Nadal and Murray set up semi-final showdown

Defending champion Rafael Nadal and world number four Andy Murray guaranteed a US Open Super Saturday line-up, completing an all-star, top-four lockout of the semi-final places.

Second seed Nadal cruised past 2003 champion Andy Roddick, the American 21st seed, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 and will tackle Murray for a place in today’s final.

Murray, the fourth seed, became just the seventh man to feature in all four Grand Slam semi-finals in the same year when he thwarted big-serving American John Isner, the 28th seed, 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2).

Top seed Novak Djokovic, who will also be playing in his fourth Grand Slam semi-final of 2011, was playing five-time champion Roger Federer, the third seed, in last night’s other semi-final.

Nadal pulled off his seventh win in 10 meetings against Roddick and was untroubled as the 29-year-old American was slowed by a left thigh injury which twice needed treatment and the all-court dominance of the Spaniard.

Nadal, who became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam when he won here last year, will be playing in his fourth successive US Open semi-final and will be buoyed by having defeated Murray in the semi-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon.

“It’s always a pleasure to face Andy Murray. He is one of the most talented players on the tour. He beat me here in 2008 when he reached the final. It’ll be an exciting match and a big challenge,” said Nadal, who has yet to drop a set on his way to the semi-finals.

Murray said he thinks he can contend on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts despite trailing Nadal 12-4 in career meetings.

“I think on the American hard courts it’s a close, close matchup,” he said.