New York, Sep 01: Wimbledon champion Roger Federer must devise a way to defeat his greatest nemesis, Argentina's David Nalbandian, if he is going to make this the year he finally reaches the US Open quarter-finals.
The Swiss second seed downed American James Blake 6-3 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 here yesterday to book a fourth-round date tomorrow against 13th-seeded Nalbandian, who has a 4-0 ATP career record against Federer.
"I'm really looking positive to this next match because it's really time I beat him," Federer said. "I have been very close a few times. I've got to change something about my game plan I guess. I'm ready to fight."
Nalbandian's mastery over Federer includes a five-set triumph in the fourth round at January's Australian Open, a Cincinnati Masters victory three weeks ago and a triumph in the 1998 US Open Junior finals.
"I'm really looking forward to playing him and beating him for the first time," Federer said. "All the times we've played, it has been really close. I'm not worried about the record."



World number one Andre Agassi and fourth seed Andy Roddick also advanced to the fourth round, the home-nation favorites staying on course for a possible meeting in next Sunday's final.



Federer, 22, is trying to become the first man to win Wimbledon and the US Open in the same year since Pete Sampras in 1995. But his South American rival knows how hungry Federer is to break his losing streak against him.


Bureau Report