New York: World No 1 Novak Djokovic reached his 26th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final on Sunday but only after surviving a US Open scare against Spain-s Roberto Bautista Agut. The 2011 champion won 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to set-up a clash against Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez in what will also be his ninth US Open last-eight place in a row.


Night rider: Serbia-s World No 1 Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Spain-s Roberto Bautista Agut in the men-s singles pre-quarterfinal at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Sunday night. Djoko next plays Feliciano Lopez in the quarters. Pic/AFP 

Clawing back
Djokovic gave up a 4-2 lead in the second set and saw an early break clawed back in the fourth by the 23rd seeded Agut, a former junior footballer with Villarreal in Spain. The Serb was also broken when serving for the match at 5-2 as Agut unleashed a barrage of deep, murderous forehands before steadying himself to claim his 60th win of the year.