Federer, Murray move closer to semifinal duel

INDIAN WELLS, California – Roger Federer and Andy Murray each took a step closer to a possible semifinal showdown with relatively routine third-round victories Monday at the BNP Paribas Open.

Federer, a three-time Indian Wells winner ranked No. 2, downed Ivo Karlovic, 7-6, (4), 6-3.

Playing his first event since withdrawing from the Dubai tournament and the first round of Davis Cup because of back problems, Federer came up with big shots when needed against Karlovic.

Federer said he hadn’t been sure if his game was coming together.

“It’s tough to say. I don’t think I’ve had an awful lot of rhythm in my last two matches. Even in my first match, there was quite a bit of serving going on,” Federer said.

“I don’t think I’ve had to face break point yet in the first two matches, so that’s a good thing. That kind of keeps you a bit relaxed. I’m seeing the ball OK. My baseline game, I can’t really judge it.”

The 21-year-old Murray, a Scot ranked No. 4 and off to a 17-1 start this season, overpowered Paul-Henri Mathieu, 6-3, 6-2. Murray served six aces, won 21 of 25 first-serve points and jumped on his French opponent’s second serve to take 17 of 24 points.

“I served big when I needed to and moved very well again,” Murray said. “Bar a couple of games where I lost my concentration a little bit, it was a very solid match.”   (AP)