Federer smooths into quarters to take Soderling at US Open
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Roger Federer continued his in-form progress through the US Open draw with a straight-set win over 13th seed Jurgen Melzer in round four on Monday, setting up a quarterfinal showdown against Robin Soderling.
The five-time champion was eased to a 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory over Austrian Melzerin into the last eight.
Federer's advancement came with some luck in the second set tiebreak with two net-cords and recovered from a break down in the third.
Federer, 29, played with his accustomed style, registering 41 winners to 23 for the Austrian as he continued his 2010 Flushing Meadows run without the loss of a set.
The Swiss, who extended his record by reaching his 26th consecutive grand slam quarter-final, will play fifth seed Soderling in the quarterfinals as the Swedish rallied from losing the first set to handle 21st seed Albert Montanes 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in an early matchup.
Soderling boasted a popular dark-horse pick because of his past success against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
He beat Federer in the quarters of the French Open to end Federer's record run of 23 straight semifinals in Grand Slam events.
He is one of only two players with victories over both Federer and Nadal at Grand Slam events.
Gael Monfils became the first Frenchman to reach the US Open quarterfinals in 10 years following a straight-set win over compatriot Richard Gasquet 6-4, 7-5, 7-5.
The Serbian number three seed Novak Djokovic secured his sixth successive Grand Slam quarter-final with his fifth straight win over Fish in all competitions, dominating the 19th seed from the first set before wrapping up a 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 victory in one hour 50 minutes.
"It was a great performance and probably the best so far in the tournament," said Djokovic after his win.
"I'm pleased I'm playing better and better. Hopefully I can go a step further but the way I'm playing I have a good chance."
Djokovic has yet to lose to Monfils in four previous matches, but the Serb remained cautious about his chances of reaching the US Open semifinals for the fourth successive year.
"Monfils is physically one of the strongest on the circuit. I will have to work for my points but the better player will win," he added.
