LONDON – Andy Roddick became the first player to reach the quarterfinals at Queen's Club on Thursday by defeating 15th-seeded Kevin Anderson of South Africa 6-4, 6-4.
The third-seeded American is bidding to become the first player to earn five titles at the event and was under early pressure before winning in 78 minutes.
Anderson took the opening game to love and then had two break points before Roddick held for 1-1. Roddick then broke to lead 3-2 before serving out the set at love.
The second set followed the same pattern as Roddick again fought off a break point to hold for 1-1 and broke for a 3-2 lead when Anderson netted a forehand.
"I thought it was solid," Roddick said. "I had a game plan, I stuck to it. There was never going to be a lot of breaks out there today with the way we were both serving, but that's grass-court tennis."
Seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain defeated No. 9 David Nalbandian of Argentina 7-5, 6-1.
Top-seeded Rafael Nadal, No. 2 Andy Murray and defending champion Sam Querrey were to play later Thursday.
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