Federer plays 'greatest' shot of his career to enter US Open final

Federer plays 'greatest' shot of his career during his semis victory against Dokovic, his 41st successive at US Open

Federer plays 'greatest' shot of his career during his semis victory against Dokovic, his 41st successive at US Open

Hitting the greatest shot of his amazing career on the penultimate point, Roger Federer advanced to the US Open final late last night by defeating Serbian fourth seed Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5.

TAKE THAT: Roger Federer hits an astonishing winner to gain match point against Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the US Open semi-final late last night. Federer won 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5. pic/afp

World No 1 Federer will play for his sixth consecutive US Open title and record-stretching 16th career Grand Slam crown tonight against Argentine sixth seed Juan Martin del Potro.

But the moment everyone will be talking about from Federer's semi-final triumph will be the back-to-the-net, between-the-legs running forehand which the Swiss superstar swatted past the stunned Serbian for an astounding winner. "I do practice them a lot actually but they never work," Federer said. "That's why I guess it was the greatest shot I ever hit in my life."

Viewing a television replay moments after the match, Federer exclaimed, "That's unbelievable."

Djokovic was serving at 0-30 and lured Federer to the net, then lofted a lob to the back line that sent Federer dashing to run it down.

With no chance to spin, look back or otherwise set himself, Federer leaped above the ball, brought his right hand down the middle of his body and smacked the ball between his legs, just over the net and into the empty part of the court.

"I was in a difficult position. I had nothing to lose," Federer said.

The crowd roared its approval and Federer won with a forehand winner on the next point to end it after two hours 34 minutes.