INDIAN WELLS, Calif., March 14 (UPI) -- Rainer Schuettler tempered the blazing serves of sixth-seeded Andy Roddick with a 6-3, 6-2 victory Friday to book a spot in the semifinals of the Pacific Life Open.
The 15th-seeded German advanced to his first Masters Series semifinal.
Schuettler posted his second consecutive victory in three career meetings with Roddick. He also beat the American in a four-set semifinal duel at the Australian Open in January
"My game is to make the opponent run, because I like to run," Schuettler said. "I like to have some rallies. Today it worked pretty well."
Roddick slammed a succession of ferocious deliveries, including two at 147 miles per hour -- two mph off the ATP record held by Britain's Greg Rusedski. But Schuettler was unfazed by Roddick's power game.
"He was running down a lot of balls," Roddick said. "Obviously I don't think I played my best tennis by a long shot."
Although Roddick was nursing a tender right ankle and sore left knee, he refused to use the injuries as an excuse.
"He just came out and played a lot better than me. Give him credit," said Roddick, who succumbed in just 59 minutes.
While Roddick tumbled, Lleyton Hewitt kept his throne. The top seed and defending champion extended his string of 70 weeks atop the rankings, dismantling 20-year-old American qualifier Robby Genepri, 6-4, 6-2 in a quarterfinal clash.
"I really haven't thought (about) No. 1," said Hewitt, who won last week in Scottsdale and is 9-1 this year. "It's nice, but you're going to lose it some week.
"I didn't come to Indian Wells to preserve my No. 1 ranking. I came to win the tournament. Four matches down and two to go. That's pretty much where my thinking is at."
Hewitt will face Vincent Spadea, who beat Brian Vahaly, 6-3, 6-2, in a quarterfinal matchup of American qualifiers.
"I've lost to him twice but haven't played him since 1999," Spadea said. "Obviously he's a great player. He's accomplished so much so far."
On the women's side, Hewitt's long-time girlfriend, top-seeded Kim Clijsters of Belgium, took advantage of an ailing Spaniard Conchita Martinez in a 6-3, 6-2 victory, gaining a spot in the final.
"I felt good, I played a really smart match," said Clijsters, who is ranked third in the world. "I chose the points well, when I could attack. I was very concentrated."
The 19-year-old will be seeking her second desert title in three years as she awaits the winner of the match between two-time titleholder Lindsey Davenport and second seed Jennifer Capriati.
