Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 16 March 2007 /

Rafael Nadal set up a heavyweight semi-final showdown with Andy Roddick at the Indian Wells Masters Series with a 7-5 7-5 win over Juan Ignacio Chela.

Spain's big-hitting Nadal just had too much in the end for his tough Argentinian opponent in what proved to be a battle of the baseline.

World number two Nadal is hotly tipped to land his first title since winning the French Open last year and is happy with his form going into his last-four match-up with America's Roddick, who beat world number eight Ivan Ljubicic 7-6 7-6.

"I'm having the best moment of the season and it's only the fourth tournament," said the 20-year-old.

"I feel so much better than the last months right now and I am in the semi-finals."
Roddick himself knows he will be in for a tough game against Nadal, who is many people's tip to win the event following top seed Roger Federer's shock early exit.

He said: "I understand that he passes well and that he moves real well, but I have to move forward and have to play aggressive against him."

Nadal is trading at 1.91 to justify favouritism and beat Roddick (2.08) in the Match Odds market.
He can also be backed at 3 to win the tournament in California, with home favourite Roddick available at 4.2.

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