Novak Djokovic eases past Almagro into last eight

MELBOURNE // Third seed Novak Djokovic steamed into the last eight of the Australian Open with a comprehensive 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 thrashing of Spaniard Nicolas Almagro.

The 2008 champion dominated the 14th seeded Almagro from the baseline, facing just one break point in the first two sets then racing through the third in 28 minutes to seal an emphatic victory.

Djokovic fired 12 aces and 31 winners in the 106-minute contest and will meet either the Czech sixth seed Thomas Berdych or the ninth seed Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old has been knocked out in the last eight for the last two years, losing to Andy Roddick in 2009 and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga last year.

"I think as the match went on I was playing better and better," Djokovic said. "I lifted up my level from the last match and from the second round.

"I am happy to play well. Now it's the quarters and the opponents are getting more difficult, but I think I am getting towards my best.

"I have the game to win a grand slam, I just have to believe in myself and be mentally strong."