Roddick forces Federer’s best but cannot end drought

NEW YORK, Sept 5, 2007 (AFP) - Andy Roddick has tested Roger Federer, even forced the world number one to make some astonishing shots.



But for the 14th time in 15 matches, the top US player could not beat the Swiss tennis magician. Three-time defending champion Federer beat Roddick for the 10th time in a row on Wednesday, taking a 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 US Open quarter-final victory over the fifth seed in a night quarter-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I'm not walking off with any questions in my head this time," Roddick said.

"I'm not walking with my head down.

I played my ass off out there tonight.

I played the right way. It helps. But that doesn't mean I can't be pissed off.



"

The rematch of last year's US Open final was the sixth Grand Slam meeting between Federer, seeking his 12th Slam title this week, and Roddick, whose lone Slam crown came at the 2003 US Open.

"I played well. I don't know about better or whatever but I played well," Roddick said.

Federer was pushed into making his best shots of the Flushing Meadows fortnight, the most impressive being an instinctive blocked backhand return on the line of a 140-mph service blast from Roddick.

"I didn't make mistakes. If he hits a 140, hits the back o