The top-ranked men and women tennis players have advanced to the semifinals at the Pacific Life hard court tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California.
Men's number one Roger Federer scored a straight-set win over Nicolas Kiefer of Germany 6-4, 6-1. In the semifinals, the Swiss player takes on Guillermo Canas of Argentina, a straight-set winner over sixth-seeded Tim Henman of Britain 7-6, 7-5.
In women's competition, world number one Lindsay Davenport of the United States defeated seventh-seeded Nathalie Dechy in straight sets 7-6, 6-0. The American takes on Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova of Russia in the semifinals Friday. Sharapova defeated Mary Pierce of France 6-4, 6-3.
In men's quarterfinal action later Friday, Andre Agassi of the United States faces Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in a match of former world number one players. Also, American Andy Roddick takes on Spain's Carlos Moya. The women's semifinals have former world number one Kim Clijsters of Belgium facing Russian Elena Dementieva.
