Roddick nears first tournament win of 2009

MEMPHIS, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Andy Roddick cruised past Robby Ginepri Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis.

Roddick, trying to win his first tournament of the year, recorded a 6-2, 6-3 victory on the indoor hard courts of The Racquet Club of Memphis.

Roddick, who won this event seven years ago, is playing in his fourth tournament of the season. He has reached at least the semifinals in his previous three appearances and has an 11-3 match record in 2009.

Juan Martin Del Potro and Lleyton Hewitt also moved into the quarterfinals.

Del Potro, seeded second, was a 6-3, 6-4 winner over Ernests Gulbis and will next meet Radek Stepanek.

The unseeded Hewitt eliminated Chris Guccione 6-2, 7-6 (7-4). Hewitt will face Christophe Rochus in the quarterfinals.

Sam Querrey also earned a quarterfinal berth with a 6-1, 6-2 decision over Marcos Baghdatis.