US Open 2017: Confident Roger Federer sees off Feliciano Lopez in three

Federer’s match was the first of the evening session but started deep into the night due to overrunning matches, with play not commencing until 2:45am UK time.

The Swiss great, targeting his 20th Grand Slam title, had been put through back-to-back five-setters against Mikhail Youzhny and Frances Tiafoe in his first two matches but made a statement of intent against the Spaniard.

Federer, 36, took the first set 6-3 in under 30 minutes and added the second by the same score as he rarely looked troubled, unleashing moments of occasional brilliance as he dealt with Lopez comfortably.

The world number three, looking to win his third Grand Slam of the season after the Australian Open and Wimbledon, broke Lopez in the fourth game of the third set but finally encountered some resistance as his opponent immediately broke back.

Federer was far too good though, recovering something approaching his best form after a tricky start to the tournament.

Federer plays Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in the fourth round.