Federer overcomes battling Hewitt

Roger Federer continued his quest for a sixth consecutive US Open title with a four-set victory over tenacious former champion Lleyton Hewitt. In a rematch of their 2004 final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, when Federer landed the first of his titles, it took four sets to defeat the 2001 winner, although the world No 1 had to come from a set down today before dispatching the 31st seed and fellow 28-year-old 4-6 6-3 7-5 6-3. It was Federer's 37th consecutive win in the final grand slam of the year and he had gone into the match having recorded 13 straight victories over Hewitt in their total of 23 matches played, leading the series 15-8. Having progressed to the fourth round, Federer was awaiting the winner of the last scheduled match of the night between the American James Blake, the 21st seed, and Spain's Tommy Robredo, the No 14.

* PA Sport