The world number one was two sets down against a rampant Federer and looked to be heading for an early exit.
But the Serb dug deep to win the next three sets 6-3, 6-2, 7-5, saving two match points in the fifth set in the process.
"It was definitely the biggest win this year," an ecstatic Djokovic said on court immediately following his victory.
"One of the biggest wins of my career."
But Djokovic looked shell-shocked after Federer had raced in to a two set lead.
After succumbing to a first set tie breaker at a partisan Flushing Meadows, Federer broke Djokovic twice in the second.
With the crowd behind Federer, Djokovic cut a dejected figure going into the third but an early break put the pressure on the Swiss. Suddenly Djokovic was reborn and he quickly leveled the match two sets all.
Yet his comeback appeared to be in vain.
Federer made a crucial break at 4-3 in the final set, and with two match points at 40-15 it looked like the Swiss would be competing in the final.
The turning point was an incredible return from Djokovic to save match point. The Serb went on to break back and, more importantly, win over the partisan crowd with his display of sheer determination.
The psychological ball was now in Djokovic's court, who saw out the last four games to snatch an unlikely win. Such was the turn around in fortunes with the spectators he even made time to dance with the crowd at the end.
Djokovic will play either Spain's Raphael Nadal or Great Britain's Andy Murray, who are currently playing their semifinal match.
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