Roddick encounters loss in U.S. Open quarterfinals

NEW YORK -- Novak Djokovic heard what Andy Roddick said about him and didn't like it one bit.

Still, as much motivation as Djokovic might have derived from that, and as well as he played in their U.S. Open quarterfinal Thursday night, Roddick's own uncharacteristic serving miscues had a lot to do with the 2003 champion's 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (5) loss.

But the first question Roddick was asked had to do with his verbal squabble with Djokovic, who took offense at comments the American made about how ill and injured the Serb was after the previous round.

"It was completely meant in jest," Roddick said. "I should know better. But listen, I joke all the time."

In Djokovic's prior match, a five-set ordeal Tuesday against No. 15 Tommy Robredo, the reigning Australian Open champion called for the trainer more than once as he dealt with hip, ankle, stomach and breathing issues.

The third-seeded Djokovic advanced to a semifinal meeting against Roger Federer. It's a rematch of last year's U.S. Open final, which Federer won for his fourth consecutive title at Flushing Meadows.

Federer beat qualifier Gilles Muller 7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (5) Thursday, extending his own record by reaching the semifinals at an 18th consecutive Grand Slam tournament.