Roger Federer eases into 4th Round without facing any hard resistance

Five-time champion Roger Federer defied 32-degree heat and crushing humidity to reach the US Open last 16.

Top seed Federer, bidding to be the first six-time winner in 87 years, defeated Spanish 25th seed Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 yesterday in a shade over two hours to make the last 16 for the 12th successive year.

The Swiss next faces either American 23rd seed Mardy Fish or Gilles Simon, the French 16th seed.

Federer only faced one break point against Verdasco, a player he has now defeated five times in five meetings.

"I was never really in big trouble on my service games," he said.

"The heat and wind weren't really a problem, but Fernando keeps you guessing, he's a great shot-maker." 

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