Stay tuned for the full match report, which is coming shortly. But for now, it’s goodbye.
“When he is under confidence he’s very difficult to stop,” says Nadal after reaching the semi-finals at the US Open for an eighth time and 33rd at a major tournament. “Of course I made some mistake, but I’m super happy the way I accepted the situation and I accepted the challenge. Here I am in the semi-finals. It’s super important to me. It means everything.”
When asked about his fitness, Nadal insists he’s OK despite those visits from the trainer in the final set.
“Physically I cam fine,” he says. “Today was a very heavy day. Big humidity. I am this kind of player where I sweat a bit. Sometimes under these conditions it’s tough, but honestly I am happy that I had some critical moments at the end of the second and the beginning of the third.”
Nadal is the final player through to the men’s semi-finals, joining Grigor Dimitrov, Matteo Berrettini and Daniil Medvedev.
Nadal wins 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 over Schwartzman!
Nadal breaks in eight game of third set!
Nadal rips a forehand winner on Schwartzman’s serve and he’s three points from the finish line. Schwartzman wins the next points but Nadal outlasts him over a 14-stroke rally on the next point for 30-all. Nadal forces his opponent into a forehand error for match point ... then closes it out with a volley winner at the net!
Third set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 5-7, 2-5 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal holds at love and Schwartzman will serve to stay in the tournament.
Third set: Schwartzman 4-6, 5-7, 2-4 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
The trainer is out again for Nadal during the changeover. It’s 12.30am but the humidity has in fact gone up since the start of the match. Now he takes the baseline to return and Schwartzman quickly falls behind love-40 after a handful of scratchy points. It’s triple break point for Nadal and he’ll be within touching distance of the semi-finals if he can convert. Schwartzman saves the first, but sends a lob past the baseline on the second and Nadal has broken. The end is nigh.
Third set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 5-7, 2-3 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal appears to be cramping slightly in the humid conditions, flexing his left and then his right arm while serving. But it didn’t hamper him too much during that service game, where he’s just held easily.
Third set: Schwartzman 4-6, 5-7, 2-2 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
A trainer was out for Nadal during the changeover and he was rubbing cream on Spaniard’s forearm, but it wasn’t a proper medical timeout. Schwartzman used the time for a bathroom break and to change rackets. When play resumes the Argentine wins four quick points from love-15 down for the comfortable hold.
Third set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 5-7, 1-2 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal breezes to a comfortable hold and we’re on serve going into the changeover. Schwartzman is not making it easy, but he’s not making it too hard for the 2010, 2013 and 2017 US Open champion.
Third set: Schwartzman 4-6, 5-7, 1-1 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman is pushed to 30-all on his serve, but Nadal gifts the next point with his 34th unforced error before the Argentine crushes a 109mph ace out wide to hold.
Third set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 5-7, 0-1 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal holds in the opening game of the third set but he’s made to work for it in an eight-point service game as we cross into the other side of midnight here in Flushing Meadow.
Nadal wins second set, 7-5!
Nadal breaks in 12th game of second set!
Second set: Schwartzman 4-6, 5-7 Nadal
Nadal pounces on a 75mph second serve then rips a passing winner on the first point of the game. Then Schwartzman double-faults for love-30. Nadal then pounds a forehand winner for triple set point. Schwartzman saves the first, then outlasts Nadal over a 15-shot rally to erase the second. Now a third set point and this time Nadal converts when the Argentine sends it into the net.
Second set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 5-6 Nadal (*denotes next server)
The undersized Argentine is hanging in some grueling rallies, but Nadal is able to steady the ship despite the apparent disappearance of his forehand, punctuating an important hold with a 106mph ace out wide. Schwartzman will serve to force a tiebreaker after the change of ends.
Updated
Second set: Schwartzman 4-6, 5-5 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman holds at love and he’s won eight straight points on his racket after that disastrous service game at 1-4.
Second set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 4-5 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Can you believe this? Schwartzman pushes Nadal to 30-all, then watches the Spaniard misfire on a forehand then at the net for a break of serve! He’s back on even terms from two breaks down for the second set in a row. Can he back up the break?
Second set: Schwartzman 4-6, 3-5 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman races to four straight points for a hold at love, including a 98mph ace out wide. Now the Argentine will try to break Nadal yet again to overcome a double-break deficit for the second set in a row.
Second set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 2-5 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman brings the crowd to its feet with a forehand passing winner on the second point of the game and pushes Nadal to 30-all, then 30-40 when Nadal makes his first double fault of the set. The Spaniard saves it when he rushes to the net and Schwartzman goes wide on the passing shot for deuce. The Argentine earns another break point with a forehand volley winner and then he converts with a forehand winner from the baseline! He’s got one of the breaks back and now will serve to stay in the set.
Nadal breaks in sixth game of second set!
Second set: Schwartzman 4-6, 1-5 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman’s first serve is betraying him as he loses four straight points from 15-love and is broken. Nadal to serve for a two-sets-to-none lead with new balls.
Second set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 1-4 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman is showing good fight, winning an 18-stroke rally with a backhand winner from the baseline for a love-15 lead on Nadal’s serve. Now the crowd is abuzz as Nadal falls behind love-30. He wins a pair of quick points, appears to go ahead 40-30 on an ace that’s ruled a let and taken off the board, then goes behind 30-40 after another wayward forehand. But Nadal saves the break point with a 119mph ace down the middle and follows with a forehand winner then a 126mph down the pipe for the hold. Some response, that.
Nadal breaks in fourth game of second set!
Second set: Schwartzman 4-6, 1-3 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
A chance here for Nadal as Schwartzman falls behind love-30 after an unforced error off the forehand and a double fault. The Argentine rattles off three quick points from there, but Schwartman then misfires with a forehand for deuce. A tense back-and-forth ensues until Nadal rips a backhand passing winner down the line for a break point, then converts with an overhand winner to cap a 14-shot baseline rally.
Second set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 1-2 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal holds at love and we’re breezing right along on serve in the second.
Second set: Schwartzman 4-6, 1-1 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman answers Nadal’s comfortable service game with a stress-free hold of his own.
Second set: *Schwartzman 4-6, 0-1 Nadal (*denotes next server)
A complete gear change for Nadal during the setbreak. A bit of a longer delay than there should have been, really. But we’re back up and running and Nadal holds easily to open the second.
Nadal wins first set, 6-4!
Nadal breaks in 10th game of first set!
First set: Schwartzman 4-6 Nadal
All that hard work by Schwartzman to fight back to level terms and Nadal brushes it all aside, breaking the Argentine to take the opening set after 57 minutes!
First set: *Schwartzman 4-5 Nadal (*denotes next server)
A few more loose points by Nadal on his serve and he’s fallen behind 15-40, giving Schwartzman a couple more break-point opportunities. He saves the first with a 99mph second serve that Schwartzman can’t return, then the second when the Argentine is a split-second short chasing down a drop shot after a big serve out wide. Nadal follows with an overhand winner punctuated by a fist pump for game point, but he misses another forehand wide for deuce. We’re still in the first set and the No 2 seed has made 10 of his 12 unforced errors off the forehand side. Nadal wins the next point with another big second serve, but Schwartzman pushes it back to deuce with a lob winner capping a 16-stroke rally. From there Nadal is able to hold with a pair of quick points and Schwartzman will serve to stay in the first set.
First set: Schwartzman 4-4 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman holds comfortably and he’s won 13 of the last 15 points. Nadal beginning to mix in more errors but the Argentine is swinging freely and playing lights out.
Schwartzman breaks in seventh game of first set!
First set: *Schwartzman 3-4 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Well now! Schwartzman rips a pair of forehand baseline winners on Nadal’s serve, sending the crowd into a Olé, Olé, Olé chant between points. He then hits his sixth winner of the night to give himself three break-point chances. What a turnaround! Nadal saves the first when the Argentine makes an unforced error from the baseline, but Schwartzman gets the best of the Spaniard over a 22-shot exchange on the next point and they’re back on level turns in the opening set!
First set: Schwartzman 2-4 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman races ahead to 40-love after Nadal misses and overhead smash, then holds at love as the crowd rallies behind him.
Schwartzman breaks in fifth game of first set!
First set: *Schwartzman 1-4 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Schwartzman scratches his way into Nadal’s serve at love-30, even if it may be for naught down a double break. The Spaniard answers with a sharply angled cross-court backhand winner that paints the line, but he then puts a forehand into the net for 15-40 and Schwartzman has a pair of break-point chances. Nadal saves the first with a 121mph ace down the middle (which his opponent challenges unsuccessfully), then sprays a forehand wide and Schwartzman is back within a break.
Nadal breaks in fourth game of first set!
First set: Schwartzman 0-4 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
An uphill climb for Schwartzman just got a little bit harder as he falls behind love-30 and then 30-40 before Nadal breaks him again with a sizzling inside-out forehand into the corner which the Argentine dumps into the net.
First set: *Schwartzman 0-3 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal consolidates the break with another easy service game. He’s won eight of nine points on his racket and is averaging more than 120mph on his first serve. Looking sharp early on is the second-seeded Spaniard.
Nadal breaks in second game of first set!
First set: Schwartzman 0-2 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Well if this is a sign of things to come, it could be an even more difficult night for Schwartzman than we thought. Not only does Nadal break the Argentine on his first offering, but pressures him throughout a 16-point service game where Schwartzman is made to save three break points before succumbing on the fourth after a grueling 16-shot rally from the baseline. You’re gonna need a bigger boat.
First set: *Schwartzman 0-1 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal breezes through his opening game with a hold at love.
Schwartzman and Nadal are making their way onto the court for tonight’s nightcap. Here’s a look at how they match up.
“This is honestly so crazy,” Andreescu says during her on-court interview. “A year ago I was in the (US Open) qualifying round. I remember I was suffering from a back injury. Now what I’ve accomplished this year, I’m honestly speechless. I need someone to pinch me right now. Is this real life?”
When asked where her composure comes from, the 19-year-old says: “I think it’s just the experience from playing these huge tournaments in the past year. I played in front of a huge crowd at Australia and Indian Wells and Toronto and I think all that experience is catching up.”
Updated
Andreescu wins 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 over Mertens!
Third set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 Mertens
Andreescu wins a point at the net and she’s three points from the semi-finals. She follows with an unforced error but then hits a 103mph ace out wide to move even closer. Another big serve that Mertens can’t return gives Andreescu a match point ... and she closes the show with a backhand winner down the line to book a place in the last four!
Andreescu breaks Mertens in eighth game of third set!
Third set: *Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 5-3 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Andreescu takes control of the first point on Mertens’ service game, winning it when the Belgian sends a backhand flying past the baseline. Mertens then hit’s an ace but it’s taken off the board after a challenge – followed promptly by a double fault for love-30. Another error gives Andreescu three break points. Mertens saves the first when the Canadian sends a backhand into the alleyway, then another when a forehand sails past the baseline. But the third time is the charm for Andreescu and she rips a punishing backhand return winner down the line for the break! The highest-ranked teenager on the tour will serve for the match!
Third set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 4-3 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Andreescu showing the slightest signs of fatigue in these muggy conditions, making an effort to shorten the points with more of a quick-strike game. But she holds at love and it’s Mertens’ turn to keep pace after the changeover.
So yes, #BiancaAndreescu’s mom is my new spirit animal. 😎 #usopen pic.twitter.com/UweJL9gE6Y
— Jonathan Scott (@jonscott9) September 5, 2019
Updated
Third set: *Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 3-3 Mertens (*denotes next server)
A chance for Andreescu now as Mertens falls behind 15-30 on her serve. She then rips a forehand winner down the line for double break point. Big moment. Mertens saves the first by winning a baseline rally when Andreescu sends a forehand into the net, then another with a beautifully constructed point ending with an overhand winner. Andreescu misfires on another attempted return winner, then hits an unreturnable serve for the crucial hold from 15-40 down.
Third set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 3-2 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Mertens pounces on a 92mph first serve out wide for a return winner, but Andreescu answers with a point at the net for 15-all. Andreescu then mixes in her third double fault of the match for 15-30 (which she challenges unsuccessfully), then rips a cross-court winner into the corner that Mertens can barely get a racket on for 30-all. Andreescu then crushes a 111mph service winner – her fastest serve of the night so far – and follows with another point at the net to hold. Mertens to serve at 2-3 coming out of the changeover.
Third set: *Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 2-2 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Mertens, who’s been made to labor in her previous two service games, gets a much-needed easy love hold.
Third set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 2-1 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Andreescu finds herself in a spot of trouble down 15-30 after her 26th and 27th unforced errors of the night (compared to 32 winners). But she follows with three quick points to hold and the players will change ends.
Third set: *Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 1-1 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Andreescu sets up another point on Mertens’ serve with a drop shot, then misses a volley at the net for 15-all. The Canadian then rips a winner early in the point to apply more pressure at 15-30, but Mertens is able to fight back for deuce. A crucial moment early in the third. Mertens follows by returning an Andreescu overhead with a backhand winner down the line, but Andreescu answers with a backhand winner from the baseline for a second deuce. Mertens then blinks first in a 10-shot baseline rally, but saves the break point with a 106mph ace out wide for deuce once more. Mertens hits a 116mph ace down the middle for an apparent game point, but Andreescu successfully challenges it and it’s off the board. Deuce. An unforced error by Mertens off the backhand gives Andreescu another break-point chance and the Belgian saves that one, too. Deuce number four. Andreescu then loads up on an attempted return winner off a 77mph second serve by Mertens, but sends it into the tramlines ... and Mertens follows with a backhand winner on the 14th point of the game to hold. On serve early in the decider.
Third set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 1-0 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Andreescu holds comfortably to open the third set, capping it off with a backhand volley winner set up with a lovely drop shot.
Both players have left the court for a gear change ahead of the third set. Here’s a promising stat for Andreescu supporters. The Canadian has played 42 tour-level matches in her career to date. Nineteen of those went the full three-set distance. Andreescu won 13 of those 19, including nine coming from a set down.
Andreescu wins second set, 6-2!
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2 Mertens
Mertens double-faults and watches Andreescu rip a forehand winner for 30-love. The Belgian then falls behind 15-40, but saves a pair of break points (and set points) with a couple of big serves for deuce. An unforced error by Mertens off the backhand gives Andreescu a third set point and this time she converts with a picture-perfect forehand into the corner. We’re heading to a decider!
Updated
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 5-2 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Two quick points for Andreescu including a forehand winner at the net, where she’s 15 of 19 on the night. Mertens pulls one back on a forced error, but Andreescu rips her 22nd winner followed by a service winner to consolidate the break. She’s won 10 of the last 11 points and Mertens will now serve to stay in the second set.
Andreescu breaks in sixth game of second set!
Second set: *Andreescu 3-6, 4-2 Mertens (*denotes next server)
A golden chance for Andreescu as Mertens plays a few loose points to fall behind love-40. And the Canadian breaks at love with a blistering cross-court forehand that her opponent can barely stab at.
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 3-2 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Andreescu makes her second double fault of the night then falls behind love-30 with another unforced error. Danger zone. But the Canadian digs in and wins four straight points, including a crushing forehand winner to hold.
Second set: *Andreescu 3-6, 2-2 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Andreescu showing a bit of fire as Mertens falls behind 15-40 on her serve, but the Belgian coolly saves both. Mertens then holds with a winner up the line after Andreescu overhits a forehand at deuce.
Mertens breaks in third game of second set!
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 2-1 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Andreescu opens with an overhand winner and she’s won the last six points. But Mertens takes the next three in a row on a forehand winner and a pair of Andreescu unforced errors and the Belgian will have two changes to get the break right back. Another botched sliced backhand by the Canadian on the next point and we’re back on level terms in the second.
Andreescu breaks in second game of second set!
Second set: *Andreescu 3-6, 2-0 Mertens (*denotes next server)
A chance here for Andreescu as Mertens goes love-30 down. Then a first double fault of the night for Belgian and Andreescu will have three break-point opportunities. She needs only the first as Mertens dumps a forehand into the net from the middle of the court and Andreescu is out in front in the secon.
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 1-0 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Andreescu opens the second set with her first double fault of the night, then wins three straight points and seems on her way to a stress-free hold. But Mertens follows with a backhand winner to win a 12-stroke exchage, then Andreescu makes another miscue at the net for deuce. Before it can get too hairy, the Canadian hits her 13th and 14th winners of the night to hold.
Updated
Mertens wins first set, 6-3!
First set: Andreescu 3-6 Mertens
Mertens holds at love and she’s halfway home after 38 minutes. The No 25 seed won 21 of 27 points (77.7%) on her serve in the opener, including nine of 11 (81.8%) on her second serve. Her nine sets at this year’s US Open: 6-2, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3.
First set: Andreescu 3-5 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
An easy service game for Andreescu, who holds at love and hits three forehand winners on the way. Mertens to serve for the opener.
First set: *Andreescu 2-5 Mertens (*denotes next server)
It’s another easy hold for Mertens, who’s won 12 of 15 points on her serve after getting pushed in her opening service game. Andreescu will serve to stay in the first set after the changeover.
First set: Andreescu 2-4 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Mertens, returning with aggression and accuracy, wins a pair of quick points including a second return winner and Andreescu is love-30 down. The Belgian has won 14 of the last 17 points and is playing far more solid tennis in the early going. She makes an unforced error on the next point but then hits a highlight-reel backhand pass winner after chasing down an Andreescu drop shot for 15-40 and a pair of break points. Andreescu saves the first with a 93mph second serve to Mertens’ forehand, then another with a 101mph service winner down the winner for deuce punctuated with a enthusaistic “Come on!” The Canadian follows with an overhand winner at the net, but Mertens gets it back to deuce when Andreescu overcooks a backhand again. Mertens then rips a forehand winner from the baseline for a third break-point chance in this game, but she mishits a volley on the next point and we’re back to deuce. Andreescu saves a fourth break point moments later with a 97mph ace out wide, her first of the night. Then wins two quick points to escape with the hold after a 14-point game. It’s been a battle for the Canadian early on as Mertens has been completely dialed in, but she’s only a break down.
Updated
First set: *Andreescu 1-4 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Mertens falls behind 15-30 after three quick points and Andreescu may have a chance to break right back. But the Belgians rattles off three in a row, including an 11th unforced error by the Canadian on game point, to consolidate the break as the players change ends. Andreescu’s timing on the return seems off in the early going, but there’s time still to right the ship.
Mertens breaks in fourth game of first set!
First set: Andreescu 1-3 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Mertens continues to take the return early Andreescu makes her sixth and seventh unforced errors on the night, both off the backhand side, to fall behind 15-30. The Belgian then gets the best of a 10-stroke rally and she will have a pair of break points on Andreescu’s serve. She only needs one as Andreescu dumps a volley into the net on the approach to draw first blood in the opener.
First set: *Andreescu 1-2 Mertens (*denotes next server)
It’s an easy love hold for Mertens, who’s gotten four of her last six first serves in after only one of her first six.
First set: Andreescu 1-1 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Andreescu hits a pair of forehand winners, but Mertens steps in and takes the ball early on the next point and hits a forehand winner for 30-15. Andreescu follows with a forehand winner from the baseline, then a service winner for a comfortable first hold.
First set: *Andreescu 0-1 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Andreescu has an immediate opportunity as Mertens quickly loses the first two points to fall behind love-30 on her serve, the second on an 18-stroke rally capped by a forehand winner by the Canadian. Mertens then goes down 15-40 and Andreescu has a couple of break points. The Belgian saves the first when Andreescu tries and fails for a big return winner, then another when the Canadian makes an unforced error with the forehand. Mertens than rattles off two points in fast order to hold in her opening service game.
The players have made their way from the tunnel onto the court as Ashe continues to fill. It’s another muggy night on the grounds: 82F (28C) with 64% humidity as the sun descends over the Manhattan skyline.
The quarter-finalists now come together at the net for the coin toss. Mertens calls heads, it comes up tails and Andreescu elects to receive. We should be under way shortly from the world’s largest tennis stadium.
Tale of the tape: Andreescu v Mertens
Here’s a look at how Andreescu and Mertens match up ahead of tonight’s first quarter-final. They’ve combined to drop only one set at this year’s US Open, though Mertens has spent 20 minutes less time on court per match against a far better class of opponent based on their WTA rankings. Tonight’s winner advances a semi-final clash in Thursday’s nightcap on Ashe against 13th-seeded Belinda Bencic, who came through earlier today with a straight-sets win over Donna Vekić.
Updated
A quick scheduling note as we wait for Ashe to open for the night session. Thursday’s preliminary order of play is out and the times for the women’s semi-final double-header have been set. No 5 Elina Svitolina will meet No 8 Serena Williams at 7pm local time on Ashe, followed by No 13 Belinda Bencic and either Andreescu or Mertens.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to Arthur Ashe Stadium for tonight’s US Open quarter-final doubleheader. We’ve got a pair of delicious matches in store with Canada’s Bianca Andreescu facing Belgium’s Elise Mertens and Spain’s Rafael Nadal meeting Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman, both for places in the semi-finals later this week.
We may have a bit of a delayed start for tonight’s women’s opener as the third men’s quarter-final between Mattero Berrettini and Gael Monfils has only just ended on Ashe with the 24th-seeded Berrettini winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5) in a thriller that lasted nearly four hours. The day session crowd will need to exit the main show court before the night session mass is admitted and the players are called on court.
Plenty to come between now and then. Thanks for following along with us.
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime here’s Kevin Mitchell’s column off Roger Federer’s shock defeat to Grigor Dimitrov last night.
