Roger Federer sweeps into quarterfinals

In a little over two hours and with a little bit of sweat, Roger Federer reached the quarterfinals tonight with a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 win over Jurgen Melzer in Ashe Stadium.

Federer, the five-time U.S. Open champion, is now into at least the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the 26th consecutive time, an amazing feat. Federer next faces No. 5 Robin Soderling, who ousted Federed in the quarters at the French Open in June.

Melzer fought hard, especially in the second set, but luck was not on his side -- Federer got two net-cord points in the tiebreak, including one at 4-all that sent Melzer a little off the deep end and Federer to a two-sets advantage.

Melzer broke Federer to open the third set, but Federer broke his opponent right back, snuffing out any momentum.