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TENNIS • Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic completed the semifinal lineup at the ATP World Tour Finals with straight-set victories Friday in London.
The top-ranked Nadal beat Tomas Berdych 7-6 (3), 6-1 in the early match to leave Djokovic needing only one set to finish second in Group A and the third-seeded Serb defeated a listless Andy Roddick 6-2, 6-3.
Nadal will meet Andy Murray in Saturday's opening semifinal as he bids for his first title at the end-of-season tournament. Djokovic plays Roger Federer.
Italian striker out for qualifier vs. U.S.
women's soccer • Italy's key striker has a twisted ankle and will miss Saturday's Women's World Cup qualifier against the United States in Bridgeview, Ill. Melania Gabbiadini has 22 goals in 71 appearances for Italy. After missing her team's 1-0 loss in the first game of the home-and-home playoff, she returned to training this week. But Italy coach Pietro Ghedin said Friday she isn't ready.
The U.S. needs a win or a draw Saturday to advance to next summer's World Cup, a tournament it has won twice.
Contador puts beef defense in writing
CYCLING • Alberto Contador has submitted his official defense for a failed Tour de France doping test, giving the Spanish cycling federation in Madrid documents he claims will show contaminated meat was to blame.
The 27-year-old Spanish cyclist risks losing this year's Tour title and could face a two-year ban if found guilty of using clenbuterol, a banned muscle-building and weight-loss steroid. Contador says beef bought from Spanish border town Irun caused the failed July 21 test.
From wire reports