Federer still on course

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 number one had to come from a set down before dispatching the 31st seed 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.

Hewitt had been broken early as Federer took a 4-2 lead but the Australian broke back to 4-3 as the champion's forehand let him down and then held for 4-4.

The ninth game saw Hewitt continue his winning streak with a decisive break of serve after another shaky game from Federer, the Australian contributing just one winner as his rival committed six errors.

Hewitt served out for the set and there was a shock in the making with Federer a set down.

It did not last long as Federer roared back into contention, taking the second set and drawing level with a huge roar as Hewitt failed to return his serve.

Federer held serve to tie the third set at 5-5 and Hewitt was broken in his next game. Federer then served for the set, wrapping things up at the net with an overhead winner having run Hewitt ragged around the court.

Federer served for the match at 5-2 but reverted to the bad habits of earlier in the match with some wild forehands and Hewitt got to break point. He took it as the champion sent a forehand long and there was a glimmer of hope for the former champion at 5-3.

Hewitt held serve with relative ease and Federer had another go at closing it out, earning two match points and taking the first of them when Hewitt's forehand went long, the five-time champion celebrating as victory was secured.