Federer survives

Roger Federer has produced one of his most memorable US Open performances, winning a thrilling five-setter against Frenchman Gael Monfils in New York on Thursday to progress to the tournament's semifinals.

Federer rode a wave of support to battle back from two sets down and double match point in the fourth set to claim what the Swiss player termed an "emotional" victory over Monfils at a buzzing Arthur Ashe Stadium. The final score read 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2.

20th seed Monfils dominated Federer in the first two sets, and won roars of encouragement from the New York fans, who enjoyed embracing the underdog.

But, with the 17-time grand slam winner Federer on the brink of elimination, his supporters made themselves known and the Swiss player started to fight back. He won the third set clearly, before battling against match point in the fourth and then finishing off the match in the fifth.

"I have played some amazing matches here, but maybe not enough over the years," said Federer after the game. "I'm happy I got through one tonight. Regardless if I won or lost it, it was really special."

"There is nobody like New Yorkers, and this stadium here is phenomenal," he added. "I think once they clamp down and get into it, it really is truly special."

Federer will now meet Marin Cilic in his semifinal on Saturday. In the other semifinal in the mens' draw, Serbian Novak Djokovic will play Japanese player Kei Nishikori. Nishikori is aiming to be the first Japanese player ever to stand in the final of a Grand Slam tournament.

Hingis returns

In the womens' doubles draw on Thursday, singles semifinalist Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina won their semifinal in straight sets to set up a matchup with Martina Hingis and Flavia Pennetta in the final. That match will also take place on Saturday.

Former world number one Hingis came out of retirement officially last year. The 33-year-old last won a Grand Slam title at the Australian Open mixed doubles in 2006.

Meanwhile in the womens' singles draw, world number one Serena Williams will take on Ekaterina Makarova on Friday in the first semifinal. World number number 11 Caroline Wozniacki will play Chinese player Peng Shuai to decide the other finalist.

al/nm (AP, Reuters)