Gael Monfils Sees Off Andy Roddick

Gael Monfils had to battle for his spot in the Japan Open semi finals as he saw off Andy Roddick in three tough sets, two of which went to a tie break.

Roddick looks to be getting back to his best having struggled with mononucleosis throughout the summer but had a match point against the Frenchman but was unable to capitalise on his chance.

The opening set went down to a tie break and it was the flamboyant Monfils who just edged it 7-5. The American battled back in the second and he got the much needed break in ninth game to open up a 5-4 lead.

Roddick was left to serve for the set, a chance he didn't let slip by as he levelled the match with a great forehand winner.

The third set was as tight as the first but the first chance fell to Monfils. Roddick serve came under pressure from the Frenchman as he was 0-40 up and had three match points.

But Roddick's big serve came to his rescue as he held to level at 5-5. There was still nothing between them at 6-6 and another tie break was needed.

Roddick had a chance to snatch victory in that breaker when he was 6-5 up, but two aces from Monfils saw the Frenchman edge ahead 6-7.

It was now Monfils' match point chance and he was able to convert on what was his fourth chance to seal the match 7-6(7-5), 4-6, 7-6(8-6).

Speaking after the match Monfils said: "It was a great match, it was fun, the type of match you want to play. We both played great tennis.

I came to the net more often than usual and it was a good idea. I also had to focus a lot on my return of serve. We have always had tough matches.

"It is not my favourite surface here, it is quite fast."

And he will now face Radek Stepanek for a place in the final when his opponent Jarkko Nieminen pulled out of their quarter-final clash.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw