Monfils sets up Djokovic encounter

Gael Monfils will play an in-form Novak Djokovic after reaching the US Open quarter-finals for the first time in his career.

Monfils beat fellow Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-4 7-5 7-5 in two hours and 35 minutes, Gasquet missing several great chances to take the match into at least a fourth set. Djokovic was also a winner in straight sets, the Serbian third seed enjoying a surprisingly easy 6-3 6-4 6-1 victory over American Mardy Fish.

"I was serving well and using the court well and overall I am very happy with the way I played," said Djokovic, who came from two sets to one down against Davis Cup team-mate Viktor Troicki in the first round but has not dropped a set since.

"It gives me a lot of confidence. It's great to raise the level of performance towards the end of the tournament. It's been a great couple of years for me in New York (runner-up in 2007, semi-finalist the last two years), so hopefully I can go on."

Speaking about his win over Gasquet, 17th seed Monfils said: "It's not that easy to play when we are very good friends. He played very good. I was a little better than him but I hope we will have more matches like this.

"For me it's amazing to be in the quarter-finals. I love playing here, I feel comfortable and I hope I can win here one day maybe."

Djokovic has won all four of his previous meetings with Monfils, and the Frenchman has an added incentive to try to claim his first win.

"I have to take revenge because he won against me at home in Bercy (the Paris Masters in 2009) the last time we played," he said.

"But I can get the crowd behind me. I know him perfectly. We always have a tough match. This time I hope to win."