Monfils 'cool' with having lost to 'one and only' Roger Federer

French tennis ace Gael Monfils let slip two match points against Roger Federer which would have given him a famous US Open triumph over the 17-time Grand Slam title holder on Thursday and said that it is cool.

Monfils went down 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to Federer in the quarterfinals after seeing two match points in the 10th game of the fourth set as Federer reached his ninth US Open semifinal to stay on course for a sixth title.

The Swiss, seeded second, bidding to become the oldest winner of a Grand Slam title in more than 40 years, was staring down the barrel of a demoralising exit when French 20th seed Monfils had him on the ropes, Sport24 reported.

But once he had averted the danger, Federer then swept past the exhausted Monfils in the final set.

Monfils said that he thinks it was cool, and added that Federer hit two big serves and a good forehand volley and then a good forehand down the line. He said that he thinks he did his best, so it was okay.

Monfils, who had been bidding to make just his second semifinal at a major after a run to the French Open last four in 2008, said that then Federer played good, and added that the Swiss had the set.

The Frenchman said that then physically he had a drop, five minutes and it came quick. He added that Federer started to be very offensive, so then it was very tough to handle.

Monfils admitted that the Swiss was able to adapt to the impending crisis, a tactic that has served him well down the years of his storied career.

Monfils said that that is why he is Roger Federer, because he changes so many times in the game.