Andy Roddick of the U.S. serves to Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic during their match at the U.S. Open yesterday. Roddick won 7-6, 2-0 when Berdych retired. - Reuters

NEW YORK (Reuters):

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA reached the U.S. Open's last eight for the first time since winning the event in 2004 when the fourth seed overcame Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-2, 6-3 yesterday.

The 22-year-old Russian needed only 74 minutes to clinch victory after breaking serve five times.

"I feel like I'm getting better every match," Kuznetsova said. "I'm very confident about my game."

Kuznetsova next plays 18-year-old Agnes Szavay of Hungary, who defeated Ukrainian Julia Vakulenko 6-4, 7-6.

In the men's section, 2003 champion Andy Roddick went through to the last eight when ninth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych retired with breathing problems.

The fifth-seeded American was leading 7-6, 2-0 when Berdych decided he was unable to continue.

With holder Maria Sharapova already out, the women's draw has opened up for Kuznetsova.

The Russian is the highest seed left in the lower half and looks set for an extended run.

Kuznetsova took the first five games in breezy conditions in the Arthur Ashe Stadium against an awe-struck Azarenka, who made 16 unforced errors in the opening set.

"It was such a big court and playing against Svetlana, I was a little nervous at the beginning," said Azarenka, 18, who put out former winner Martina Hingis in the third round.