World number one Roger Federer [Images] continued his march towards a second consecutive U.S. Open title on Thursday as he demolished Argentine 11th seed David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 to reach the semi-finals.

The top seed trailed by a service break in each of the first two sets but Nalbandian could not hold on and Federer breezed through to a meeting with Australian third seed Lleyton Hewitt [Images], a repeat of last year's final.

"I had been struggling a little over the past few days but this was great," Federer said.

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"Today it was a great rhythm I found against David, and I'm surprised it was so quick because I didn't expect this. I always expect the worst."

Nalbandian, who had won five of their previous seven meetings, broke Federer's serve in the first game but lost the advantage immediately as the Swiss took the set in 27 minutes.

The Argentine broke on his way to a 4-2 lead in the second set but Federer again hit back to win the next four games, prompting Nalbandian to break his racket in half in disgust.

Federer then broke in the second game of the third set and ran away with it to set up a clash with Hewitt, whom he has beaten eight straight times.

"Lleyton is a great player," Federer said.

"I know I have a great record against him recently, so this is a good revenge chance for him I guess."

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