The Swiss world number two cruised past the Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek 6-3 6-3 6-2 to clinch his 30th consecutive victory at Flushing Meadows.

Playing in his first major without the world's top ranking since the 2004 Australian Open, Federer has looked fully focused on adding to his haul of 12 grand slam titles.

The 27-year-old's win on Sunday improved his career record against Stepanek to 5-2, avenging a loss in the previous meeting in the quarter-finals in Rome in May.

That was one of 12 defeats this season for Federer, who has failed to claim either a grand slam or ATP Masters title en route to losing his top ranking to main rival Rafael Nadal.