Federer, Djokovic book US Open rematch in semi-final

NEW YORK, Sept 5 (AFP) For Roger Federer to win his fifth US Open title in a row, the Swiss second seed must prove he still has what it takes to beat Novak Djokovic, this time in a semi-final rematch of last year's final.brTwelve-time Grand Slam winner Federer and Serbian third seed Djokovic, the reigning Australian Open champion, advanced to a Saturday semi-final replay of their 2007 title showdown with impressive quarter-final triumphs Thursday.brFederer advanced to his 18th consecutive Grand Slam semi-final and stretched his US Open win streak to 32 matches by defeating 130th-ranked qualifier Gilles Muller 7-6 (75), 6-4, 7-6 (75) to end the Luxembourg left-hander's dream run.brI'm happy to keep the semi-final streak alive. That's a huge streak for a long time, Federer said. I'm really happy with my mindset going into the semi-finals. I'm happy to take it to the final four one more time.brFederer, who last missed a Slam semi-final at the 2004 French Open, has a 6-2 career record against Djokovic, including a 7-6 (74), 7-6 (72), 6-4 victory in last year's final.brHe's an absolute favorite in that match, Djokovic said. I lost to him last year. For him it's a big challenge to go back to number one. For sure it's going to be a great match.brDjokovic eliminated US eighth seed Andy Roddick 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (75) in Thursday's other Arthur Ashe Stadium quarter-final, the Serbian spurred on by Roddick's jokes to the crowd two nights earlier about Djokovic claiming several injuries.