PARIS — Roger Federer has rallied from a two-set deficit to keep his French Open bid alive.

Less than 24 hours after nemesis Rafael Nadal was eliminated, Federer outlasted Tommy Haas 6-7 (4), 5-7, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 Monday.

The French Open is the only major event Federer has yet to win. 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, Federer struggled to take advantage.

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