Roger Federer came from two sets down and two match points down to defeat Gael Monfils in a fantastic quarter-final, 4-6 3-6 6-4 7-5 6-2.  You can see the highlights from the two match points that Federer saved here…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBVgj1cFqxc

Video by Gustavo Lemos

This was a huge result for Federer, who had been tipped by many to win the US Open.  To come so close to exiting, but still survive will do him the world of good mentally.  Monfils had a tremendous tournament.  We’ve said it before and no doubt we will say it again, this could be the start of something, but you never quite know with Monfils.  Thankfully, the men’s tournament has come to live in the last few days and it was a much needed boost with two promising semi-finals on the horizon.

Federer will play Marin Cilic in the semi-finals.  It has been over four years since Cilic last reached a Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open.  It’s been a slow rise back to some kind of relevance with many obstacles along the way, but he’s enjoyed some super results this year.  After reaching the quarter-finals of Wimbledon, Cilic has gone one better at the US Open.  He took out Tomas Berdych in straight sets for the second consecutive Slam.  It was a match of equal proportions; as good as Cilic was, Berdych was poor for large chunks of the match.  The Czech player was in the ascendancy in the third set, but lost his way after a double bounce incident where Berdych argued innocence, but replays proved that the umpire, Louise Engzell, had called it correctly.  Watching the rallies, Cilic was in control and was hitting the ball beautifully.  His serve was also much more effective and he deserved the victory.

Federer leads the H2H 5-0; Cilic has won a set in two of their previous encounters.  The pair played in Toronto a few weeks ago and Cilic saved match points to force a decider.  Federer prevailed in the end, 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 6-4.  Cilic is playing well and showed some mental toughness to beat Berdych in straight sets.  However, after Fed’s narrow escape, I don’t think he’s going to lose this one.

Prediction: Federer d. Cilic in 4 sets