Federer overcomes Haas

Paris - Roger Federer rallied from a two-set deficit against Tommy Haas on Monday to keep his French Open bid alive.

Less than 24 hours after four-time champion Rafael Nadal was eliminated, Federer outlasted Haas 6-7 (4), 5-7, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2.

The French Open is the only major event Federer has yet to win, and he has been beaten by Nadal at Roland Garros four years in a row, the past three times in the final.

With the path to the title cleared of the No. 1-ranked Nadal, No. 2 Federer struggled to take advantage.

The erratic form that has plagued Federer was again a problem for portions of the first three sets. But with the center-court crowd firmly behind the Swiss, he mounted a comeback, winning nine consecutive games.