Cruise for red-hot Federer as six-in-a-row looms

ROGER FEDERER moved closer to a sixth successive US Open crown after stifling Spanish 14th seed Tommy Robredo 7-5 6-2 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals last night.

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.