Djokovic survives thriller, Federer cruises

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic illuminated New York's midnight hour with an electrifying performance on Sunday, surviving a 234-minute battle to reach the fourth round of the US Open.

The Serbian third seed soaked up the full force of Marin Cilic's armory to stay in the hunt for the title with an absorbing 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 victory in a contest that ended at 12.48 am local time.

The 21-year-old squandered two match points in the 10th game of the fourth set but roared through the last 11 points of the match to seal the win when Cilic dragged a service return wide.