Djokovic, Ferrer Reach U.S. Open Fourth Round

While most eyes were on Andy Roddick today, Novak Djokovic and David Ferrer also advanced into the fourth round at the U.S. Open

By Erik Gudris

(September 2, 2012) -- While most eyes were on Andy Roddick today, Novak Djokovic and David Ferrer continued their march into the second week at this year's U.S. Open.

No. 2 seed Djokovic faced No. 31 seed Julian Benneteau of France in a match that once again proved to be one-way traffic for the defending champion as he never faced a break point despite serving 59% for the match. Djokovic himself hit 31 winners and only 12 unforced errors as he wrapped up an easy 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win.

Djokovic now faces No. 18 seed Stanislas Wawrinka who also completed an straight sets win over No. 17 seed Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic was upbeat about his quick and easy start to the first week.

"You know, I have been playing really well in U.S. Open last five years. My goal was to, in these seven, eight days I had off after Cincinnati final, to really try to recover, charge my batteries, work on some things in my game, and come out strong from the start. That's what I've done. I feel great on the court. I'm really trying to keep that up."

Ferrer Grinds Past Hewitt in Four Sets

No. 4 seed David Ferrer was likely prepared for an all-day battle against Lleyton Hewitt especially after Hewitt pushed Ferrer into an extended tiebreak that the Spaniard finally won after Hewitt failed on a drop shot attempt. Though Hewitt rebounded to claim the second set, it was Ferrer who took the third set and then jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the fourth.

Hewitt's last stand came in the next service game when he fought off multiple deuces before

going down 0-5 and from there Ferrer took out the former U.S. Open champion 7-6(9), 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.

When asked if he minded not being the best known player from his country, Ferrer answered with his usual humble charm.

"No, I don't care," said Ferrer. I'm trying to do my job. I will try to win all the matches as possible and nothing else, no? I am in fourth round, and only happy for that. "

Del Potro Sets Up Clash With Roddick

Just before Andy Roddick delights the fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium with a four set win over Fabio Fognini, 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro booked his fourth round match against Roddick with a straight sets win over his fellow Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-3, 7-5, 7-6(9).

When asked what he expected when playing Roddick in front of a pro-Roddick crowd, Del Potro said, "Big atmosphere. The crowd loves Andy here and they have respect to me, so will be a fantastic show to the players and to the fans also."

No. 8 seed Janko Tipsarevic continued his march to the quarterfinals with an easy straight sets win over qualifier Grega Zemlja 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Richard Gasquet stopped yet another U.S. college player, this time USC's Steve Johnson 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-3. Gasquet takes on Ferrer next.

(Photo Credit: Andy Kentla)