Novak Djokovic, the 2007 finalist, fired 30 winners as he dominated American Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 Monday to set up a U.S. Open quarter-final with flamboyant Frenchman Gael Monfils.
Monfils was equally impressive in a straight-set crushing of compatriot Richard Gasquet 6-4, 7-5, 7-5, reaching the New York last eight for the first time in his career. He becomes the first French quarter-finalist here since Arnaud Clement in 2000.
Swedish fifth seed Robin Soderling took a set to get started before rolling Spain’s Albert Montanes 4-6, 6—3, 6-2, 6-3 to book into the quarter-finals for a second consecutive year.
Djokovic insured the further erosion of home’s hopes at the Grand Slam last won by an American through Andy Roddick in 2003. Sam Querrey is the final American remaining in the men’s draw as Fish exited a day after the third-round ouster of John Isner by Mikhail Youzhny.
Serb Djokovic stands 4-0 against Monfils, whom he last beat in November’s Paris Bercy final.
“It’s very encouraging that at this stage of the tournament that I’m raising my game and feeling more comfortable on the court,” said the winner. “I played a great match today.
“I really just try to focus on my game. I’m happy with the way things are moving on for me at this point.” Djokovic had not lost in five previous meetings with Fish, who has reestablished himself this summer with two titles and a Cincinnati final with Roger Federer.
The Serb reached a record sixth straight Grand Slam quarter-final, 13th in his last 15 majors. Monfils struck 14 aces and 40 winners as he broke on five of his 17 chances.
In the women’s draw, top seed Caroline Wozniacki allowed Maria Sharapova no chance in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of the three-time grand Slam champion, with the Danish winner claiming her 18th victory from 19 matches since Wimbledon.
Last year’s losing finalist to Kim Clijsters has won 13 straight matches and lost just 10 games so far during the fortnight from four matches.
“I knew I could win, but I knew it was going to be tough,” said the Dane. “I knew that I had to fight for every point, she wasn’t going to go away. She was going to hang in there and keep fighting till the end.” Sharapova, a teenaged Wimbledon winner, gave full marks to the 20-year-old winner. “Obviously, she’s at the top of her game, playing her best tennis of her career. Never go into a match underestimating her ability.” Dominika Cibulkova ended the hopes of 2004 winner Svetlana Kuznetsova as the former champion committed 42 unforced errors in a 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) loss. Estonian outsider Kaia Kanepi put out 2009 semi- finalist Yanina Wickmayer 0-6, 7-6 (6-2), 6-1.
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