2011 titlist Novak Djokovic powered into the quarter-finals at the US Open on Monday, with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 victory over 22nd-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The Serb advanced in two hours and three minutes, hitting 34 winners and saving the two break points he faced during the sixth career encounter between the two (5-1).
Novak stormed to a 5-0 lead with two breaks of serve and closed the opening set 6-1.
He faced a break/set point at 4-5 in the second set, but held, broke the German in the very next game and sealed it 7-5.
With a two-set lead, Nole continued putting pressure on his rival. He capitalised on his break point in the first game of the third set and kept the advantage till the end to record his 43rd win of the season.
“It was very humid for both of us,” said Djokovic, who has yet to drop a set in his attempt to reach his fifth straight US Open final. “We had a lot of long rallies. The match could have gone either way, especially in the second set.”
Match statistics: aces (6-6), double faults (0-3), total points won (97-73).
Novak goes on to face Andy Murray (8) on Wednesday. The Brit eliminated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9) in straight sets (7-5, 7-5, 6-4).
It will be their 21st career meeting, Djokovic leads 12-8.
Photo: Getty Images
