Federer rolls past Berdych to reach Indian Wells semifinals

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. - Roger Federer defeated Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-0 to reach the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Friday, keeping alive his bid of winning an unprecedented fifth title in the desert.

Federer improved to 15-1 this year, with his only loss coming against Andreas Seppi in the third round of the Australian Open. Federer avenged that defeat in the same round at Indian Wells. He earned his first straight-set win over Berdych since 2011 in Paris and just his second 6-0 set ever in 19 career matches against the Czech.

Federer needed just 68 minutes to advance to a semifinal against No. 6 Milos Raonic, who upset No. 3 Milos Raonic.

Top-ranked Serena Williams took on No. 3 seed Simona Halep in an evening semifinal.