New York: World number 1 Roger Federer advanced into the fourth round of the US Open after he beat World number 25 Fernando Verdasco here last night.

Federer bidding to win his 18th Grand Slam beat the Spaniard 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted for over two years.

Meanwhile another contender for the tournament, Andy Murray had to toil hard to get into the fourth round after he was taken to the hilt by

Feliciano Lopez. Murray required four hours to win the match 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4).

He will now meet Milos Raonic, who defeated American wildcard James Blake 6-3, 6-0, 7-6 (7/3).

Other results:

Nicolas Almagro bt Jack Sock 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-1
Marin Cilic bt Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.
Martin Klizan bt Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

By Indian Sports News Network