.



Federer, chasing his fourth Masters Cup title in five years,

now faces world number two Rafael Nadal in tomorow'ssemi-finals of the showcase eight-man event.

Roddick must now pick himself up for tomorrow's first semi-final with Gold Group winner David Ferrer after being put to the sword by Federer. Such was his frustration, Roddick reduced one racket to a mangled heap, smashing it repeatedly against his heel after going down a double break in the second set. "When you're down 6-4 4-0 you're not adoring your chances," shrugged Roddick. "It seems like most times we play he's on top of his game, which is a little annoying."