US Open: Federer survives, Djokovic crawls

In a match that started under sunny skies but ended under floodlights, Russia's Igor Andreev exposed Federer's vulnerable side before the Swiss protected his four-year New York reign with a compelling 6-7 7-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 triumph.

"It was a tough match, the wind was changing with either side, it went from day to night session which is never easy. It was tough conditions but I'm happy we put on a good show," a relieved Federer summed up courtside after his 3-1/2 hour win.

Roddick's victory in under 90 minutes should leave him relatively fresh for a last-eight showdown with Novak Djokovic, who endured a gruelling five-setter against Tommy Robredo, overcoming hip, stomach, ankle and breathing problems in the three hour 45 minute match.

Roddick will also have a spring in his step when he comes out on Thursday as he has spent just 3-1/2 hours in total dispatching his last two opponents. In comparison, the Australian Open champion has been on court for almost eight hours over the same period.

But Roddick said the 21-year-old Djokovic had youth on his side, as well as a better record in recent months, and that he himself had been fighting various injuries.

Weakened by a dodgy stomach and stricken by a hip injury, Djokovic survived a physical meltdown to hobble past 15th-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo 4-6 6-2 6-3 5-7 6-3.

After watching Robredo net a forehand on match point, third seed Djokovic tilted his head skywards then locked eyes with his mother before thumping his heart four times with a clenched right fist.

He went on to point to his hip and forehead, as if to say: "My heart won me that one today."

Clutching the net with his left hand, an exhausted Djokovic said following the three hour 45 minute tussle: "I need to stay next to the net, otherwise I will fall down.

"If we start talking about the things that are bothering me now, we will talk until tomorrow. I am just really happy to get through."

... contd.