Nalbandian progresses to fifth round

David Nalbandian believes he has got what it takes to win the US Open after defeating Roger Federer 3-6 7-6 (7/1) 6-4 6-3 in their fourth-round clash in the US Open at Flushing Meadows. Federer was aiming for his first victory against Nalbandian, who also defeated him for the junior crown here in 1998. Instead, the Wimbledon champion was handed what may have been his most demoralising defeat in the rivalry, committing 62 unforced errors in the process

Of his opponent Nalbandiaan said: "He's a very good player. But I knew him five years ago, six years ago, when we were juniors. I think I know him."

After winning the first set, Federer fell 5-0 behind in the second before staging a fightback and winning the next five games to force a tie-break but Nalbandian dominated by taking seven of the eight points. The two players stayed on serve in the third set before the Argentinean broke in the 10th game to take the lead for good.

French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain, the third seed, also had a scare before holding on for a 6-2 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-3 victory over Todd Martin. Guillermo Coria was the first player in the men's draw to finish his match yesterday with a 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-2 triumph over Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman. The fifth seed advanced to meet top seed Andre Agassi in today's quarterfinals.

Sixth seed Lleyton Hewitt, the 2001 champion, completed a 4-6 6-2 6-4 6-2 victory over Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan. Hewitt is confident that he can cope with three matches over the next three days.

Hewitt said: "Obviously, the last time I made quarter was here last year. I've had great success at this tournament. I enjoy these courts and I enjoy the atmosphere here."

Dutchman Sjeng Schalken, the 12th seed, posted a 6-1 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over eighth seed Rainer Schuettler of Germany to reach the quarterfinals for the first time. Schalken now faces fourth-seeded American Andy Roddick in the last eight. Younes El Aynaoui, the 22nd seed from Morocco, claimed his place in the quarterfinals with a 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (9/7) 4-6 6-4 triumph over seventh seed Carlos Moya of Spain and now meets Nalbandian.

In Women's top seed Kim Clijsters and third seed Lindsay Davenport had little trouble advancing to the semi-finals of the US Open at Flushing Meadows. Clijsters cruised to a 6-1 6-4 victory over Amelie Mauresmo to avenge a loss at the 2001 tournament here. The Belgian dominated the match, taking advantage of 34 unforced errors to move into the last four for the first time.

An overjoyed Clijsters said: "It's a great feeling. The further you get in Grand Slams is always nice and always very motivating to take you to the next round." Clijsters will face Davenport, who looked fresh after the weather gave her a few days' rest. The American has been plagued by a foot injury throughout the tournament but had little trouble thrashing 24th seed Paola Suarez 6-4 6-0.

In the night session, second seed Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium and Jennifer Capriati, the sixth seed, set up a semi-final meeting with victories over opponents who were playing their second match of the day. Henin-Hardenne posted a 6-2 6-3 victory over seventh seed Anastasia Myskina of Russia, while Capriati advanced with a 6-2 6-3 win over 29th seed Francesca Schiavone of Italy.

Myskina faced Henin-Hardenne after completing a 7-6 6-1 victory over Mary Pierce - the last remaining unseeded woman, earlier in the day. And chiavone completed a comeback against 15th seed Ai Sugiyama of Japan with a 6-7 7-5 6-2 victory after beginning the day serving to stay in the match at 4-5 in the second set.

Filed by Stephen Cummins