And here is Tumaini Carayol’s latest bulletin – reaction from Emma Raducanu:
That’s all from me today: thanks for reading, for emailing and tweeting, as always. Well done Emma Raducanu and roll on the semi-finals ...
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And finally, from Raducanu, the first British woman to reach the last four of the US Open since Jo Durie in 1983: “I’ve actually got no idea about any of the records, at all. It was the first time I heard today that I was the first qualifier to make the semis, I had no idea before that... I’m not here to chase any records right now. I’m just taking care of what I can do on the moment, and on the match ahead. I haven’t even started thinking about the next one yet.
“Off the court I’m a pretty relaxed person. I don’t really stress out about many things. One day there was bad traffic getting in, because of the hurricane the night before, and yeah, I was saying to my coach, ‘It’s OK if I miss the practice’ ... and they were all like: ‘What do you mean if we’ve missed practice!’ But I trust myself, and it’s all mental at the end of the day.”
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Raducanu continues: “The calmness and the mental strength comes from my upbringing. I think my parents have both instilled in me from a very young age to definitely have a positive attitude on court ... when I was younger, it was definitely an absolute no-go if I had any sort of bad attitude. So from a young age, I definitely learned that, and it’s followed me until now. When you’re serving out a match on such a big stage, to go into your first semi-finals of a slam, you definitely need a sense of calm to get through that moment, especially I was 0-30, to just reset and focus on what I could control, like, I knew exactly what patterns I was going to play ... I was just very focused and in the moment. I wasn’t getting ahead of myself.”
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Raducanu is asked about established British players helping her development: “Andy [Murray] has quite often, on occasion, spoken to me and I’ve actually hit with him two times, which was really good for me to see his ball speed and how good he is, and I’ve played mixed doubles against him.”
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Raducanu adds: “If I take care of what I control, it’s going to give me the best chance. I like to take it day by day ... it’s got me to this stage, and I’m not going to change anything.”
Raducanu, speaking earlier in her press conference: “I didn’t expect to be here at all. I think my flights were booked at the end of qualifying. It’s a nice problem to have. I’m just really enjoying the experience. Out there on the court today, I was saying to myself, this could be the last time you play on ‘Ashe’, so just go for it and enjoy everything.
“I think to compare yourself and your results against anyone, is probably, like, the thief of happiness. Everyone is doing their own thing ... I didn’t compete for 18 months, but here I am, it just shows that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible.”
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Some more reaction from Emma Raducanu coming up very shortly ...
The five men remaining in the men’s singles draw:
One of these men will win the #USOpen title:
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2021
🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic
🇷🇺 Daniil Medvedev
🇩🇪 Alexander Zverev
🇮🇹 Matteo Berrettini
🇨🇦 Felix Auger-Aliassime
There appeared to be no animosity between Zverev and Harris at the end of the match. However, it would be interesting to know exactly what unfolded before that crucial point in the tiebreak, when Harris was serving for the first set. Zverev, I believe, was continuing his complaints about the big screen on court, which had been distracting him. But did he need to raise it at that specific point? Harris was clearly furious after the tiebreak, but perhaps he was more annoyed with himself. Zverev and Harris were laughing together when they cleared up his drink. In summary: I don’t know exactly what happened, but it looked like gamesmanship from Zverev to me.
1️⃣6️⃣ wins in a row for @AlexZverev 👏
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 8, 2021
🎥: @usopen pic.twitter.com/QkOBCpMroq
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Zverev will play the winner of Djokovic v Berrettini (which is later today) in the last four. Auger-Aliassime v Medvedev is the other semi-final.
Zverev, who has now won 16 matches in a row, speaks: “I’m happy to be through in three ... He started playing some incredible tennis [towards the end] ... I played the final here last year in front of exactly six people, so that was a little bit weird for me ... the world is going slowly back to normality [after Covid] so thank you guys for all your support.”
And what about Djokovic v Berrettini later on? “I am going to watch it ... like everyone else, I guess.”
Zverev beats Harris in straight sets: 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-3!
Zverev starts with an ace at around 130mph. There’s a long rally which makes it 30-0, Harris eventually hitting long, before the South African finds an incredible winning return from outside the tramlines on his forehand side for 30-15. Zverev gets a match point - and hammers an ace down to win it.
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Zverev* 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-4 Harris (*denotes next server). BOOM! Harris crushes another forehand down the line, at 40-30, and seals another hold with a clean winner. But the problem is, Zverev can now serve for the match. On the plus side for Harris, he’s now playing at a very good level, certainly enough to capitalise on any tightness from Zverev as he tries to get over the line – and into the semi-final.
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A great shot of Emma Raducanu’s winning moment from the official US Open Twitter:
That feeling when you make history 🤯@EmmaRaducanu becomes the first qualifier EVER to reach the #USOpen semifinals! pic.twitter.com/HiNeSTQSiY
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2021
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Zverev 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-3 Harris* (*denotes next server). Whoah! Harris digs out a lovely inside-out forehand winner for 30-30 on the Zverev serve. Zverev plays a no-nonsense point to make it 40-30, running down a short ball from Harris and thumping it into the corner with authority. Harris, though, is getting that forehand warmed up properly now and strikes a sweet winner cross-court to force it to deuce. On second serve, Zverev goes for broke, and hits it at 129mph!!! It’s an ace. And he takes the game. But Harris is present again, staying in the moment, hitting the ball early and with confidence. If only he could have re-found this level soon after the first set.
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Zverev* 7-6 (6), 6-3, 4-3 Harris (*denotes next server). Harris seals a speedy service hold with an ace, and we have a set on our hands. If Harris can win the set, then we have a match on our hands, too. Harris remains a break down but now he’s in the match. The stadium DJ drops ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’ by Guns’n’Roses as the players take a drink and a pat down with a towel.
Zverev 7-6 (6), 6-3, 4-2 Harris* (*denotes next server). With impeccable dramatic timing, Harris produces a break of serve, seemingly from nowhere, suddenly striking the ball with more authority and perhaps a bit of that at-least-I-will-go-down-fighting mentality.
Some reaction on Twitter to Raducanu’s wonderful win earlier:
Anyone else love to see a Raducanu vs Fernandez final 🙋🏼♀️🔥
— Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) September 8, 2021
Ridiculously impressive performance (again!). Massive well done to Emma and her team. https://t.co/qTIvO80dFQ
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) September 8, 2021
What a performance from @EmmaRaducanu to become the 1st qualifier to make the @usopen semifinals. She broke down the Bencic forehand and has a real chance to win her 1st major. Wow!
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) September 8, 2021
The journey continues tomorrow.
What a performance. What a triumph. What a future. 18 year old @EmmaRaducanu is through to the semifinals of the US Open. Stunning. Well played. 👏🏻👏🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) September 8, 2021
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Zverev* 7-6 (6), 6-3, 4-1 Harris (*denotes next server). Harris gets on the board, and sits down for a drink. It would be some turnaround if he walks off this court as a US Open semi-finalist, such has been the match’s one-sided nature since a very competitive first set.
Zverev 7-6 (6), 6-3, 4-0 Harris* (*denotes next server). Zverev leathers down an ace or two, and it’s 4-0. “I think Lloyd Harris wants to get in the locker room,” says Martina Navratilova. “He’s just gotten discombobulated by that sequence at the end of the first set,” observes Jim Courier. He sure has.
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Zverev* 7-6 (6), 6-3, 3-0 Harris (*denotes next server). As I said, this is going to be over pretty quickly. Regardless of whether Zverev edged through the first set with a dash of gamesmanship – Harris has learned a lesson here, I would say, about the importance of keeping your composure in these big matches. He hasn’t really been in the game since it happened. It’s all in marked contrast to Raducanu’s debut quarter-final appearance earlier, when she stayed calm in the face on an onslaught by Bencic, and eventually imposed her will on match and opponent.
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Zverev 7-6 (6), 6-3, 2-0 Harris* (*denotes next server). Another comfy hold for Zverev and at this rate, this is going to be over pretty quickly. Zverev is, however, now down to 71% of first serves in. Harris has made 20 unforced errors to Zverev’s 17.
Zverev* 7-6 (6), 6-3, 1-0 Harris (*denotes next server). And just like that, Harris virtually gifts Zverev a break to open the third set. The South African looks downhearted – which may be because Zverev is putting him under pressure – but you cannot escape the suspicion that Harris is beating himself here, first and foremost. Zverev races to 0-40, and to give him his due, Harris fights back to 30-40, but Zverev closes it out.
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Can Lloyd Harris shake off the disruption of that first-set tiebreak, move past it, and start to produce his best tennis again? It would not have done him any good to lose his temper like that, and it’s cost him in terms of his performance levels. Let’s hope, from a neutral’s perspective, he can fight back in this third set ...
Zverev wins the second set! 7-6 (6), 6-3
A slightly nervy end to the set from both players, with the first-serve percentage reducing on both sides of the net. Anyway, Zverev is two sets to the good, and a set away from a place in the semi-finals.
“It was a bit of a zookeeper’s bucket of a set from Zverev,” remarks Mark Petchey, who is court-side for Amazon Prime. Meaning: It was a mess.
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Here is Bryan Armen Graham, reflecting on Emma Raducanu’s victory over Belinda Bencic and her progress into the last four of the women’s singles:
Zverev* 7-6 (6), 5-3 Harris (*denotes next server). A sweet cushioned volley by Harris rounds out his latest service hold and now Zverev, the German, will serve for the second set.
Zverev 7-6 (6), 5-2 Harris* (*denotes next server). Zverev, who has 78% of first serves in across the match, moves into a higher gear, takes another service hold, and is one game away from a two-set lead.
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Zverev* 7-6 (6), 4-2 Harris (*denotes next server). And it was a comfortable hold for Harris.
Everyone was watching Emma Raducanu earlier: even Liam Gallagher:
Congratulations to Emma Raducanu c’mon
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) September 8, 2021
Zverev 7-6 (6), 4-1 Harris* (*denotes next server). Zverev eases to another service hold, and the players sit down for a drink on a hot day at Flushing Meadows. Harris could use a nice, simple service hold up next.
Zverev* 7-6 (6), 3-1 Harris (*denotes next server). Harris is on the verge of holding to love, but then Zverev fashions a ludicrously well-judged drop shot to deny his opponent a regulation hold. However, Harris closes the game out from 40-15 and he is on the board in the second set.
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Zverev 7-6 (6), 3-0 Harris* (*denotes next server). A comfortable hold for Zverev, and it would be a shame if Harris fades away now after missing his chances to win the first set. This is uncharted territory for Harris. When he envisaged how the match might unfold, I reckon throwing his drink across the court after losing the first set, and enlisting the help of his opponent to clear up, would not have featured in his thoughts.
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Zverev* 7-6 (6), 2-0 Harris (*denotes next server). Zverev breaks! Last year’s beaten finalist is warming up a bit now, and this game features a breathtaking on-the-run down-the-line winner from the German. He grabs the break with an unforced error by Harris.
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Zverev 7-6 (6), 1-0 Harris* (*denotes next server). The German, having squeezed through the first set for the win, holds comfortably to open the second set.
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After Harris angrily threw a bottle of sports drink across the court, we now have the bizarre scene of Zverev, Harris and some of the ball boys and girls using towels to dry up Harris’s spilt drink. The two players even seem to be sharing a joke, despite the fact that Harris was livid at the delay during the tiebreak. Zverev’s problem - as he explained at length to the umpire - is that the on-court big screen was changing/showing replays during play. He may well have a fair complaint there, but also, it may have been straight gamesmanship in holding up the match when Harris was serving at set point in the tiebreak. That said, I’m not even sure if that specific delay was caused by the umpire being on the phone, or Zverev complaining about the big screen. It’s something the players will be asked about after the match, no doubt.
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Zverev wins the first set! (7-6, 8-6 tiebreak)
A shame for Harris, who had his chances, and was unlucky there was such a long delay before a massive point when he was serving for the tiebreak. Harris is furious, and has thrown his drink across the court. Mark Petchey says Harris is angry that Zverev delayed the tiebreak.
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It’s 6-6 in the tiebreak. He missed his chance when serving for the set, and now Harris misses his chance to win the tiebreak, serving at 6-5 up. There was a long delay before the point, with the umpire again seeming to be on the phone to sort out what is coming up on to the big screen.
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Zverev leads 4-2 in the first-set tiebreak at the latest change of ends.
After a point of the tiebreak, Zverev makes a strong complaint to the umpire about the on-court big screen being changed while he is serving, which distracted him. On commentary, Martina Navratilova has plenty of sympathy for Zverev – “You don’t let people move, why would you change the screen?” The umpire gets on the blower to sort it out.
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Zverev 6-6 Harris (*denotes next server). Zverev holds comfortably and it’s a tiebreak to decide the first set.
Zverev* 5-6 Harris (*denotes next server). As this first set develops, the players are warming to their task, and the rallies are lengthening and becoming a test of endurance as well as no little skill. There’s a fantastic passing winner from Harris in the latest game, after a long rally, although Zverev forces him to 30-30. Zverev soon dumps a forehand into the net, at 40-30, and he swishes his racket against the floor in frustration as Harris takes the game. Again, Zverev must serve to stay in the set and force a tiebreak.
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Zverev 5-5 Harris* (*denotes next server). The German rediscovers his range with his first serve and holds comfortably. All square in the first set.
Zverev* 4-5 Harris (*denotes next server). Harris fluffs his lines while serving for the set, just a little, and Zverev is able to hit straight back with a break of his own. Zverev will serve to stay in this first set.
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Read Tumaini Carayol’s report of that magnificent win for Emma Raducanu against Belinda Bencic earlier on:
Zverev 3-5 Harris* (*denotes next server). Harris breaks! Zverev hits long to hand him two break points at 15-40, and Harris nails a forehand winner when it really matters. He will serve for the first set. Surprising, in view of how well Zverev had been serving for most of this first set. Harris, playing in his first grand slam quarter-final, is rising to the occasion and has hit 11 winners to Zverev’s 10 at this stage.
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Zverev* 3-4 Harris (*denotes next server). Ace after ace raining down on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Harris holds with ease and now has six aces to Zverev’s five.
Zverev 3-3 Harris* (*denotes next server). Zverev has hit five aces already and has 81% of his first serves in. He breezes through another service game with some powerful deliveries that Lloyd can’t get back.
*Correction, that score initially said 2-2, it’s 3-2 to Lloyd in the first set.
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Zverev* 2-3 Harris (*denotes next server). Lloyd does remarkably well to save two break points, bringing it back to deuce, then crashes an ace down the middle to set up his advantage. Staying cool and collected, he thumps a forehand winner down the line, and that’s a very gutsy hold.
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Zverev 2-2 Harris* (*denotes next server). Zverev tonks down a couple of aces and holds to love. He is averaging around 130mph with his first serves. The shadow across the court has now shifted to stretch across the length of the court from baseline to baseline, rather than across the net, as it was for the start of Raducanu’s earlier match. Which must be a little off-putting for the players.
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Zverev* 1-2 Harris (*denotes next server). A second comfy hold for Harris. Zverev and Harris have met each other twice before, and Zverev has won both.
Zverev 1-1 Harris* (*denotes next server). Zverev saves a break point, and eventually holds for 1-1 agains the 24-year-old from Cape Town, who is ranked No 48 in the world.
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Zverev* 0-1 Harris (*denotes next server). Harris holds to begin proceedings against Zverev, as I try to regain my composure following that memorable - dare I say historic - victory for Raducanu.
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Now, we are straight into the men’s singles quarter-final, with Lloyd Harris of South Africa serving first against the fourth seed, Alexander Zverev – the losing finalist last year.
Just a phenomenal all-round performance from Raducanu. It wasn’t the best of starts – but who wouldn’t be nervous, at the age of 18, in a first grand slam semi-final? (And perhaps it’s doing a disservice to Raducanu to suggest it was nerves, anyway: she spoke about Bencic’s power unsettling her early on, and how she adapted to it.) The most remarkable thing? Once Raducanu had settled into the match, Bencic simply had no answer. Raducanu dominated from the middle of the first set onwards, even though Bencic bravely continued to try to take the initiative. Raducanu’s movement and willingness to keep taking her shots on was too much. Amazing stuff.
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“From one Bromley resident to the Bromley Barnstormer, Emma Raducanu,” emails Mike Nagle. “We are incredibly proud of you. Well done so far & good luck in the semi. We are all behind you wishing you great success in the US & onwards. Fantastic.”
Raducanu will face either Karolina Pliskova (4) or Maria Sakkari (17) in the semi-final. Pliskova and Sakkari will be on court later.
Laylah Fernandez will play Aryna Sabalenka in the last four on the other side of the draw.
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Jo Durie was the last British woman to reach the last four of the US Open in 1983. Virginia Wade managed it in 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1975. Ann Jones did it in 1968. And that’s it: only three other British women aside from Raducanu have reached this stage of the tournament.
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A look of slight disbelief - and complete joy - on Raducanu’s face after she won match point:
- 18 years old
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) September 8, 2021
- Had to qualify
- First #USOpen
- 0 sets dropped
Believe it @EmmaRaducanu, you're in the semi-finals! pic.twitter.com/kq07nWwjtN
What a moment.
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Raducanu is the first qualifier ever to reach the US Open semi-finals:
😮
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 8, 2021
On her debut in New York, @EmmaRaducanu has become the first qualifier ever to reach the #USOpen semi-finals🌟 pic.twitter.com/XMXGAm5iNB
More from Raducanu’s post-match thoughts - she is asked about how she closed out the match: “I was 0-30 in my last couple of service games, so to hold was pretty big. It was literally one point at a time, trying to focus on what I can control, my serve, landing first serve. Belinda’s an incredibly tough opponent, but I’m just really pleased to come through that.”
Raducanu is asked if the success of Leylah Fernandez has inspired her: “Yeah to have so many young players here, doing so well, it just shows how strong the next generation is. Leylah is doing incredibly well, she’s really nice, she was handing out cupcakes for her 19th birthday ... everyone’s on their trajectory, I’m just here, taking care of what I can control, and it’s my journey at the end of the day.”
Jim Courier, speaking with fellow pundit Tim Henman on the court: “Tim was a huge assist for Emma,” he says with a smile on his face. “At 30-30 and 5-3, she didn’t look at her team, she looked over at Tim for at least five seconds, what did you say?”
“I said win two more points and you’ll be fine. It was high-level coaching,” quips Henman.
Raducanu speaks, and is asked how she fought back from 3-1 down in the first set: “Of course, I mean playing Belinda, she’s such a great opponent ... her ball speed definitely caught me off guard, she hits the ball so hard, and I had to adjust and adapt. I’m just so happy to come through, [addressing the crowd] thank you for all your support today.
“I’ve got an absolutely amazing team here with me ... and an amazing team back home ... I’m sure they were watching – I hope?”
Asked to address her team in the UK, she adds: “Thank you so much everyone ... I wish you could be here with me, but honestly everything we’ve been working for, it showed here, so thank you so much.”
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Emma Raducanu beats Belinda Bencic: 6-3, 6-4! She is in the semi-finals!
Raducanu is into the semi-finals of the US Open! Raducanu, at the end of a long opening rally, dumps a forehand into the net for 0-15. A double fault, her second of the match, and it’s swiftly 0-30. Bencic, however, has another gift for Raducanu, hitting long for 15-30. Raducanu moves in on a short sliced ball by Bencic and easily puts away the winner for 30-30. A stunning serve out wide, which Bencic cannot reach, brings her first match point. A second serve ... and she’s done it! She drops her racket, and smiles, and waves to the crowd as Bencic crosses to her side of the net for a hug. An absolutely phenomenal performance from Raducanu, who kept taking her shots on at the key moments, stayed aggressive, and she is into the last four of the US Open.
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Raducanu* 6-3, 5-4 Bencic (*denotes next server). Raducanu, using her superb pace and movement around the court, defends determinedly and grinds out the first point of the game. She does the same again on the second point, but Bencic does well to win it with a clean winner. A mishit from Bencic next up, however, and it’s 15-30 ... but she drags it back to 30-30 with a powerful, flat, deep serve out wide which Raducanu only just gets her racket on but can’t possibly get back. Raducanu is all over the second serve, next up, but fires it into the net. Bencic aces for the game – and Raducanu will serve for the match ...
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Raducanu 6-3, 5-3 Bencic* (*denotes next server). A deep return to start, from Bencic, and Raducanu can’t get it back. 0-15. A double fault from Raducanu, her first of the match, then brings up 0-30. Bencic, however, seems confused by a slower first serve by Raducanu and hits long. She hits long again for 30-30 and crashes her racket against the floor in frustration. Another good first serve from Raducanu and she’s 40-30 up - and then another - and it’s the game and the British player is a a single game away from a place in the last four.
Raducanu* 6-3, 4-3 Bencic (*denotes next server). Another double by Bencic brings up a break point - effectivey a match point - for Raducanu. A lovely volley at the net from Bencic saves the game point, then another excellent drop volley in the next point sets up game point for Bencic. She takes the game. The Swiss simply had to win that, and immense respect to her from digging it out.
Raducanu 6-3, 4-2 Bencic* (*denotes next server). Raducanu races to 40-0, but Bencic somehow manages to find a fine winner to the corner to make it 40-15. Bencic comes forward again – she has to at this stage – on the next point and Raducanu can only find the net for 40-30. Next up, attacking Raducanu’s second serve, Bencic goes for a big cross-court winner – it flicks the top of the net and bounces out and Raducanu leads 4-2! Wonderful stuff.
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Raducanu* 6-3, 3-2 Bencic (*denotes next server). At 0-30 down, Bencic crafts another wonderful point to fight back to 15-30. But Raducanu then destroys a second serve with another clean winner to create two break points ... and Bencic double faults! Raducanu is a set and a break up and is on course for the semi-final! Bencic is crumbling, it would seem, in the face of this onslaught from her young opponent.
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Raducanu 6-3, 2-2 Bencic* (*denotes next server). A good, powerful first serve, first up from Raducanu. Bencic hits long on the next point for 0-30, but then produces a thunderous, angled forehand winner from the baseline to make it 15-30. She works the angles in the next point and wrong-foots Raducanu and sends a winner into the opposite corner to that of the previous point. Under a little pressure at 30-30, Raducanu sends a serve out wide, and it just touches the line for 40-30. Raducanu closes out the game and we are all square in the second. Again, Raducanu showing no hesitation to take the attacking option when lesser players would fade.
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Raducanu* 6-3, 1-2 Bencic (*denotes next server). Bencic begins to find her range with her first serve, and she holds to love. Bencic has just 54% of first serves in, although that has improved markedly since the first set. Raducanu has 61% of first serves in. Raducanu, meanwhile, has hit 16 clean winners to Bencic’s nine.
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Raducanu 6-3, 1-1 Bencic* (*denotes next server). Bencic forces her way to 15-40 on Raducanu’s serve. At 30-40, though, Raducanu hits a couple of expansive, confident forehands, working the angles brilliantly again, and brings it back to deuce. Bencic doesn’t mess about with another second serve, though, and crunches a double-handed backhand winner to force another break point. Raducanu fires back immediately with a strong first serve that Bencic puts into the net. Raducanu closes out the game, however. That was very, very cool and calm from Raducanu to bring it back from 15-40 - instead of tightening up under pressure, she kept taking her shots on, and is rewarded with an early hold in the second set.
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Raducanu* 6-3, 0-1 Bencic (*denotes next server). At 15-15, Bencic double-faults. Raducanu climbs into her second serve at 15-30, and forces her way into the ascendancy in the following rally. She opens up the court efficiently, but chooses to hit back down the line where Bencic is waiting, and the Swiss passes her for parity in the first game of the second set. That was arguably a mistake from Raducanu and Bencic closes out the game. Still, the young British player is creating opportunities and has continues the late first-set trend of putting her opponent’s serve under plenty of pressure. A big hold for Bencic nonetheless.
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Thankfully it was a speedy break from Bencic, rather than a Tsitsipas-style epic, and we are under way for the second set, with Bencic serving first.
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Bencic has left the court. Tim Henman speaks about Raducanu’s comeback win in that set: “It’s her resilience, her maturity, she doesn’t panic ... Bencic didn’t give her anything [early in the set], but it was a big game to hold at 2-1 ... Raducanu has certainly rocked the boat.”
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Raducanu wins the first set against Bencic: 6-3!
Simply stunning. Raducanu was on the back foot, in a big way, in that set in the face of some determined, accurate hitting from her opponent. But she settled herself down and was the superior player by the end of the set, fighting back from 3-1 down to take it 6-3.
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“I’ve got sweaters that are older than Emma,” observes Mark Petchey on commentary, as a means of illustrating how remarkably well she is playing for an 18-year-old.
Raducanu* 5-3 Bencic* (*denotes next server). This is the Raducanu that has burst on to the scene this summer! Another break! She dictates the first rally of the game and smacks a lovely winner down the line for 0-15. Bencic, however, is having none of it and hits straight back with a powerful, deep double-handed backhand that Raducanu has no hope of getting back. At 15-15, Bencic sends another one deep into the court that Raducanu can only dump into the net in response. When it looks like Bencic has grappled the momentum back, however, her opponent roars back into the contest and fashions another break point ... Bencic gets it back to deuce, and then by far the best rally of the match ends with a clean Raducanu winner down the line. Brilliant. She gets a stroke of luck with a ball that flicks off the net on the break point, but anyway, Raducanu wins it - and she is a game away from winning the first set of this quarter-final.
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Raducanu 4-3 Bencic* (*denotes next server). A huge hold of serve for Raducanu. To start, she sends successive shots long for 0-30 to Bencic: one an attempted lob, one a regulation shot from the baseline, and suddenly the British player is on the back foot again. She continues to struggle with her first serve, too, but fights back to 30-30, and then a sumptuous cross-court winner brings 40-30 after a slightly mishit return by Bencic. That brings a fist-pump and a ‘Come on!’ from Raducanu in the direction of her team. She crunches a big forehand to the corner, Bencic can only find the net in trying to get it back, and from 0-30 down, Raducanu takes the game leads in the first set, for the first time!
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Raducanu* 3-3 Bencic (*denotes next server). Raducanu breaks back! An artful winner down the line, after a fine return deep into the corner, creates a glimmer of a chance at 0-15 for Raducanu. Bencic fires back for 15-15, but then hits fractionally long on the next point, and Raducanu has meaningful pressure on her opponent’s serve for the first time. Bencic coolly slams a winner out wide on her forehand for 30-30, before Raducanu gets on top in a baseline rally, her movement noticeably improving from early in the set, and forces an error and the break point. Raducanu’s eyes light up with a chance to hit a down-the-line winner to seal the game but she completely mishits it off the frame of her racket and it balloons up high over the court. Bencic, clearly feeling pressure for the first time, swiftly double faults to hand Raducanu another break point ... and she gets it as Bencic finds the net! We are all square.
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Raducanu 2-3 Bencic* (*denotes next server). A strong hold of serve from Raducanu, who has visibly settled into this match. Bencic seemed to be distracted by some movement in the crowd during one point in that game, but it had no effect overall: Raducanu holds to love but she needs that break back.
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Raducanu* 1-3 Bencic (*denotes next server). Raducanu’s plan is clearly to take it to Bencic and force her on to the back foot. She doesn’t want to let her opponent settle, but at the moment she’s missing too often when trying to work the angles and go for the corners. Bencic holds easily and opens up a two-game lead in the first set.
Raducanu 1-2 Bencic* (*denotes next server). A confident, clean cross-court winner from Raducanu helps to bring up 40-0. Raducanu chooses to attack the net on the next point, and Bencic passes her down the line with dismissive ease. Another fine winner from Bencic makes it 40-30, but then a solid serve from Raducanu, and a mishit from the Swiss, and the British player is on the board at 2-1.
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Raducanu* 0-2 Bencic (*denotes next server). Raducanu finds her way into a baseline rally at 0-15 on Bencic’s second serve, and crushes a wonderful forehand winner into the corner down the line. That looks the perfect opportunity to try and put pressure on her opponent’s serve, but Raducanu gives up another couple of cheap points and Bencic holds easily despite not managing to get a first serve in.
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First set: Raducanu 0-1 Bencic* (*denotes next server). Bencic races to 0-40 in Raducanu’s first service game, through a combination of wayward hitting from Raducanu, and some aggressive returning and baseline hitting from Bencic. Raducanu saves one break point with an ace, but puts a forehand into the net in the next rally, and Bencic claims the early break. That’s a tremendous, positive start from Bencic and a slightly nervy one from Raducanu, which needless to say, is entirely understandable.
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Here we go. Raducanu to serve first. The British player’s side of the court is in the shade, while Bencic’s is bathed in sunshine.
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Tim Henman is at the side of the court for Amazon Prime and is asked about his memories of his debut grand slam quarter-final: “There’s nervous excitement that goes with it ... you’ve got to embrace those nerves, think about your footwork early on ... you’ve got to control the controllables ... When we reflect on how well she’s playing and how well she is striking the ball ... I’m quietly confident on the side of the court here.”
Two minutes until lift-off.
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The players are out on the court. Raducanu comes out first and looks relaxed as she smiles and waves to the fans. There aren’t many people in Arthur Ashe Stadium right now but it will surely fill up.
As Tumaini pointed out in his preview, and as mentioned here by the US Open official Twitter, Raducanu has dropped just 15 games in four rounds. It’s remarkable form.
🇬🇧 @EmmaRaducanu has dropped just 15 games in the first four rounds.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2021
Her domination is only equalled by Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka in recent years...
Read more 👇
Andy Murray is asked what his advice for Raducanu would be: “A lot of people would say go out there and enjoy it ... I think it’s quite difficult to do that ... there is no question that Emma will feel pressure, she will feel nervous ... it’s important that her team speak to her about that, and how she’s going to deal with that ... losing a set, for instance, which she hasn’t done so far [at the tournament]. Those are the things I’d want to prepare my player for. The most important thing is to come off the court knowing you’ve given everything you’ve got ... the one thing you can control is your effort levels and your mentality ... her team will be hoping she goes and gives everything, and plays a top match.”
Martina Navratilova, on duty at Flushing Meadows, assesses Belinda Bencic’s form: “Bencic has looked great ... her tennis has been fantastic ... particularly in the last match against Iga Swiatek. She’s only lost her serve three times [at the tournament]. It’s her match to win or lose today ... she’s the overwhelming favourite today, and sometimes that can be a bad thing.”
Bencic, as you knew, won women’s singles Olympic gold in Tokyo:
Andy Murray speaks to Amazon Prime about Raducanu’s progress to the last eight, and her chances today: “I think what she’s done so far in the tournament has been incredible ... the ease with which she’s won her matches has been surprising for everyone ... it’s an opportunity for her today, Bencic is playing extremely well just now and will have a lot of confidence off the back of the Olympics ... her results this year up to the Olympics have not been that impressive ... it’s a tough match because Bencic has confidence from the Olympics but she’s certainly beatable.”
“She [Raducanu] is very offensive on the return, she likes to step into the court ... she’s often right up inside the baseline [on second serves] ... Bencic’s serve is normally the weaker part of her game, especially on second serve ... it’s finding that balance of being offensive ... and you don’t need to hit it at 100mph all the time if you’re already inside the court.
“Mentally, Bencic and be a bit up and down in games, and get down on herself ... there are a number of things but the psychological side is important.”
Having just turned 19, Leylah Fernandez would be the senior player in a match-up with Raducanu. The remarkably talented and charismatic Canadian showed all her determination and skill to defeat Elina Svitolina (5) yesterday and progress into the last four:
“Personally I am surprised that I’m here. I knew I was doing a lot of great work that would pay off someday, but you never know when. I’m super-appreciative of the moment.”
Tumaini Carayol reflects on Raducanu’s run to the last eight, and her prospects against Bencic today:
While it may feel like it right now, Raducanu v Bencic is not the only show in town at the US Open today: next on court will be the men’s singles fourth seed, Alexander Zverev, who meets Lloyd Harris of South Africa, the world No 46.
After that, at midnight UK time, Karolina Pliskova (4) takes on Maria Sakkari (17) in the second women’s singles quarter-final of the day, and then it’s the small matter of Novak Djokovic (1) against Matteo Berrettini (6), who meet again after the Serb triumphed at the Wimbledon final in July. That match is scheduled for 1.15am UK time.
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Preamble
Even Emma Raducanu admits she is surprised to find herself in the quarter-finals of the US Open. She is not the only one: astonishingly, this is only the fourth tour-level event she has participated in. But things are about to get real, and today at Flushing Meadows Raducanu will face a top-30 opponent for the first time: Belinda Bencic of Switzerland.
The 18-year-old Raducanu’s celebrity status is secure – her dramatic run to the last 16 at Wimbledon saw to that – but that celebrity has been borne out of prodigious talent, hard work and self-belief. Should Raducanu take another step towards grand slam glory and reach the last four of the US Open today, the hype machine is sure to be dialled up another notch.
Why shouldn’t Raducanu be in the semi-finals in a few hours’ time? If there one thing that she and Leylah Fernandez have shown us over the past several days, it’s that a liberal dash of self-confidence, a willingness to attack and to take on aggressive, positive shots can bring spectacular results: no matter the age or experience of the players on either side of the net. This promises to be a compelling encounter, no matter the result. Pre-match reading and more coming right up.
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