Federer stages great escape to reach Australian Open semis

Roger Federer pulled off one of the greatest escapes of his career Tuesday, saving seven match points to come from two sets down and beat Tennys Sandgren for a place in the Australian Open semi-finals.

In a drama-packed match, the normally ice-cool Swiss was slapped with a code warning for swearing and needed a rare medical timeout for a groin injury before winning 6-3, 2-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-3.

The six-time champion's reward is a showdown against either long-time rival Novak Djokovic or big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic.

"I don't deserve this one, but I'm standing here and obviously very happy," said Federer, 38, who became the oldest man in 43 years to make the last four at Melbourne Park after Ken Rosewall.

"I just said (to myself while losing), I believe in miracles," he added.

"I got incredibly tonight, today -- I don't even know what time it is. I'm lucky to be here and might as well make the most of it (in the semis)."
- Federer rattled -
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