2009 FRENCH OPEN

SF    

ROGER FEDERER   v  JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO

3-6 7-6 2-6 6-1 6-4   

Roger Federer kept his hopes of landing a first French Open title alive with a dramatic win over fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro in the semis.
The Swiss was outplayed for much of the first three sets but fought back to win in five sets.
Federer, 27, is trying to complete the set of Grand Slam titles and match Pete Sampras's record of 14 major victories by winning in Paris for the first time.
Sweden's Robin Soderling beat Fernando Gonzalez in the first semi-final.
And Federer admitted he had needed to dig deep to edge past the impressive Del Potro.
"I am a bit lucky but I fought - Juan Martin was playing really well," said Federer,

who will equal Ivan Lendl's all-time record of 19 Grand Slam finals when he takes to the court on Sunday.
"He came out of the blocks really well, with his serve and his forehand really putting me under pressure.

He had the upper hand from the baseline and deserved the lead.
"I can't remember a five set match that I've played that was so moving. It feels great to come through hard matches like these.

It is more emotional, more satisfying. And I still feel fine."
USA ORDERS:

NON-USA ORDERS: