Federer is considered by many as the greatest player the Sport has ever seen. Number game aside, it is the Swiss maestro's ability to raise the level of his game when most needed. It is his sheer brilliance that translates into those blistering groundstrokes and sharp vollies to keep him on the winning side all the time.

Federer entered this year's US Open with a masters series title under his belt in  Cincinnati. He made a fine start to this season too, with a slam in Australia. However, the months in between should better be forgotten, atleast according to Federer. A miserable series of losses ended on American soil and gave Federer his 17th masters series crown, one shy of all-time leader, and arch rival Rafael Nadal. Federer has been in awe-inspiring form in New York till now with all three of his wins coming in straight sets.

His opponent however, had a really tough time in making the last 16 of the event. Jurgen Melzer survived two five setters against little known opponents like Ricardas Berankis and Dmitry Tursunov. The Austrian finally found his form, just in time to beat Spanish veteran Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets. Melzer lost his only match with Federer at this year's Wimbledon at the same stage.

Both players know their strengths on the fast paced courts of Flushing Meadows, and will put in their best to turn the tide in their favour. Federer, however, looks likelier to clinch a straight sets victory by the virtue of his flawless performance in the pair's last meeting.

TennisEarth.com's Pick - Federer in straight sets.

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