Berdych stuns Federer

Roger Federer saw his dream of becoming the first man in 87 years to win six US Opens destroyed by big-swinging Czech Tomas Berdych Wednesday in the Swiss legend's earliest New York defeat in nine years. The 17-time Grand Slam title winner, bidding to reach his 33rd Grand Slam semi-final, and ninth in a row at the US Open, was beaten 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 by sixth-seeded Berdych.

Berdych was stunned by his triumph.

It was world number one Federer's worst defeat at the tournament since losing to David Nalbandian in the fourth round in 2003.

Berdych, who went into the quarter-final with a 4-11 record against the world number one, will now face British third seed Andy Murray for a place in Sunday's title match.

The 26-year-old Czech has reached the last four in New York for the first time while Saturday will be his first Grand Slam semi-final since he reached the Wimbledon final in 2010.

That was the tournament where he also defeated Federer in the quarter-finals.

In an extraordinary reversal of fortune, Wednesday's clash was Berdych's first appearance in a night match on the main stadium. AFP