`Superhero` Federer rescues young fan from US Open crowd crush

Melbourne: Roger Federer has long enticed fans with his flawless tennis strokes, but his off-court antics at the ongoing US Open have elevated him to superstar status.

After claiming a straight-set win over local boy John Isner in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, the 17-time Grand Slam champion stopped to sign some autographs before heading to the changing rooms.

However, the autograph session ended abruptly when the crowd in the stands rushed towards the Swiss maestro, crushing a little boy at the end of a row close to Federer, News.com.au reported.

Noticing the child struggling against the surging crowd, Federer asked security to pull the boy out of the heaving mass.

Federer then comforted the young boy and autographed his hat and tennis ball while the security team continued to tame the crowd.

World number two Federer will next face compatriot Stan Wawrinka to book a spot for the summit clash after advancing to his 10th US Open semi-final on Thursday.