Early bird Djokovic, Ferrer into US Open last 16
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after winning his men's singles third round match against Julien Benneteau of France on Day Seven of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 2, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. -- PHOTO: AFP
NEW YORK (AFP) - Defending champion Novak Djokovic shook the sleep from his eyes to reach the United States (US) Open last 16 on Sunday while low-key fourth seed David Ferrer ended Lleyton Hewitt's latest attempt to roll back the years.
Djokovic coasted past French 30th seed Julien Benneteau 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 despite being forced to open up play on day seven at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Ferrer, a semi-finalist in 2007, clinched a 7-6 (11/9), 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over Australian wildcard Hewitt, the 2001 champion who is now ranked 125th.
Second-seeded Djokovic didn't face a single break point in his 97 minute victory, his fourth on the trot against Benneteau, firing 13 aces and 41 winners.
