Roddick puts U.S. in semis of Davis Cup

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. -- Andy Roddick relishes playing Davis Cup for his country, and likes his role as the team's "closer."

Roddick beat Chile's Fernando Gonzalez in four sets Sunday to clinch the Davis Cup quarterfinal, the seventh time Roddick has locked up a round for the United States.

"I guess I'm the one in the right place at the right time," Roddick said. "I always play first on the last day. I like playing on the third day, and my team has always put me in position to come through. It feels good. I just hope I can keep it going."

With Gonzalez playing well early, Roddick had to come from behind to take a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 victory that gave the United States an insurmountable 3-1 lead. The closing singles match then became an exhibition, and Chile reserve Paul Capdeville defeated James Blake 6-3, 6-4 to make the final score 3-2.

The Americans will play at Russia -- a 4-1 winner over France on Sunday -- in the semifinals.

"They're a tough team. For the first time in a while, we're not the favorites going in," Roddick said. "It will be a tough one, and cold as well."