2007 finalist Novak Djokovic fired 30 winners as he dominated American Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 Monday to set up a US Open quarter-final with flamboyant Frenchman Gael Monfils, dpa reported.
Monfils was equally impressive in a straight-set crushing of compatriot Richard Gasquet 6-4, 7-5, 7-5, reaching the New York last eight for the first time in his career. He becomes the first French quarter-finalist here since Arnaud Clement in 2000.
Djokovic insured the further erosion of home's hopes at the Grand Slam last won by an American through Andy Roddick in 2003. Sam Querrey is the final American remaining in the men's draw as Fish exited a day after the third-round ouster of John Isner by Mikhail Youzhny.
Serb Djokovic stands 4-0 against Monfils, whom he last beat in November's Paris Bercy final. "I was well-focussed," said Djokovic after his win in less than two hours. "When I had a chance, I used it.
"I returned well on his service games, I used the court well and served well. I'm very happy with the way I played. I have a lot of confidence. I'm pleased to be raising my level towards the end of the event, hopefully I can go on this way."
Djokovic had never lost in five previous meetings with Fish, who has re-established himself this summer with two titles and a Cincinnati final with Roger Federer.
The Serb established a personal best as he reached his sixth straight Grand Slam quarter-final, 13th in his last 15 majors. He has also reached the last eight at all four majors in the same season for the first time.
Monfils struck 14 aces and 40 winners as he broke on five of his 17 chances in the contest.
He also likes his chances in the upcoming match. "Against Novak, I can get the crowd behind me. I know his game perfectly, we've always had tough matches.
"I also have revenge to take after he beat me at home in Bercy. This time I hope to win."
In the women's draw, Dominika Cibulkova ended the hopes of 2004 winner Svetlana Kuznetsova as the former champion committed 42 unforced errors in a 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) in a fourth-round loss.
Kuznetsova, who also lost the 2007 final at Flushing Meadows, said she never felt right on the court against the number 45 who has achieved her best New York showing.
"I just I didn't feel good today, I was very flat," said the 11th-seeded Russian. "It was very hard for me to play one second night match, and then in one day to play at 11 am.
"I was just fighting with myself and was not doing the things I was supposed to do. But it's not an excuse. I played against myself, not against her."
Kuznetsova gave away a first set lead of 4-2 to her opponent, then could only watch as Cibulkova fought back in the second set from another deficit to earn the upset. The underdog had to fight through after failing to serve out the victory but came through in the second set tiebreaker.
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