Davenport strolls into US Open quarters

NEW YORK—Second seed Lindsay Davenport enjoyed a Labor Day stroll into the US Open quarter-finals on Monday, thrashing Nathalie Dechy of France 6-0 6-3.
Davenport had won all seven of their previous meetings but was severely tested in the Australian Open semi-finals by Dechy this year when she won 2-6 7-6 6-4.
There was never any prospect of a repeat on Monday with the American world number one in rampant form as she reached the quarter-finals for the ninth year in a row.
The 29-year-old, who has only won the title once, in 1998, faces either Russian Elena Dementieva, last year’s runner-up, or Switzerland’s Patty Schnyder in the last eight.
“I felt like today was the best I’ve played here so far this year,” Davenport said. “I’m really happy to play well and get some momentum going. I want to win this again”.
Americans Andre Agassi and James Blake attempt to set up a quarter-final showdown by winning their respective fourth round matches later on Monday.
Agassi, the 35-year-old twice former champion, plays Belgian Xavier Malisse and wild card Blake, who upset second seed Rafael Nadal in round three, takes on another Spaniard, Tommy Robredo.
In the evening session women’s seventh seed Justine Henin-Hardenne and number 12 Mary Pierce of France meet in a fourth round rematch of their French Open final in June which the Belgian won easily.—Agencies