NOVAK Djokovic showed why he is the hot favourite to win the US Open title with a rock-solid performance to beat wily Nikolay Davydenko 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the third round.

It was the sort of match that could have tripped up the pre-2011 Djokovic but, although it was not easy for the world number one, he never looked in any danger.

Davydenko missed three months of last season with a fractured wrist and has struggled to get back to the form that made him a fixture in the top 10 for so long.

He came into this tournament unseeded but Djokovic was wary of the threat posed by the Russian because of the quality of tennis he can produce.

Not that the Serb has any reason to fear anyone after a season that has brought nine titles, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and only two defeats.

Djokovic, who next faces Alexandr Dolgopolov, finished his on-court interview with a dance but he was not entirely happy with his performance.

He said: “I played well in the important moments and managed to make crucial breaks in all three sets. He was playing very aggressively and I was aware of that before. I was very passive so I wasn’t really happy with the game.

“I didn’t feel great from the back of the court but I knew what to play and that’s what matters the most.”