Roger races towards a final chance

Roger Federer, bidding to become the first player since Pete Sampras in 1995 to win back-toback Wimbledon and US Open titles, eased into the last 16 at Flushing Meadows by defeating local hero James Blake 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in two hours of brilliant tennis.

Federer's third-round victory brought flattering comparisons with the now-retired Sampras, led by John McEnroe, who said: "Federer's backhand is even better than Pete's."

The Wimbledon champion now meets David Nalbandian, who accounted for big-serving Australian Mark Philippoussis 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2. Philippoussis served 34 aces but made an incredible 74 unforced errors.

Federer, who has a poor 0-4 record against Nalbandian, said: "I am not concerned about my record against him."

Fourth seed Andy Roddick, the tournament favourite, made it 15 wins in a row by defeating Flavio Sarreta 6-1, 6-3, 6-3. He now meets Xavier Malisse, of Belgium.

Andre Agassi, who beat Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-3, 7-6, 6-4, takes on fellow American Taylor Dent tonight, aware of the pressure that becoming a father for the second time in November will put on his future on the Tour.