That’s all for tonight. Be sure to read Bryan Armen Graham’s full match report from Flushing Meadows and be sure to join us over the weekend for more minute-by-minute coverage.
Will Djokovic be motivated when he aims for the calendar-year Grand Slam and a record 21st major on Sunday?
“Let’s do it. I’m going to treat the next match like it’s the last match of my career.”
Join us on Sunday, won’t you? See you then.
Zverev manages to make Djokovic laugh with whatever he said at the net, then walks down the tunnel with his head in his hands.
Djokovic: “The atmosphere was amazing, the best of the tournament so far. Thank you so much. These are the moments we live for.”
He also praises Zverev -- “he’s a big champion, he’s someone I admire on and off the court.”
Djokovic advances to U.S. Open final
Djokovic wins another battle at the net, leaving Zverev looking like a guy in a teen movie who just lost his girlfriend to the bad guy. Unlike most teen-movie stars, Zverev has a devastating forehand. 15-15.
And a devastating serve. Ace. 30-15.
And ... he’s still facing Novak Djokovic. 30-30.
And ... again, he’s still facing Djokovic, who swings the momentum of a long rally with a cross-court shot that has a bit of zip to it. Break point / match point.
Call it the pressure, or call it the perils of facing Novak Djokovic. Zverev manages little in the next point, and the match ends with the ball harmlessly hitting the net.
Final score: 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-2
Fifth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 5-2 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev breaks
Zverev opens his defense with a sharply angled winner, then gets to 30-0. Djokovic answers with an ace, his 11th. But Zverev responds with another good passing shot to get two break points.
Djokovic wins a baseline battle. 30-40. Statkeepers say it’s an unforced error, but I’d call it semi-forced.
Zverev dumps a shot into the net. That was unforced. Deuce.
Someone in the crowd disrupts play before Djokovic serves. It shouldn’t be enough to rattle Djokovic, but Zverev wins the next rally. Break point.
Djokovic hits one just on the line. Deuce.
Djokovic hits one just wide of the line. Break point.
Djokovic hits an ace down the middle. Deuce.
This match has gone on for three hours and 28 minutes.
Djokovic gets to the net, but Zverev forces a tough reply that spins Djokovic around, and Zverev easily finds the open space. Break point.
Djokovic double faults, and we’ll play on.
Updated
Fifth set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 5-1 Zverev (*denotes next server)
A 134-mph serve eludes Djokovic for Zverev’s 15th ace of the evening. A pair of unforced errors from Djokovic takes us to 40-15.
We should make “hold point” a thing. “Game point” doesn’t paint the whole picture.
In any case, Zverev converts hold point with a finely placed winner.
Still, Djokovic is now serving for the match.
Fifth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 5-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev manages little in resistance this time. In this set, he has eight unforced errors to Djokovic’s two.
Djokovic is four points away from the final.
Fifth set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 4-0 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Djokovic breaks
What a classic clash of styles this has been. Zverev has a cannon for a right arm. Djokovic is playing like a painter. Those traits are evident on back-to-back points -- an ace followed by a drop shot.
But this game ends with two horrid errors on points Zverev was controlling. On the first, Zverev races to cover a drop shot, only to put his shot long. On break point, Zverev again forces a desperation shot from Djokovic, this one hanging in the air until Zverev smashes through it -- and hits it well long. This might be about over.
Fifth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 3-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic finishes a routine hold with back-to-back aces.
One big winner tonight, no matter what happens over the next 3-9 games, is Daniil Medvedev, who is comfortably watching as his two prospective opponents in the final stay out for more than three hours. Each man has covered more than 6,300 meters.
Fifth set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 2-0 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Djokovic breaks
Oh dear. Zverev’s eighth double fault puts him down 15-30. He faults again and finally lobs in a tepid second serve, but he excels in the rest of the rally and ends with a smash.
Another error later, it’s break point. Another fault later, Zverev’s discomfort is palpable.
Then it’s one of several outstanding points in this match and the most meaningful of the lot. A 30-shot rally in which the momentum swings back and forth ends with a Djokovic winner, set up by another drop shot.
Fifth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 1-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic drops the first point but caps a four-point run with a winner.
Novak Djokovic will play a fifth set at the US Open for the first time since 2013 (def. Wawrinka). pic.twitter.com/O2IKJGuaGr
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2021
Stats ...
Points won: Zverev 114-111 Djokovic
Net points won: Zverev 15 of 23, Djokovic 30 of 34
Winners: Zverev 40-31 Djokovic
Unforced errors: Zverev 39-42 Djokovic
Zverev wins the fourth set
End fourth set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Nerves? What nerves? Zverev opens with an ace, then convincingly wins the next point. A double fault doesn’t rattle him. Winner, forced error, and ...
We’re going to five.
Fourth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-5 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
This one is made more eventful by a pair of Djokovic errors, but he storms back with another successful net approach. Another error takes it to deuce, but Djokovic seems to be saving his best serves for such occasions. On the next point, Zverev is on the run and attempts to lob Djokovic, only to find himself fending off a smash that’s nearly right at him. Another hold, but Zverev is now serving for the set.
Fourth set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 3-5 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Zverev holds at love with all the ease of a weightlifting gold medalist carrying a laptop.
Fourth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 3-4 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic holds at love with all the ease of a concert pianist playing Three Blind Mice.
Fourth set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 2-4 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Zverev’s sixth double fault of the match makes it 15-15. An emphatic smash makes it 40-30 and terrorizes the spectators.
Djokovic fights back to deuce, which I think is the first we’ve seen on a Zverev service game. The others have generally been all or nothing.
Zverev hits another winner to get the advantage, and a Djokovic error wraps up another hold.
Fourth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 2-3 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Two straight games with no winners. Only errors.
Fourth set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 1-3 Zverev (*denotes next server)
After giving up the break, Djokovic yelled something to his box, then glared in that direction through the changeover. Not sure what that was about, but it didn’t help. Zverev with the routine hold.
Carve out a minute and a half to watch this ...
A 53-SHOT RALLY 🤯
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 11, 2021
Simply amazing tennis by Djokovic and Zverev in the #USOpen semifinal. pic.twitter.com/NqvSAsYMV5
Updated
Fourth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 1-2 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev breaks
Djokovic’s passing shots are making Zverev think twice about approaching the net. Zverev gets this game to 30-30 and gets to a Djokovic drop shot but bungles it.
Zverev, though, simply won’t let this be easy. A forehand smash takes it to deuce. Off the top of my head, I can’t remember Djokovic losing a point at deuce, and he doesn’t lose this one, either. An error takes us back to deuce, so maybe this one?
Yes! Djokovic runs Zverev from side to side, but he hangs in there and pounces on a shot that sails up into the air, merrily smashing it to get break point. Djokovic saves that one, then hits one long to give up another opportunity.
Zverev takes control this time. Djokovic has to scramble to his right. Zverev puts his next shot to the other side of the court, and Djokovic simply watches it sail by.
Fourth set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 1-1 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Not Zverev’s most comfortable hold, but he ends it with confidence, forcing Djokovic to scramble after a drop shot and zipping the next shot down the court to take the game.
Fourth set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 1-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev’s difficulties are momentarily compounded by an eye problem. He tells the chair umpire he believes it’s a bug. It clears up, and he manages to get the game to 30-30. Then he flails at the next two Djokovic serves.
Djokovic wins the third set
End third set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-4 Zverev (*denotes next server)
A couple of epic rallies end in Zverev unforced errors, the second missing the lin6 by perhaps a millimeter. In American terms, that’s about 1 zillionth of an inch.
The next point ends with Zverev missing by about 100 feet, a complete mishit that flies away. Three break points for Djokovic.
Zverev holds his nerve through a 21-shot rally. Any mistake now will put Djokovic up 2-1, and he simply doesn’t lose from there.
The next rally is a classic -- 53 shots! As the crowd buzzes, Zverev ends it with a forehand winner past an exhausted Djokovic.
But Zverev can’t hold back the tide. He returns two shots that would be winners against most players, but Djokovic smashes the next. He’s only one set down, but Zverev’s path back is a hill of Everestian proportions, given Djokovic’s fourth- and fifth-set master.
Third set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 5-4 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
This time, the lob works, but it’s the drop shot that did the work, forcing Zverev all the way up to the net and leaving plenty of open court space in which to hit. Djokovic errs in the next point but hits a shot dead-perfect on the line to go up 30-15. A strong serve leaves Djokovic in complete control of the next point, and Zverev is talking to himself. (We think.) Service winner, and Zverev must serve to stay in the set.
Third set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 4-4 Zverev (*denotes next server)
On the first point, Zverev’s second serve is 134 mph. It’s just not in. But Zverev wins the next. Djokovic tries to lob his towering opponent at 15-15, only to watch the ball smashed elsewhere.
An unforced error, though, makes it 30-30. Zverev calmly responds with two service winners. Can we just skip to the tiebreaker?
Third set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 4-3 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev lets another chance go begging, and it shows in the grimace on his face. After pushing Djokovic around the court, Zverev stands at the net with the court at his mercy, and he dinks a volley into the net. The technology that determines whether line calls are correct informs us that the ball Zverev opted to his would’ve gone way long. John McEnroe is bemused by the predictive ability of these animations. Must not watch a lot of cricket.
Zverev tries a drop shot, and Djokovic simply dinks it back over to hold.
Third set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 3-3 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Three aces in four points, and Djokovic barely looks at the last. Zverev has won 71 points to Djokovic’s 68.
Third set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 3-2 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Live by the drop shot, lose by the drop shot. Djokovic tries one that slips harmlessly into the net, and Zverev goes up 15-30.
Live by the net approach, lose by the net approach. Djokovic gets aggressive again, and Zverev rips a shot past him down the line to go up 15-40.
But oh, that precision serve. An unreturned shot and an ace wipe out the two break points. Zverev hits a shot long on the next point, but Djokovic can’t close it out on the next. Deuce #2.
Solid Djokovic winner. Unforced Djokovic ... oh, that was in? Oh. OK then. Hold. I need a new TV.
Third set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 2-2 Zverev (*denotes next server)
An even game -- Djokovic hits two unforced errors with his forehand and two with his backhand as Zverev holds at love.
Third set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 2-1 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
An ace just inside the line takes it to 40-15, but Djokovic overreaches in a short rally on the next point. Then he hits an ace just inside the other line center for the hold. His serve isn’t as powerful as Zverev’s (average serve speed: Zverev 121 mph, Djokovic 108 mph), but his placement is otherworldly, and he varies things just enough to keep Zverev guessing.
Third set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 1-1 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Djokovic again shows off his finesse at the net to make it 40-30, but his return of the next point finds nothing but net.
Djokovic also might have a small issue with his back. How these guys don’t completely fall apart on the court like a cheap robot is beyond me.
Third set: Djokovic 4-6 6-2 1-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Well now. Zverev’s power keeps Djokovic on the run and wraps up two big points. Djokovic takes the next two, but Zverev forces Djokovic to go wide and gets up toward the net for an easy backhand volley and a break point.
Djokovic answers with another successful net approach, dipping his racket almost to the court surface and letting the ball bounce gently over the net for a delicate winner that propels him through the rest of the game.
Djokovic wins the second set
End second set: *Djokovic 4-6 6-2 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Just when you think Zverev has rebounded from his early-set difficulties, he opens this game with an error and a double fault. He follows with an ace, then hits a cross-court shot wide to give Djokovic two break points. He erases the first with an ace. But then he sends a simple backhand long, and that’s another break for Djokovic in a set in which the Grand Slam contender was able to coast while his challenger came unglued.
And now Djokovic gets to serve to start the third ...
Second set: Djokovic 4-6 5-2 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic shakes off a couple of unforced errors with an ace, and this set seems to be little more than prelude to the next one.
Second set: *Djokovic 4-6 4-2 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Djokovic shakes his head several times between games, then makes an incomprehensible gesture. No idea what that means.
A double fault at 30-0 provides Djokovic a point, but Zverev takes the next and wraps up the game on a precise forehand.
Second set: Djokovic 4-6 4-1 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev paints the line for a neat winner to make it 15-all. On the next point, a mishit turns into an accidental but perfectly placed drop shot. Djokovic gets to it, but Zverev has the whole court to hit his next shot, and Djokovic does a near-split in a futile effort to get across the court.
But Djokovic wraps thing up with a solid point and then a drop shot, net approach and easy volley for the hold.
Second set: *Djokovic 4-6 3-1 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Fun fact: Both breaks in this match have come on double faults.
No such trouble here, as Zverev overcomes one semi-forced error (which isn’t a stat but should be) and holds with little trouble.
Second set: Djokovic 4-6 3-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev looks rattled on the first two points. Djokovic hits a drop shot yet again to bring Zverev to the net, and Zverev can only loft the ball and tee it up for a Djokovic smash.
Next rally -- another drop shot, and Zverev catches up but puts it long. Djokovic holds at love, and the momentum has truly swung.
Second set: *Djokovic 4-6 2-0 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Djokovic breaks!
Zverev finally looks vulnerable on his serve, going to 30-30, and then he he makes a horrible error on an easy cross-court shot, sending it long for Djokovic’s first break point of the match.
And ... double fault? Wow.
Second set: Djokovic 4-6 1-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
After alternating the first four points, Zverev winds up for a powerful shot, but it ticks the top of the net and deflects wide. Djokovic then loses yet another second serve for deuce. He wins the next one for game point, but Zverev anticipates Djokovic’s drop shot on the next point and calmly sends it down the line for the winner and another deuce.
Djokovic gets advantage again, and Zverev needlessly returns long to let Djokovic hold.
Zverev wins the first set
End first set: *Djokovic 4-6 0-0 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Boom, boom, boom. Zverev wins the first point and hits two straight aces. On the first of three set points, he double-faults, only the fourth point he has lost on his serve.
Zverev’s next serve prompts a moon shot from Djokovic that stays in play, and Zverev hits an unforced error off his backhand. Will he lose this chance?
Nope. Unforced error on the other side, and Djokovic once again loses the first set.
First set: Djokovic 4-5 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev breaks!
This match was remarkably quiet for a few games, but Zverev is starting to grunt a bit with his shots.
Maybe that helps. He simply outlasts Djokovic in two straight points to get to 40-15.
Then a stunner. Djokovic double-faults, and Zverev will be serving for the set.
Updated
First set: *Djokovic 4-4 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Djokovic is such a clever player. After falling behind 30-0, he suckers Zvevev into approaching the net. When they’re close enough that they could be playing table tennis, Djokovic hits a ball at nearly an 80-degree angle for the winner.
He gets close to the net again on the next point but hits wide in the very model of an unforced error. Another shot goes wide to give Zverev the hold.
Best point of the match so far ...
SHEEEESH, @AlexZverev 😱 pic.twitter.com/df6Cw0aykN
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2021
First set: Djokovic 4-3 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic wins the first two points but drops the next and then deposits a shot into the net to make it 30-30. Will we see our first deuce?
Then a spectacular point. After at least 20 shots, Djokovic plays a deft drop shot. Zverev gets there and zips it from one side to the other, an angle that makes Djokovic race the ball. Zverev anticipates that he’ll get there and drops back into perfect position to send Djokovic’s return into acres of open space. Break point.
Djokovic then rattles off the next three points, winning one on a drop shot nearly identical to the one at 30-30. This time, Zverev can’t get there.
First set: *Djokovic 3-3 Zverev (*denotes next server)
Fun stat -- Djokovic has lost all of his second serves in this match. All one of them.
Anyway, Zverev holds at love, finishing the game with an ace.
First set: Djokovic 3-2 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
For the first time, the man serving loses the first point. And Zverev ends a longer rally with a diagonal winner rich with power and placement. 0-30, and now it’s interesting.
Djokovic’s next two serves, though, confound Zverev. Then after going wide a couple of times, Djokovic goes down the center line for an ace. He controls the next rally. No deuces yet in this match.
First set: *Djokovic 2-2 Zverev (*denotes next server)
We may not have mentioned that Zverev is 6-foot-6, a nice advantage on serves. He gets an ace, sandwiched between two serves Djokovic can’t really handle. But he finally drops a long rally, which opens up the prospect of ... never mind, it’s another ace.
First set: Djokovic 2-1 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Zverev wins ... a point. The long rallies suit him. The other four points are uneventful.
First set: *Djokovic 1-1 Zverev (*denotes next server)
A good long baseline rally (17 shots) ends with an unforced error from Djokovic. Zverev then hits a convincing winner.
But Djokovic shows off his multifaceted game with a strong shot that pushes Zverev back, followed by a drop shot.
Zverev answers with two punishing serves to hold.
First set: Djokovic 1-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic opens with an ace, and the challenger wasn’t really in any of the four points.
Rod Laver, the last man to win the calendar-year Grand Slam (1969), is in the house.
We can only hope he’s sneering about how many more titles he would’ve won with today’s howitzer-level rackets.
And we’re off. Djokovic serves first.
Also in the meantime, let’s look at major champions going back through this century of dominance by three players ...
2021: Djokovic, Djokovic, Djokovic, tba
2020: Djokovic, Nadal, Dominic Thiem
2019: Djokovic, Nadal, Djokovic, Nadal
2018: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Djokovic
2017: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Nadal
2016: Djokovic, Djokovic, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka
2015: Djokovic, Wawrinka, Djokovic, Djokovic
2014: Wawrinka, Nadal, Djokovic, Marin Čilić
2013: Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, Nadal
2012: Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, Murray
2011: Djokovic, Nadal, Djokovic, Djokovic
2010: Federer, Nadal, Nadal, Nadal
2009: Nadal, Federer, Federer, Juan Martin del Potro
2008: Djokovic, Nadal, Nadal, Federer
2007: Federer, Nadal, Federer, Federer
2006: Federer, Nadal, Federer, Federer
2005: Marat Safin, Nadal, Federer, Federer
2004: Federer, Gaston Gaudio, Federer, Federer
(Federer won his first in 2003.)
While we’re waiting, here’s a question to ponder -- we have disc golf and table tennis, so why not disc tennis and table golf?
Ah ... we hear now we’re being delayed a bit because President Biden is en route to New York for 9/11 memorials. Should be just a few more minutes.
In case you’re wondering why the match hasn’t started after being advertised as 7 p.m. ET ... this is American television. The players aren’t on the court just yet.
How they got here ...
Zverev had a relatively easy time, challenged only when he dropped a set to Jack Sock. He ripped through the next two, and Sock retired in the fourth.
Djokovic has only had one straight-set match. He dropped a tiebreaker in the second set of his opener against 145th-ranked Holger Rune. He dropped the first set in his last three matches, including a 6-1 shocker against Jenson Brooksby. Every other set in his last four matches has been 6-2 or 6-3 to the GOAT candidate.
Preamble 2
Greetings everyone. In case you’re unfamiliar with the two players in the second semifinal at the U.S. Open, here’s a quick look:
Alexander Zverev is not yet a Grand Slam champion. He reached the final last year at this very tournament and led Dominik Thiem 6-4, 6-2. He won’t want to remember the rest.
But he’s ranked fourth in the world. He has 17 tournament wins (plus a couple in doubles). Last year, he also reached the semifinals of the Australian Open. This year, he did the same at the French Open. He also won Olympic gold a few weeks ago.
To introduce you to his opponent: Novak Djokovic is ... Novak Djokovic. He’s going for a 21st major title and the first calendar-year Grand Slam in 52 years.
But he was denied the calendar-year Golden Slam when he lost in Olympic semifinals to ... Alexander Zverev.
Time to hand over to Beau for the second men’s semi-final. I’ll leave you with another preview for Saturday’s battle of the teenagers:
And here’s a look at Leylah Annie Fernandez’s journey to her first grand slam final. The Canadian is ranked 73rd in the world – 77 places above her opponent on Saturday.
Here is Tumaini Carayol on the making of Emma Raducanu, the British qualifier who has made it all the way to the final at her second grand slam ...
Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev will be on court in an hour’s time – Beau Dure will be your game-by-game guide. Before then, we’ll take a look ahead to what promises to be an extraordinary women’s final between Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez.
Should Djokovic win tonight’s second semi-final, it will ensure the fourth US Open men’s final of the last 25 years featuring top two seeds. The other three all came in the past decade: No 1 Djokovic defated No 2 Nadal in 2011, No 2 Nadal beat No 1 Djokovic in 2013 and No 1 Djokovic overcame No 2 Federer in 2015.
For all the talk about Djokovic’s rare air, Medvedev finds himself on the verge of some interesting history as well. Should he win Sunday’s final in straight sets, Medvedev will become only the second US Open men’s champion since Ivan Lendl in 1987 to drop only one set en route to the final.
The last US Open men’s champion to win it without dropping a set? That would be Neale Fraser back in 1960, nearly a decade before the majors allowed professionals to compete with amateurs.
“I don’t think I played my best today, but I’m really happy to be in the final on Sunday,” says Medvedev in his on-court interview. “He had two set points (in the second set) so the only thing I was thinking is, ‘Don’t make an ace on the line, please.’”
Asked about his 2019 US Open final, where he pushed Rafael Nadal to the limit in a five-set thriller, Medvedev says: “Last time it was a crazy match. If it is going to be the same match on Sunday, I just hope I can win this time.”
Daniil Medvedev wins 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to reach US Open final!
Third set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 2-6 Medvedev
Medvedev races out to 40-15 and a pair of match points. He wastes the first after netting a forehand from he middle of the ccourt, but smashes home an overhead on the second that Auger-Aliassime can hardly get a racket on to close the show after 2hr 4min!
Third set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 2-5 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime goes love-15 down on his serve with his 10th double fault of the afternoon, then 15-30 when Medvedev crushes a blistering forehand passing winner. The Russian is two points from the finish line. But Auger-Aliassime is able to hold from there and Medvedev will be made to serve it out for a spot in the final after the change of ends.
Third set: *Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-5 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev races out to 40-love before holding comfortabaly and Auger-Aliassime will serve to stay in the tournament.
Medvedev breaks in fifth game of third set!
Third set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-4 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev, promptly and ruthlessly, breaks Auger-Aliassime’s serve at love. He’s won four straight games and eight of nine points on the Canadian’s serve. The volume level on Ashe has accordingly gone from church to morgue.
Updated
Third set: *Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-3 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev double-faults for love-15 on his serve, then against for 15-30, then watches Auger-Aliassime hit a forehand winner at the net for 30-40 and break point. But Medvedev slams the door on any thoughts of a fightback, at least for now, consolidating the break with consecutive unreturnable serves down the middle of 121mph and 127mph followed by a 125mph service winner out wide on game point. Just wow.
Medvedev breaks in third game of third set!
Third set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-2 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
It’s getting late early for the Auger-Aliassime. He makes three unforced errors off the forehand side to go double break point down at 15-40, then a fourth to gift Medvedev the early break in the third.
Third set: *Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-1 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev cruises to the love hold. He’s won 16 of the last 18 points on his serve.
Third set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-0 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime needs to put the disappointment of a come-from-ahead second set that spanned nearly a full hour behind him and he’s off to a good start, he’s off to a rocky start in his opening service game of the third. After running out to 40-15, he makes ninth double fault followed by a backhand unforced error for deuce. From there he’s bailed out by Medvedev, who chips in back-to-back unforced errors off the backhand side.
Medvedev wins second set, 7-5!
Second set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7 Medvedev
Medvedev breezes to the business-like hold to nail down the second set, pounding a 128mph ace down the middle on set point.
Medvedev breaks in 11th game of second set!
Second set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-6 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
A dangerous moment for Auger-Aliassime, who follows a forehand unforced error with a double fault to go love-30 down on his serve. Then a hush falls on Ashe as Auger-Aliassime goes down love-40 and triple break point. Another unforced error completes a disastrous service game for Auger-Aliassime, whose broken at love only minutes after serving for the second set. Medvedev to serve for a two-sets-to-none lead after the changeover.
Second set: *Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-5 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime looked winded during that changeover and who could blame him after those rallies of 14, 15 and 14 shots in three of the last five points. Meanwhile, Medvedev calmly holds from love-15 down to back up the break for 5-all in the second. And absolutely massive service game forthcoming for Auger-Aliassime after spitting the bit on those set points in his previous one.
Medvedev breaks in ninth game of second set!
Second set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-4 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev pushes it to 30-all from 30-love on Auger-Aliassime’s serve. Auger-Aliassime responds with a forehand passing winner for set point, but Medvedev gets the best of a 14-shot rally from the baseline to save it for deuce. Another lengthy rally breaks out, this one 15 shots, before Medvedev sends a forehand flying past the baseline for a second set point. And Auger-Aliassime squanders it when he puts a forehand volley into the net on a serve-and-volley. Another long baseline rally follows and Auger-Aliassime tries a drop shot from the baseline that Medvedev pounces on for a forehand winner and break point. And Auger-Aliassime sprays a backhand from the baseline to give Medvedev the break. They’re back on serve in the second. What a turnaround!
Second set: *Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-3 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev holds comfortably from love-15 down but Auger-Aliassime will now step up to serve for the second set.
Second set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-2 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime backs up the break emphatically with a staccato love hold. Medvedev to serve to stay in the set after the changeover.
Updated
Auger-Aliassime breaks in sixth game of second set!
Second set: *Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 4-2 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime wins two quick points from 40-15 to get to deuce on a Medvedev service game for only the second time today, then ignites the crowd with a backhand passing shot winner punctuated by a big fist pump for his first break-point chance of the afternoon. Medvedev saves it, winning a baseline exchange with a forehand winner. But Auger-Aliassime then outlasts Medvedev over a grueling 20-shot rally for a second break point and ... and Medvedev double-faults for only the first time today to give the break to Auger-Aliassime, who very clearly has the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd behind him!
Second set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 3-2 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Another precarious service game for Auger-Aliassime, who double-faults for deuce after winning three of the first four points. But he closes it out with a forehand volley winner followed by a forehand passing winner after both come to net.
Second set: *Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 2-2 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev breezes through another service game, punctuating a love hold with a 127mph service winner.
Second set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 2-1 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime races out to 40-love before netting a slice backhand early in a baseline rally. He then mixes in a fifth double fault of the match for 40-30, but is bailed out when Medvedev overcooks a backhand on the next point before things can get too complicated.
Second set: *Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 1-1 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime pushes Medvedev to deuce on his serve but the Russian pounds a 126mph ace down the middle and a 121mph service winner out wide to escape with the hold. Medvedev has been lights-out on his serve today, getting 27 of 33 first serves in (82%) and winning 21 of 27 first-serve points (78%).
Second set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 1-0 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
A straightforward hold for Auger-Aliassime to open the second set.
Medvedev wins first set, 6-4!
First set: Auger-Aliassime 4-6 Medvedev
Medvedev mishits a forehand and Auger-Aliassime follows with a crisp backhand winner for love-30. An opening for the Canadian to get back on serve in this first set. But Medvedev goes 128mph ace down the middle, 123mph unreturnable, 128mph first serve leading to an early FAA unforced error and 128mph ace out wide to hold emphatically and close out the first set in 38 minutes.
First set: Auger-Aliassime 4-5 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime rights the ship after his two-game wobble, cracking three aces to hold from in front. But that break may well hold up as Medvedev will serve for the opening set after the change of ends.
First set: *Auger-Aliassime 3-5 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev holds at love to back up the break, pounding his third and fourth aces along the way. The wheels have come off a bit for Auger-Aliassime, who’s lost eight points on the trot. Auger-Aliassime to serve to stay in the first set.
Medvedev breaks in seventh game of first set!
First set: Auger-Aliassime 3-4 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
A couple of loose forehands by Auger-Aliassime and he’s quickly down love-30 on his serve. Medvedev then rips a forehand that Auger-Aliassime can’t get back into play for love-40 and triple break point, the first break chance for either player on the day. And Medvedev needs only one of them, outlasting Auger-Aliassime over a 12-shot exchange to break at love and draw first blood in this opening set.
First set: *Auger-Aliassime 3-3 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev blinks first at the end of a 14-shot exchange, the longest of the day so far, to fall behind on his serve for the first time at love-15. But he rattles off four very quick points from there – a 125mph service winner, a 126mph first serve to set up an early forehand winner, a 77mph second-serve unreturnable and a 116mph ace out wide – to hold comfortably.
First set: Auger-Aliassime 3-2 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime holds easily in his sturdiest service game yet, getting all five first serves in including a 127mph service winner and a 120mph unreturnable on game point.
First set: *Auger-Aliassime 2-2 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev coasts to another stress-free hold, cracking three winners including a 106mph ace out wide along the way.
First set: Auger-Aliassime 2-1 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev pushes Auger-Aliassime a bit on his serve, getting it to 30-all after settling a 12-shot rally with a big overhand winner. But the Canadian rattles off two quick points from there, nailing down the hold with his fourth winner of the day.
First set: *Auger-Aliassime 1-1 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev coasts through his opening service game, getting all but one first serve in and holding at love.
First set: Auger-Aliassime 1-0 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
The conditions on court as 23C (74F) with a light wind, as cool as it’s felt on Ashe for a day session during this tournament. Auger-Aliassime is serving to start. He races out to 30-love, then 40-30, before double-faulting for deuce. He’s gotten only one of six first serves in so far. Auger-Aliassime follows with a forehand winner for game point then a second double fault for deuce. Tricky opening service game. But from there he rips a 126mph ace down the pipe followed by a crisp inside-out forehand that Medvedev can’t return into play to escape with the hold.
Not long ago on Ashe, Britain’s Joe Salisbury won the men’s doubles title alongside American Rajeev Ram. The fourth-seeded pair rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 over Jamie Murray and Brazil’s Bruno Suares in the first major doubles final of the professional era to feature British men on either side of the net.
The match was placed in the day session ahead of the first men’s singles semi-final between Auger-Aliassime and Medvedev, but tournament organisers permitted ticket-holders for the upper bowl to fill the courtside seats on Ashe, creating a livelier atmosphere than men’s doubles finals have seen in previous years.
Salisbury also plays his mixed doubles semi-final later today with the American Desirae Krawczyk. He is attempting to become the first man to win US Open men’s and mixed doubles titles in the same year since Bob Bryan in 2010.
“I think before we played, everyone was just feeling like it was great that there were two Brits in the final,” Salisbury said in his post-match presser moments ago. “Obviously there was going to be a British winner whatever happened.
“If we hadn’t won that, it had been them, I would be happy it was two great guys. I would have been really happy for them. Obviously be great, yeah, for British tennis to have a winner.”
Preamble
Hello and welcome to Arthur Ashe Stadium for today’s first of two US Open men’s semi-finals between Félix Auger-Aliassime and Daniil Medvedev. Auger-Aliassime, who on Tuesday became the first US Open men’s semi-finalist from Canada in the tournament’s 140-year history and the youngest man from any country to reach the last four since 20-year-old Juan Martín del Potro won the 2009 title, is bidding to become the second Canadian men’s singles finalist at a major since 2016 Wimbledon runner-up Milos Raonic. But he will have his hands full today with Medvedev, the in-form No 2 seed who won their only prior meeting at 2018 Toronto in a final-set tiebreaker that spoiled Auger-Aliassime’s 18th birthday.
The players should be on court for their warm-up in five minutes or so and we will pick it up with game-by-game coverage from there.
Bryan will be here shortly, in the meantime here’s how the women’s final is shaping up:
There’s unexpected and there’s this: a US Open final between two teenagers ranked 73rd and 150th in the world.
That’s where things stand after Thursday’s extraordinary women’s semi-final twin bill at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the latest shocking development at the season-ending grand slam which, despite the absence of some of the sport’s brightest stars, continues to unfold in the most unpredictable of ways.
Thirty-eight months ago, Emma Raducanu and Leylah Annie Fernandez met in the second round of the Wimbledon girls’ singles. Now they will cross paths for the first time since then with all to play for in the world’s biggest tennis stadium: a $2.5m cheque and what surely will go down as the unlikeliest US Open championship on record – regardless of who wins.
Read the full article below:
