8 Sep 2009

Federer into quarter-finals

9:50 am on 8 September 2009

Roger Federer has moved closer to a sixth successive US Open tennis crown after beating Spanish 14th seed Tommy Robredo in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals in New York.

The Swiss world number one took a while to warm up as clouds gathered over Arthur Ashe Stadium but once he had the first set in the bag, Federer wasted little time putting Robredo into the shade and secured his ninth straight win over the Spaniard.

Federer, winner of a record 15 grand slam titles, sealed victory with his ninth ace in one hour 48 minutes.

Federer next plays Sweden's Robin Soderling, whom the Swiss beat en route to the French Open and Wimbledon titles this year.

A win there will qualify Federer for the semi-finals of a grand slam tournament for a record 22nd straight time, and he takes an 11-0 head-to-head record against the Swede into that match.