NEW YORK -- Sixth-seeded Andre Agassi is wasting no time at the U.S. Open.

The two-time former champion is into the quarterfinals of the season's final Grand Slam, and he got there without dropping a set in his first four matches.

He defeated Jan-Michael Gambill 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 Monday night.

It has been a serene Open for Agassi, undisturbed by the rains that have turned some days into marathons, or by opponents who have offered little challenge. It has not rained on his parade and he is enjoying the relatively easy ride compared to some of the adventures he has had in this tournament before.

"There's only so many gut checks you can really come through,'' he said. "I suppose I'd rather save it for when it matters the most. I feel pretty good about my game. I feel ready to go.''

The lack of a grueling pace could pay off for Agassi later this week.

"It can be something that really builds up on you if you have a lot of tough matches,'' he said. "My body can certainly hold up to a pretty good beating, but it is nice not to expend it if you don't have to.''

And so far, Agassi hasn't had to.

While other high-profile stars like Lindsay Davenport and Pete Sampras have been forced to play all or parts of matches for three straight days, Agassi is on a steady diet of days off between matches. His half of the men's draw has been undisturbed by the rain that has dogged this event.

"To a large degree, it boils down to the luck of the draw, starting with it raining on the day you're playing or the day you have off and ending with the scheduling that has to happen in adjustment to the chaos,'' Agassi said.

With the rain falling just right for him, Agassi seems to have plenty of gas left in his tank as the Open reaches the serious stage.

"I'm in the quarters,'' he said. "That's really all you can ask for is to give yourself that chance, make sure you're playing well at the right time. Again, my game feels ready to shift to another gear. I'm going to need to.''

And that means he gives himself every chance to still be standing when the men's final is played Sunday.

"Yes,'' he said, "I do believe I can do it.''