Roddick reaches quarter-finals at Queen's Club

(GETTY IMAGES)

Andy Roddick may not understand cricket or the English phrase "chalk and cheese" but he is otherwise right at home on the grass courts at Queen's Club.

Roddick is chasing his fifth title at the AEGON Championships and he moved into the quarter-finals with a 6-4 6-4 victory over 6ft 8in South African Kevin Andersson.

"I love being here, I love this tournament, I love this whole month over here," said Roddick.

"I think I understand most of the British culture. I am still trying to get the rules of cricket.

"I've never understood 'chalk and cheese' - I know they're supposed to be different but it just sounds disgusting. If you ever want me to skip a meal just keep saying that beforehand!

"I'm trying to make the most of being here. I have always loved Queen's for Queen's. I don't play Queen's for Wimbledon.

"Obviously we come here with Wimbledon as the end goal but this still is a very important tournament for me."

Roddick will face Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals after the Spaniard beat David Nalbandian 7-5 6-1.

Top seed Rafael Nadal recovered from a second set slip-up to beat Radek Stepanek 6-3 5-7 6-1 to seal a quarter-final showdown with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Nadal said: "He is tough to play against, he has a big serve and is a very aggressive player."

Tsonga was given an easy ride into the last eight after Michael Llodra retired hurt during the first set of their third round meeting today.

The hardest working man on court today was Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, who played twice and reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6 (7/3) 7-6 (9/7) victory over Juan Martin del Porto.