Federer survives Monfils to reach US Open semi-finals

Five-time champion Roger Federer saved two match points and held on for a five-set victory over 24th-ranked Gael Monfils and a US Open semi-final berth on Thursday.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion, seeded second, rallied from two sets down and saved two match points against his own serve in the 10th game of the fourth set en route to a 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2.

Federer, who won five titles from 2004-2008, reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows for the ninth time and the first since 2011.

He will face face 14th seeded Croatian Marin Cilic on Saturday for a place in the championship match.