This past Thursday night, tennis player Roger Federer beat Gael Monfils in five sets during the US Open quarterfinals. The outcome of the match was unclear at first, as Monfils won the first two sets against Federer. However, as the New York Times reports, Federer rallied and won 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in three hours and twenty minutes.

In the beginning of the match, Federer was having difficulty due to Monfils' agility. However, that was when Monfils' luck ran out - after a two-set lead, his playing started to go downhill. USA Today Sports reports that Monfils had a comeback during the fourth set, when Federer broke early.

Nonetheless, the fifth set ended the game when Monfils folded to lose the match 6-0. According to BBC, Federer stated, "I started to serve huge in the fifth [set], it was my best serving... You've just got to give it all you have each point. I hope, and think, you guys enjoyed it," further highlighting his game strategy.

When asked to comment about Monfils, Federer said, "I still thought the finishing line was far for Gael (when he was two sets up) and I knew I could play better. When I was down two match points I thought 'this is it,' go down fighting, don't miss a shot and let him have it - but I served well and stayed in the match and somehow it turned around," conveying his initial doubts.

As for his emotional reaction, Federer told BBC, "Unbelievable. Incredible... I think it was awesome from both sides. Thanks for supporting us, it helped me to get it done for sure."

Federer is now set to take on Marin Clinic in the semi-finals, for which he is excited. He said, "Marin's played some great tennis in New York over the years and he's improved under [coach] Goran [Ivanisevic]. I'm looking forward to playing Marin, he's a great guy, and we had a tough match in Toronto. We know what to expect but I'm looking forward to the match."