Federer is aiming for a third straight US Open title

The number one seed, who has not conceded a set at Flushing Meadows this year, came through 6-3 7-6 (7/2) 6-3.

Federer raced out of the blocks, not dropping a point in the first three games but once Gicquel settled, the Frenchman did put up some resistance.

It was Swiss player Federer's 18th straight victory at Flushing Meadows.

Interview: Roger Federer

The world number one next meets fifth-seeded James Blake.

The American dismissed 12th seed Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-3 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the second year in a row.

Blake faced 15 break points during his 6-4 6-3 6-1 win over the Czech 12th seed but saved every one, serving 13 aces during the match. �Fourteenth seed Tommy Haas edged out former champion Marat Safin in five sets to reach the last eight.

Everything was on my side and suddenly it just slipped away Marat Safin

The German won 4-6 6-3 2-6 6-2 7-6 (7/5) in the match which had begun on Tuesday before being halted by rain.

Safin, champion in 2000, twice led by a set and was 3-1 up in the deciding tie-break but his practice partner Haas held his nerve to triumph.

Former world number two Haas will now meet Andy Murray's conqueror Nikolay Davydenko for a semi-final place.

"I had my opportunities unfortunately - that's why I'm a little bit disappointed," said Safin, whose sister Dinara also exited the women's singles on Wednesday.

"Everything was on my side and suddenly it just slipped away. In the tie-break, two balls that I missed that cost me basically the match.

But the Russian, who will re-enter the world's top 100 after his performance in New York, was happy with his tournament in general.

"I didn't think that I would beat anybody coming here. The way I played the whole summer was terrible," he said. "So, overall, it's pretty good."