Novak Djokovic pulls out a five-set semifinal win over Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic took a 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 epic over Roger Federer and it's Djokovic, the incredibly personable No. 3 seed, advances to face Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final.

What a fifth set it was. Forget the whole set; Djokovic played three amazing games, rallying from two match points down at 4-5 to not just stay alive, but pull ahead.

His forehand down the line at 30-40, match point against the five-time Open champion, was a shot for the ages in its bravery.

"Ten minutes ago, I was a point away from losing this match," Djokovic said on-court after it was over. "It's just one of those matches you will always remember in your career. To be honest, I was just closing my eyes and hitting the forehand as hard as I can on match point."

After pulling even at 5-all, Djokovic seemed to steady himself, while Federer got sloppy, overcooking a few forehands to be broken and then blow a break point at 5-6.

Federer slapped a forehand wide after yet another long rally on Djokovic's only match point, and that was it for Federer, who lost a U.S. Open semifinal for the first time in seven appearances.

There will be a new men's champion. Either Djokovic, the No. 3 seed looking to break through in New York, or Nadal, the world's No. 1 looking for his third Grand Slam title this season and a career Grand Slam.