Berrettini becomes 1st Italian man to make US Open semifinals since 1977

Matteo Berrettini bent, but didn't break.

The Italian survived a grueling five-set battle with Gael Monfils on Wednesday, earning a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5) win at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the US Open semifinals. The thrilling encounter lasted nearly four hours.

The victory makes Berrettini just the second Italian man to secure a spot in the final four at Flushing Meadows; Corrado Barazzutti accomplished the feat in 1977.

Berrettini was unable to capitalize on four match points in the captivating fifth set, but finally managed to put Monfils away in a tiebreaker. The Frenchman racked up five double-faults in the decisive set to aid Berrettini's cause.

The Rome native, ranked No. 25 in the world, will now meet either Rafael Nadal or Diego Schwartzman in the semifinals.