ROME: World number one Roger Federer was downed 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (9/7) by Czech Radek Stepanek while eighth seed James Blake fell to Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-1in Rome Masters tennis. Roddick edged through an epic battle against 14th seed Tommy Robredo of Spain, winning 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 and he will face Wawrinka next. Djokovic had a short night on court in the last match of the day as he benefited from the retirement of Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, who had injured his wrist, when leading 6-1, 1-0. He faces Stepanek in Saturday''s last four.