That’s all for now. Thanks as always for following along with us. Here’s the match report:
Updated
Much of the stadium has cleared out. But the few thousand or so who remain are in full throat and it’s quite difficult to make out Del Potro’s on-court interview. Many of the Argentinian fans who were in the upper reaches of the stadium have rushed down to the lower promenade to cheer. Encore performances of ‘Olé, Olé, Olé’ and more. Amazing scenes in Flushing Meadows in the aftermath of a highly entertaining quarter-final that very much lived up to advance billing.
Del Potro wins fourth set and match!
Fourth set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 4-6 Del Potro
Del Potro uncorks a vicious forehand winner from the baseline, then a 128mph ace for 30-love. He’s two points from the semi-finals. He then nets a backhand volley under duress from Federer and now the crowd is really making one final push behind. Then Del Potro sends a backhand long for 30-all and the crowd is going wild. Bear in mind: Del Potro had won 18 of 19 points on his serve in this set before that missed volley at 30-love. Now a short rally ends when Federer misses an elementary volley winner, one he’s deposited for a winner at least ten thousand times. Crushing! Match point for Delpo and he does it with a forehand winner!
Fourth set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 4-5 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer serving to stay in the match and off to a miserable start as Del Potro has just hit forehand winners on back-to-back points for love-30. The Swiss great is now two points from elimination. Delpo sends a return long, then Federer hits a pair of forehand winners for game point. Federer then ends it with a backhand winner that paints the line (and is upheld after a Delpo challenge). Now the pressure falls on Del Potro to serve for the match and a place in the US Open semi-finals.
Fourth set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 3-5 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Service winner by Del Potro followed by a 130mph. Six points from the finish line. Federer sends a backhand return long for 40-love, then Delpo laces in another service winner for yet another love hold. He’s closing this one out with authority: he’s won 16 of the last 17 points on his serve.
Fourth set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 3-4 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Quick start for Federer: service winner, backhand winner, ace. He then mixes in a double fault, but another service winner gives him the hold. He’s rebounded quite nicely from the break in his previous service game, but he’ll need to make headway on Delpo’s serve at some point if he hopes to force a decider and he’s running out of time to do it.
Fourth set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 2-4 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
A glimmer of hope for Federer as he forces Del Potro into an error for love-15. But Del Potro answers with a 100mph second-serve ace for 15-all, then a 130mph serve that Federer manages to get a racket on but can’t return anywhere near the court. Now Federer blinks first during a lengthy baseline rally and puts a backhand into the net, followed by a 127mph service winner by Del Potro for the comfortable hold. No change of ends but after the even-numbered game but still enough time for the ‘Olé, Olé, Olé’ chant to ring around the arena once more!
Updated
Del Potro breaks in fifth game of fourth set!
Fourth set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 2-3 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer opens with a forehand winner. But he then follows with a pair of unforced errors, the first from the backhand side and the latter from the forehand and it’s 15-30. And he’s now made a third straight unforced error, this one on a forehand from the baseline, and Del Potro now has a pair of break-point chances at 15-40! Federer saves the first with an overhand smash after running his opponent ragged, then saves the second with a forehand winner and emits a huge “Come on!” as the crowd explodes. Deuce. Federer then hits an overhand smash early in the point that the gigantic Del Potro somehow lobs back into the court, but Federer inexplicably dumps it into the net! Oh my goodness! Another break-point chance and the third time is indeed the charm for Del Potro, who laces a pristine cross-court backhand winner that paints the line for a winner and the break.
Fourth set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 2-2 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Del Potro forces Federer into an error, then hits a backhand winner. Then two more service winners and it’s another hold at love. Neither player has lost a point on his serve for three straight games now.
Fourth set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 2-1 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer answers with an economical love hold of his own: service winner, service winner, ace, service winner. At this pace we’ll be home before 1am. (Not really.)
We say it again: the step-up-to-the-line-and-just-serve-dammit pace is most appealing...
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) September 7, 2017
Updated
Fourth set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 1-1 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Federer misfires on a forehand again before Del Potro hits consecutive aces. Another service winner by Del Potro and he’s on the board in the fourth with a drama-free love hold.
Fourth set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-7, 1-0 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer forces Del Potro into an error to open the game. The Swiss then double-faults for 15-all, but hits a smash winner followed by consecutive aces of 115mph and 101mph for the easy hold. Fifty-one winners and 32 unforced errors for Federer compared to 36 and 31 for Del Potro, respectively.
Del Potro wins third set!
Third-set tie-breaker: Federer 8-10 Del Potro
Del Potro blinks first, making an unforced error from the baseline after a long rally on his serve to give Federer a mini-break. Then Federer ends another extended rally with a cross-court forehand winner from the baseline. Federer tries a serve and volley again, but this time Del Potro negotiates a backhand winner across the court that lands inside the corner. They’re back on level terms with Del Potro serving a pair at 1-2. Another long baseline rally and this one ends when Del Potro puts a backhand into the net, immediately re-gifting the mini-break to Federer. Del Potro overpowers Federer on a baseline rally with Federer ultimately netting a forehand, but he’s still up a mini-break serving at 3-2 with two serves to come. Federer comes to net and hits a forehand winner to make it 4-2 entering the changeover and the crowd has been whipped into a frenzy. Federer then faults and Del Potro pounces on an 85mph second serve, getting in the rally early and forcing Federer into a forehand error from the baseline. They’re back on serve in the minibreak and the crowd’s broken out into the ‘Olé, Olé, Olé’ chant once more! Delpo serving at 3-4. He forces Federer into an error, but then nets a forehand and Federer is up a mini-break once more, serving a pair at 5-4. The set is on his racket and the Federer fans have come back with chants of “Rog-er! Rog-er!” that ring throughout Ashe! A fault by Federer and Delpo jumps on an 83mph second serve, getting his teeth in the rally but finally sending a forehand past the baseline and Federer has a pair of set points. Del Potro saves the first when Federer is unable to return a deep, penetrating groundstroke into the court. Now Del Potro serving at 5-6 – and it’s a 124mph service winner for 6-all. The players change ends and the atmosphere in the room is positively electric but simultaneously tense as hell. Oh dear! And now Del Potro has double-faulted! Only his third double of the night. What cruel timing. Federer with a pair of serves at 7-6 – and Delpo’s brought him him with a drop shot and Roger has botched the lob! It’s gone out for 7-all! Del Potro misses backhand on the next point but they’re back on serve with the Argentinian serving at 7-8. Del Potro ends a short point with a forehand winner for 8-all, then wins a point – well, he basically wins it three times – finally putting away a forehand volley winner. A set point for Delpo! Federer serving at 8-9 and Del Potro is all over the return, hits a big forehand and Federer has sent backhand volley long over the baseline! What a turn! What scenes!
Third set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 6-6 Del Potro
Federer opens with a 123mph ace down the middle, his 13th of the night (to Del Potro’s seven), beofre the Argentinian sends a backhand long for 30-love. A serve-and-volley by Federer works to perfection as he closes it out with a forehand volley winner, setting up three game points. He needs only one, serving-and-volleying again for a forehand winner and a love hold, setting the stage for a massive third-set tiebreaker. Bear in mind: Del Potro is 4-0 in tiebreaks at this year’s US Open. But none of those were against Roger Federer.
Third set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 5-6 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Del Potro opens with a service winner, but makes an unforced forehand error for 15-all. Next, Federer fails to put a pair of backhand returns into the court for 40-15, followed by a badly missed forehand on the approach that gives Del Potro the hold. Federer again to serve to stay in the third.
Third set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 5-5 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
A lengthy baseline rally to open the game ends when Del Potro sends forehand long, a close call that’s upheld by a challenge. A service winner by Federer followed by a smash winner makes it 40-love, but then Federer makes yet another unforced error, his 30th of the night, for 40-15. No matter. He closes out the hold with a 125mph ace as we creep ever closer to a tiebreaker.
Third set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 4-5 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
A long rally ends with both players at the net and it’s Delpo who ends it with a volley winner. Another unreturnable serve by Del Potro makes it 30-love, then Federer sends a return soaring past the baseline for 40-love. Del Potro then closes out the love hold with a 115mph and Federer will serve to stay in the third set after the changeover.
Third set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 4-4 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer opens with a service winner, but then runs onto a short return by Del Potro and crushes it into the net for 15-all. Federer then hits a 117mph ace, but puts another forehand into the net for 30-all. A nervous hush falls over the crowd, but it’s quickly replaced by cheers after a 122mph service winner for game point. Federer then sprays a backhand wide for deuce, but hits another tricky serve on the following point that Delpo can’t return into the court. Another game point. This time Del Potro sends a backhand wide and Federer has the hold for 4-all. Massive game forthcoming ...
Federer breaks in seventh game of third set!
Third set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 3-4 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
A big forehand winner by Del Potro to open, but he then sends a forehand from a step behind the baseline into the net and the crowd is buzzing at 15-all. Now another Delpo forehand finds the net and Federer has a half-chance at 15-30. The Argentinian uncorks a booming 125mph service winner for 30-all, then misses on a running cross-court backhand to give Federer a break-point look at 30-40. High tension! And now it’s Del Potro who double-faults on break point, sending his second serve caroming off the netcord as the roar of 23,771 souls echoes beneath the roof! We’re back on serve in the third set of this one with plenty more to come!
Third set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 2-4 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer opens with a smash winner after pulling Del Potro to and fro about the court, then follows with a 111mph service winner. Federer makes another forehand unforced error for 30-15, but smashes home a Delpo lob for game point and pins down the hold with a 109mph ace.
Third set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 1-4 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Del Potro opens with a backhand winner but mishits a forehand for 15-all. Now what looks to be a 127mph is challenged by Federer but upheld by Hawk-Eye. Lengthy rally here ends when Federer comes to next but Del Potro wrong-foots him and passes him with a forehand. Now Del Potro, who’s been so lights-out on his serve, double-faults for 40-30. But Federer dumps a forehand into the net, alleviating the pressure and giving the Swiss the hold.
I'm no tennis player/coach, but why is Federer approaching the net to arguably the most lethal forehand in tennis history?
— DavidLaw (@DavidLawTennis) September 7, 2017
Updated
Third set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 1-3 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
The trainer came out for a quick visit to Del Potro during the changeover, but nothing that required any more time than normal. Federer opens with a service winner, then Federer makes an unforced error with the forehand, which is momentarily in a state of rebellion. And now yet another unforced forehand error by Federer makes it 15-30, giving Del Potro another window of hope. Delpo makes an unforced error with a baseline forehand, but then comes to net and hits a gorgeous touch backhand volley winner for break point. What a beautiful shot! Now here’s a third break-point chance for Del Potro at 30-40 after successes on the first two, even if both were Federer double faults. Federer faults here but it’s a serve-and-volley on the second serve and he saves the break with a forehand volley winner. Then Federer hits an ace and follows it with a backhand winner for the hard-won hold.
Third set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 0-3 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
And Del Potro backs up the stunning break with authority and efficiency, rattling off four quick points from love-15 down and moving halfway to a two-sets-to-one lead.
Del Potro breaks in second game of third set!
Third set: Federer 5-7, 6-3, 0-2 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
The players trade unforced errors from the baseline to open the game, but another miscue from Federer off the backhand sends the crowd into a swell. It’s 15-30 and the first time Delpo has made progress in a Federer service game in what feels like a lifetime. Federer answers with a forehand volley winner for 30-all, but Federer misses again with the forehand and Del Potro will have his first look at a break point since the first set. And – wow! – Federer has double-faulted again on break point!
Third set: *Federer 5-7, 6-3, 0-1 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
The first point of the third set is an entertaining one as Federer is yanked all over the court before chasing down a lob in full sprint toward the baseline and returning it only for Del Potro to calmly hit a forehand volley winner. Federer then makes an unforced error from the forehand side for 30-love, but answers with a forehand winner followed by a Delpo miscue for 30-love. A tight moment early, but Federer misfires on the forehand early in the next point and Del Potro dials in a 114mph ace for the hold.
Federer wins second set!
Second set: Federer 5-7, 6-3 Del Potro
A forehand smash winner for Federer. Then backhand winner up the line by Federer to deftly pass an approaching Del Potro. He’s two points from the set. Now Federer comes to the net and Delpo is able to send a backhand past the Swiss just inside the court for 30-15. What a shot! Federer hits a 122mph service winner for a pair of set points but he needs only one of them, hitting a forehand winner to level the match at one set apiece.
Second set: *Federer 5-7, 5-3 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Federer opens with a forehand winner into the corner for love-15 and Del Potro levels with a forehand winner of his own. The towering Argentinian dials in a 109mph ace followed by service winners of 121mph and 128mph and he’ll put it on Federer to serve out the second set.
Second set: Federer 5-7, 5-2 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer, working quickly here, pounds a pair of aces. Del Potro makes an error from the baseline for 40-love. He pulls back a point but Federer hits a forehand smash winner for another easy hold.
Second set: *Federer 5-7, 4-2 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Del Potro opens with a service winner, then Federer makes an unforced forehand error from the baseline. Del Potro then overpowers Federer on a pair of points, forcing backhand errors and pinning down the hold at love.
Second set: Federer 5-7, 4-1 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Del Potro makes an unforced error and Federer gives one back. 15-all. Another misfire by Del Potro from the forehand side, followed by a forehand winner on the approach by Federer for 40-15. Now another double fault by Federer, his second and only the second of the match for either guy. Federer closes out the hold with a forehand winner and he’s rolling now. The difference in body language between the first set and now is night and day.
Federer breaks in fourth game of second set!
Second set: *Federer 5-7, 3-1 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Del Potro makes an unforced backhand error from the baseline. Then a gruelling 18-stroke rally breaks out, the longest of the match so far by a wide margin, ending when Del Potro sends a backhand into the net for love-30. A promising chance for Federer here. Now another unforced error by Delpo, this one from the forehand side, and Federer will have triple break point. Delpo faults. Applause from the crowd. Gross. Second serve is in and Federer hits a hard forehand winner as Delpo comes in for the break.
Second set: Federer 5-7, 2-1 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer opens with a smash winner followed by a missed backhand by Del Potro for 30-love. Del Potro pulls one back by forcing Federer into a missed forehand, but the Swiss rips pair of forehand winners on short points to polish off a comfortable hold.
Second set: *Federer 5-7, 1-1 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Del Potro opens with aces of 130mph and 117mph, his third and fourth of the night. This is as good as he’s been serving the entire tournament. But follows with a pair of unforced errors from the baseline, the first a forehand the latter a backhand, for 30-all. Federer then sprints to the net after returning Delpo’s 97mph second serve and pressures him into a missed forehand, setting up Federer’s first break-point opportunity of the night. Big cheers from the crowd. Del Potro faults, but Federer frames the second-serve return and the Argentinian bursts forward to put it away for deuce. A warning from the chair umpire to not call out between the first and second serves. Now a forehand winner by Del Potro for game point, but Federer answers with an inside-out forehand winner that paints the line for deuce. Simply beautiful. A lengthy rally on the next point with Delpo sending Federer from corner to corner, ending finally when Federer sends a forehand long. Then a service winner by Del Potro and he’s held again.
Updated
Second set: Federer 5-7, 1-0 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer opens with an ace, but Del Potro answers with a forehand winner, his 14th of the night (as many as Federer). The Argentinian then chases down an angled backhand only for Federer to smash it into the open court for 30-15. But an unforced backhand error by Federer makes it 30-all and a murmur of concern spreads over the crowd. Federer faults but Del Potro can’t capitalize on the tricky 98mph second serve and he winds up airmailing a forehand. 40-30. Federer makes another unforced forehand error for deuce, then hits a smash winner followed by a 118mph ace out wide for the hold.
Del Potro wins first set!
First set: Federer 5-7 Del Potro
Federer makes an unforced forehand error from the baseline, then misses another forehand for 30-love. Del Potro now two points from the first set. He faults – a rare missed first serve – and Federer pounces on a second serve, hits ball so deep into the court it looked out from my view and follows with a forehand winner on the approach for 30-15. But now Federer has put a forehand into the net and Del Potro has a pair of set points. He needs only one, crushing a 129mph service winner to consolidate the break and take the first set!
Del Potro breaks in 11th game of first set!
First set: Federer 5-6 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer falls behind love-15 but a pair of Delpo errors makes it 30-15. Then a blistering forehand winner by Del Potro levels the game. What a massive point here already at 5-all, 30-all! And – oh dear! – Federer has double-faulted! His first of the night and now he’s facing his first break point of the match. A serve-and-volley! But Del Potro rips a forehand winner into the small window of space needed to pass Federer but place it in the court and the first break is his! The Argentinian will now try to serve out the first set!
First set: *Federer 5-5 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Del Potro’s easiest service game yet: a love hold capped by a vicious service winner. He’s made 21 of 27 first serves. It’s not even a changeover but the ‘Olé, Olé, Olé’ chant breaks out from the upper deck between games for the first time tonight. And probably not the last.
First set: Federer 5-4 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer hits a backhand winner, then Del Potro tries to end a point early with a cross-court forehand but misses the line by inches. Federer follows with his fourth ace of the night for 40-love. He makes an unforced error for the backhand side, but Del Potro mishits a forehand and Federer has another stress-free hold.
First set: *Federer 4-4 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Del Potro ends a rally early with a big inside-out forehand winner, but Federer strikes a nifty flat forehand winner from the baseline on the next point. Federer then brings Delpo to the net on the next point and the crowd swells; he tries to pass him with a backhand and Del Potro is all over it but he puts the volley into the net for 15-30. A half-chance for the Swiss. Del Potro then hits back-to-back service winners to bail himself out of immediate danger, then Federer frames a forehand from the baseline and Del Potro digs out another hold from behind.
First set: Federer 4-3 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer opens with two quick points on a forehand smash winner followed by a Del Potro error, but he dumps a forehand into the net during a baseline rally for 30-15. Del Potro then sends a pair of backhands into the net and Federer has another comfortable hold.
First set: *Federer 3-3 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Two quick errors for Del Potro and a whiff of danger at love-30. But he answers with a big service winner followed by a forehand winner from the baseline for 30-all. Then another thudding 127mph ace out wide for game point. Short rally on the next point ends when Federer sends a forehand a few inches past the baseline. Now a match prediction from a loyal reader in Brazil ...
@BryanAGraham .paul moody Brit xpat in brasil too disorganized to watch game so counting on your words hope for 5 sets , del potro , cheers
— paulmoody (@wherenowhow) September 7, 2017
First set: Federer 3-2 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer pounds a forehand winner but mishits a forehand on the next point for 15-all. Del Potro then mixes in an unforced error from the baseline, but Federer answers with one of his own for 30-all. Solid baseline rally on the next point ending when he sends a backhand from the baseline into the net, giving Federer game point. He then frames a forehand and sends it into the seats. Hey, a great no-look catch by a spectator!
First set: *Federer 2-2 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
A 10-shot baseline rally ends when Del Potro sends a forehand a few inches past the baseline, but he levels with a 112mph ace. Federer makes an unforced error from the backhand side, then crushes a cross-court forehand winner far out of Federer’s reach for 40-15. He then pounds a 126mph ace for the hold but Federer doesn’t believe for a second it was in, looking a bit miffed at the linesperson. He challenges it and indeed he was correct. 40-15 again. Then Federer hits an overhand volley to end a short point, but sends a backhand long on the next point and Delpo has held for 2-all.
First set: Federer 2-1 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
A whiff of an early break for Del Potro as Federer drops the first two points on forced errors from the baseline. But the Swiss rattles off three quick points, a booming ace sandwiched by a pair of Del Potro unforced errors, for 40-30. Federer sends a forehand long for deuce, but he pounds a 124mph ace, his third of the match, then hits a forehand winner on the approach for the hold from love-30 down.
First set: *Federer 1-1 Del Potro (*denotes next server)
Federer misses on a forehand for 15-love then tries another drop shot but Delpo is all over it, showing great foot speed, only to dump the backhand into the net. A 128mph ace makes it 30-15. Federer tries another drop shot from the baseline but this one finds the net for 40-15. Clearly he’s testing the Argentinian’s feet early. Delpo then fires in a 129mph ace for the hold.
First set: Federer 1-0 Del Potro* (*denotes next server)
Federer wins the opening point on an unforced error, but Del Potro responds with a booming forehand winner down the line early in the point. Ominous. Two quick service winners for Federer make it 40-15, then he closes out the easy hold after a lengthy rally with a pitch-perfect drop-shot winner.
Federer won the toss and has elected to serve. We’ll pick it up with game-by-game coverage from here.
The players are on the court for their warm-ups. Federer holds a 16-5 advantage in the all-time head-to-head, but all five of Del Potro’s victories have come on hard courts, including their seminal 2009 final. I must say the atmosphere on Ashe right now is electric. Wasn’t sure what to expect from the crowd tonight. Federer, always but especially in his late period, has New York City in his palm. Ask Djokovic. But Delpo connects like few other players on the tour and he’s a former champion here too. Early returns indicate a Federer crowd, but it will be interesting to see how it unfolds over the course of the night.
Tonight’s big-ticket quarter-final under the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium is rich with backstory. Del Potro was 20 when he rallied from a set and a break down to overpower Federer over five thrilling sets in the 2009 US Open final to dramatically end the Swiss master’s run of five straight titles and 40 consecutive match victories at Flushing Meadows, one day after seeing off Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. As the first player ever to defeat Federer and Nadal in the same major, the 6ft 6in Argentinian appeared poised to tower over the sport for years to come.
Eight years and four wrist surgeries later, Del Potro is back from the brink of quitting tennis and finally has a rematch with Federer on the court where their fates so memorably intersected. The winner faces Nadal in a semi-final on Friday. Should Federer win tonight, it would ensure the first time the sport’s iconic rivalry will be played out at the US Open. If Del Porto springs the upset, it would mark the sixth time a Federer-Nadal showdown was one result away from happening in Flushing Meadows ... only for either Roger or Rafa to lose.
Hello and welcome to Arthur Ashe Stadium for tonight’s US Open men’s quarter-final between Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro. The first night-session match has just finished with Madison Keys seeing off Kaia Kanepi to book a place in Thursday’s semi-finals, making it a clean sweep for US women in the quarters. It will mark the sixth ever all-American women’s final four in the Open era after the 1979 and 1981 US Opens, the 1982 and 1983 Australian Opens and Wimbledon in 1985. High times in Flushing Meadows.
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s Kevin Mitchell’s match report from today’s first men’s quarter-final.
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