Novak Djokovic was close to his flawless best as he swatted Jan-Lennard Struff aside in straight sets to book his spot in the last-16 of the US Open.
Djokovic, the world No. 1 from Serbia, has won 26 consecutive matches in 2020 and looks close to unstoppable.
Struff, who Djokovic had beaten in similarly emphatic fashion a week ago at the Western & Southern Open, threw his heavy weapons at the top seed but they returned, with purchase.
Djokovic is the overwhelming favourite to claim a fourth title in New York and there have been few signs that anyone will be able to bring his imperious form to a halt.
‘It was a very, very good performance from my side,’ said Djokovic after his 6-3 6-3 6-1 win. ‘I managed to read his serve well.
‘I faced one or two break points in the opening game, obviously the trajectory of the match can go differently if you lose your serve against a big guy like Struff who serves very well and has an aggressive game from the back of the court but I moved well, I found my way. The second and third sets were really great feeling on the court.
‘I’ve been playing well the last couple of weeks, training well and focusing on the right things. Best of five on this court, obviously no crowd, different atmosphere and conditions but still you get to play the best players in the world at a Slam.
‘I’m fit, I’m feeling very good, I’m confident about my game and I’m taking that to every match.’
Pablo Carreno Busta, the 20th seed from Spain, is the unfortunate soul who has to take on Djokovic next.
‘He played semi-finals here some years ago and I think he won doubles as well,’ Djokovic said of the Spaniard.
‘He’s a very solid player, doesn’t maybe possess any big weapons but every shot from the back forehand, backhand, volleys are very good and serve, returns a lot of balls back.
‘I’ve got to be ready for a lot of exchanges, it’s going to be a demanding match physically and mentally from the back of the court – hopefully I’ll be able to continue the good performance I had from tonight.’
MORE: Andy Murray rates chances of winning another Grand Slam
Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
