Federer and Djokovic make US Open progress

Roger Federer has continued his advance through the US Open reaching the quarter-finals in majestic form.

The 16-times grand slam champion booked his place in the last eight with a 6-3 7-6 6-3 win over Jurgen Melzer at the Arthur Ashe Stadium without ever having to play at his best.

It will take a mighty performance from his rivals to stop him capturing a sixth title at Flushing Meadows but there are some willing challengers ahead.

His next opponent is Robin Soderling, the big-hitting Swede who ended Federer's French Open defence earlier in the season.

If he gets through that, Federer could then face Serbia's Novak Djokovic, who beat him in the semi-finals at the Australian Open in 2008.

Soderling and Djokovic also moved through to the quarter-finals by winning on Monday.

Soderling overcame Albert Montanes, one of six Spaniards who made the last 16 of the men's draw, 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-3.

It was a workmanlike performance but Djokovic was all class and looks the more threatening. The world number three demolished the improving American Mardy Fish 6-3 6-4 6-1 and is steadily building momentum and confidence.