Roger Federer Rallies For Win at U.S. Open

Chalk up another majestic victory for the great Roger Federer at the U.S. Open. Federer rallied from two sets down, staved off two match points and ousted upset-minded Gael Monfils in a five-set thriller Thursday night in an instant classic at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Monfils had the Swiss legend on the ropes but the Frenchman spoiled two chances at delivering the knockout blow in the fourth set. On the brink of losing for just the second time in a night session at Ashe Stadium, the second-seeded Federer won four straight points to pull even at 5-5 and went on to win the next two games and even the match.

The final set was a virtual walkover, with Federer needing just 26 minutes to close out a sensational 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 triumph. The next road  block in Federer's quest for an 18th Grand Slam title is Marin Cilic, who powered his way past sixth-seeded Czech and former Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) on a sunny afternoon.

The women had off Thursday as they prepared for the semifinals on Friday. Top-seeded Serena Williams will play Russian Ekaterina Makarova, while Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki will do battle with China's Peng Shuai.