Smilikiti

Novak Djokovic leaned on a doctor to reach the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open. Gilles Muller proved a little luck helps, too. The third-seeded Djokovic overcame hip, ankle and stomach ailments Tuesday to outlast Tommy Robredo 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

Muller later became just the second qualifier since 1968 to make the quarters at this tournament, finishing off No. 5 Nikolay Davydenko 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10) with the most exciting point of the day.

Muller flicked a shot that clipped the net and made it over, forcing Davydenko to hustle in. Davydenko’s return also hit the net, but the ball popped up and landed back on his side.

Davydenko spiked his racket in anger. Muller dropped his racket in relief, then the 130th-ranked player threw it into the crowd to celebrate.

“I think it’s not about that last point. It’s about many points. I had so many chances,” Davydenko said.

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