Federer breezes into third round

NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Five-time champion Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the second and third seeds, rolled into the third round at the U.S. Open Thursday.

Federer, playing in the heat of the afternoon, eliminated Andreas Beck 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Djokovic, appearing in a night match, got past Philipp Petzschner 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6).

Federer won five consecutive titles at the U.S. Tennis Center beginning in 2004, but fell in the finals last year to Juan Martin del Potro. He is 53-5 for his career in the final grand slam event of the year.

Mardy Fish advanced with an impressive 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 victory over Pablo Cuevas. Fish had 14 aces while winning for the 18th time in 20 matches.

Fish will meet Australian Open finalist Arnaud Clement, who had a 6-3, 5-5 lead when Eduardo Schwank retired.

The day's biggest upset came when Richard Gasquet eliminated sixth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Davydenko was a semifinalist at this tournament in 2006 and 2007.

No. 11 seed Marin Cilic was knocked out by Kei Nishikori 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1. Cilic reached the semifinals at this year's Australian Open.