World number one Roger Federer will face unseeded American Mardy Fish in the semi-finals of the Pacific Life Open.
Shock win for Fish to take him back into top 50 in world rankings
World number one Roger Federer will face unseeded American Mardy Fish in the semi-finals of the Pacific Life Open.
Federer, who is seeking his first title of 2008, had a walkover against his last eight opponent Tommy Haas when the German withdrew because of a sinus infection.
Haas, a former world number two who is now ranked 36th, beat British number one Andy Murray in the last 16 on Thursday.
The 29-year-old is on the comeback trail after undergoing a third shoulder operation in November.
Federer, who has won eight of 10 meetings with the German, said: "I am very sorry for Tommy as I was looking forward to another great match with him.
"We have played quite a few times, and I know and respect Tommy a lot. I hope he gets better quickly."
Flying Fish
Fish, now ranked 98th in the world, knocked out seventh seed David Nalbandian of Argentina in his quarter-final meanwhile.
The pair enjoyed a titanic struggle before the American nicked it in a final set tie-break 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-4).
As well as booking a place in the last four victory means Fish, who rose to a career-high 17th in the rankings four years ago, will climb back into the top 50 on Monday.
"I obviously don't feel like I'm the 98th-ranked player in the world or playing like that," he said.
"I've got a lot of self confidence, and you have to out here to stick with some of these guys.
"It's nice to be in the same breath, although it's just one tournament. Hopefully I can use this result no matter how it ends, to keep moving on."
