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Djokovic, Federer ease into U.S. Open quarters

  • Story Highlights
  • Fourth seed Novak Djokovic sets up last-eight clash with Fernando Verdasco
  • Defending champion and top seed Federer also into quarters in straight sets
  • Swiss world No. 1 sees off Spanish 14th seed Tommy Robredo 7-5 6-2 6-2
  • Federer will play Robin Soderling of Sweden for a 22nd Grand Slam semifinal
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(CNN) -- Fourth seed Novak Djokovic cruised to a fourth-round victory over 15th seed Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic, winning 6-1 6-3 6-3 at the U.S. Open.

Federer must beat Robin Soderling for a 12th time in succession to reach the U.S. Open semifinals.

Serbian Novak Djokovic returns to Czech Radek Stepanek in New York on Monday night.

The Serbian's win on Monday set up a quarterfinal clash with 10th seed Fernando Verdasco, with the Spaniard earlier dispatching John Isner of the United States 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4.

Earlier, top seed and defending champion Roger Federer cruised into the quarterfinals after a 7-5 6-2 6-2 win over 14th seed Tommy Robredo of Spain.

Federer will now play Sweden's Robin Soderling, the third grand slam in succession that the two will have met -- including the French Open final.

The Swiss world No. 1 is seeking to qualify for the semifinals of a grand slam for a record 22nd consecutive time.

"Robin has got a big game, and we had the final of the French Open -- one of the most important matches of my career -- so it's nice to play him again," Federer told reporters of his forthcoming clash with Soderling.

"He has got some great shots and is strong off the baseline."

Federer, 28, is bidding to become the first player since American Bill Tilden in 1925 to win six straight U.S. Open crowns.

He would also make it three out of four grand slam titles this year and take his career haul to 16 -- two clear of second-best Pete Sampras.

The 12th-seeded Soderling, who has not beaten Federer in 11 previous meetings, progressed to the last eight at the expense of eighth seed Nikolay Davydenko.

The Russian was forced to retire with a left thigh injury while trailing 7-5 3-6 6-2.

In stark contrast to the women's tournament, seeds have dominated among the men with a record of 14 making it into the last 16.

Fifth seed Andy Roddick and ninth seed Gilles Simon have been the only casualties.

All About Roger FedererNovak DjokovicRobin SoderlingFernando VerdascoNikolay DavydenkoPete SamprasU.S. Open - TennisTennis

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