The defending champion in New York had a bizarre route to the last 16, spending just over three hours on court in the previous three rounds.
Rested Novak Djokovic happy with intensity at US Open
Novak Djokovic said he was happy with the intensity he showed in Sunday's US Open fourth-round win over Kyle Edmund despite his unusual preparation.
Djokovic was the beneficiary of a walkover and retirement in the second and third rounds respectively heading into the clash with Edmund.
But the world number one showed little sign of rustiness, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 6-2 6-1 6-4 victory over the Briton, despite requiring treatment on his right arm.
"Obviously I haven't played too much tennis. So I'm really glad to be back," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
"I thought I came out, really, from the blocks very good, playing with a high intensity.
"I made Kyle work for each point. I wanted to move him around the court."
The win means Djokovic will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - who has lost 15 of the 21 previous meetings between the pair - for a spot in the semi-finals.
"I think it's great that I get to play a night session tonight," Djokovic said. "Midnight delight. And hopefully there will be another delight in a couple of days, but it's going to be obviously tough against Jo, who has been playing some great tennis.
"He dropped only one set en route to the quarter-finals so I'm looking forward to that one. I had some great matches against him in the past."
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