Djokovic Still Perfect In NYC

© AFP/Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic has not dropped a set to reach the quarter-finals.

The rain delays over the past two days in New York have not interrupted World No. 2 Novak Djokovic’s rhythm. The defending champion is through to the US Open quarter-finals without dropping a set at Flushing Meadows, advancing on Wednesday when Stanislas Wawrinka retired with Djokovic leading 6-4, 6-1, 3-1.

In the rain-delayed fourth-round clash, Djokovic built on his overnight 2-0 lead and won a first set that featured five breaks of serve. He raced through the 31-minute second set and was a break to the good in the third set when Wawrinka was forced to concede.

"It was really important for me to get the first set under my belt so I could get that mental advantage," said Djokovic. "I think I have done well. In important moments I served well. I felt better and better as the match was going on...

"It's great that I haven't spent that much time on the court. I played well, and I'm looking forward to the quarter-finals."

The 25-year-old Djokovic is chasing his sixth Grand Slam title in New York. The Belgrade native reached his first major final at Flushing Meadows five years ago, finishing runner-up to Roger Federer. He captured the US Open title last year – his third major title of 2011 - with victory over Rafael Nadal.

In his 14th successive Grand Slam quarter-final appearance, Djokovic will face 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro, who sent 2003 winner Andy Roddick into retirement with a four-set victory Wednesday afternoon.

"Del Potro is a quality player, somebody that when he's physically fit he can challenge anybody on any surface," said Djokovic. "It's the quarter-finals. There is no really clear favorite anymore. I have to try to play my best."

The Serbian lost to the Argentine in the bronze medal match last month at the London 2012 Olympic Tennis Event, and avenged the loss a couple weeks later in the Cincinnati semi-finals. He leads the FedEx ATP Head2Head series 5-2.

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