Just when the US Open is getting down to the crucial matches, world No 1 Novak Djokovic found himself in a flawless zone that even he rarely reaches to put himself in the quarterfinals.

The six-time Grand Slam champion from Serbia routed Spain's 43rd-ranked Marcel Granollers 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 in only 79 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"It's a great joy," Djokovic said. "It's a fantastic feeling when you're playing this well. You love spending time on the court and experiencing such a great zone where you are at that moment."

Djokovic won the first 25 points on his serve, won the final 15 games and faced his only break point in the last game on the way to his 18th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance.

"I definitely played one of the better matches that I've played in my life here at Arthur Ashe," Djokovic said. "It was three-all in the first set and then I managed to get the right advantage and I played flawless tennis.

"I had everything working, every part of my game. This is great encouragement going into the next round."

Djokovic will play for a semifinal berth against Russian 21st seed Mikhail Youzhny, who ousted Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in five sets after four hours.

Granollers came into the Djokovic match after four five-set triumphs.

"Probably pays its toll, the fact they have played five-setters and they are coming in tired in the matches," Djokovic said.

"But I really don't try to pay attention to my opponents during the matches. I have this very determined vision of what I need to do on the court."

Djokovic, seeking his fourth consecutive trip to the US Open final, said he had never dominated anyone so completely with his serve as he did in crushing Granollers.

(China Daily 09/05/2013 page23)