Tue Sep 2 16:47:00 2008

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Djokovic barely reaches Open quarters

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Flushing Meadows, NY (Sports Network) - Last year's runner-up Novak Djokovic was a hard-fought fourth-round winner Tuesday at the U.S. Open.

The third-seeded Djokovic came from behind to beat game 15th-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 on Day 9 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Djokovic struggled mightily physically on a warm Tuesday at the year's fourth and final major. The Serb was bothered by an upset stomach and a sore ankle, but ultimately outlasted the pesky Robredo in 3 hours, 44 minutes.

The 21-year-old Djokovic broke Robredo to grab a 3-2 lead in the fifth and final set and broke again four games later to finally end the battle at Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic converted on his first match point when Robredo netted one final forehand. The Serb, who let the Spaniard hang around by committing 58 unforced errors, wound up with 11 aces and broke Robredo's serve six times.

The 6-foot-3 Djokovic was last year's U.S. Open runner-up to Roger Federer and captured the Australian Open title back in January.

The Olympic bronze medalist Djokovic will meet Tuesday night's Andy Roddick- Fernando Gonzalez winner in the quarterfinals.