Semifinal breakthrough for Sampras

Pete Sampras dispatched Germany's Rainer Schuettler 6-2, 6-4 at the $2.95 million Indian Wells Masters on Friday to reach his first semifinal since last year's U.S. Open.

The victory sets up an intriguing clash on Saturday between the 13-time Grand Slam winner and Australian world number one Lleyton Hewitt, the man who defeated Sampras at Flushing Meadows last year to deny the American a fifth U.S. Open crown.

With new coach Jose Higueras among the sparse crowd on a cold, blustery night in Palm Desert, Sampras quickly went to work by breaking Schuettler at the start.

Playing with an authority and confidence seldom seen during a near two-year title drought, the 30-year-old appeared to enjoy every minute on the centre court and a smile lit up his face when he broke Schuettler again to go 4-1 in front.

Schuettler, who has won more matches this season (19) than any other player on the ATP Tour, attempted to fight his way back into the match in the second set.

But Sampras would not be denied, sending a stinging forehand passing shot by the German to make the decisive break and take a 5-4 lead, pumping his fist in delight as the crowd leapt to their feet.