Federer through to 18th grand slam semi-final

Roger Federer needed only three sets to overcome surprise quarterfinalist Gilles Muller on Thursday, defeating the Luxembourg born player 7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Despite losing in straight sets, Muller did not go down without a fight, forcing two sets into tiebreakers before Federer's experience and poise helped the former world number one reach his 18th consecutive grand slam semi-final.

Federer is looking to claim his 13th grand slam title at the 2008 US Open, an achievement that would leave him needing only one more grand slam tournament win to equal the record set by Pete Sampras.

Despite winning his quarterfinal with relative ease, Federer was quick to pay tribute to the skill and determination shown by his young opponent saying: “Today was particularly difficult — the sun, the wind, and he's been serving great. I didn't get that many opportunities."

Federer's victory against Muller earned him a place opposite Novak Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals. Federer has a statistical edge over Djokovic in matches between the two, having won 6 of their 8 encounters.