And the Nadal v Khachanov match report from our man in New York, Kevin Mitchell:
Feeling tired after that? Stay strong! Because the night is only just getting started and we’ve got Serena v Venus XXX. There’ll be a slight delay as those with day tickets on Arthur Ashe make way for the night spectators but Beau Dure will be following the buildup and all the action here. Enjoy. Bye!
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May I just say, My matches are exciting too #USOpen
— Not Roger Federer (@PseudoFed) August 31, 2018
So the defending champion is through, as is last year’s runner-up. Kevin Anderson has also prevailed in a tortuous tussle against a young challenger, defeating Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
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Nadal speaks:
The roof is too high so I don’t think it affects [the match] a lot. A great opponent, I’m very happy to be through. I escaped some tough situations. Serving for the match at 5-4 I didn’t play a good game. There are things to work on but the good thing is I’m going to have the chance to improve it.
Nadal defeats Khachanov 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3)!
6-1, as he pounds Khachanov into submission. Five match points. Khachanov nets his first serve, makes the second, Nadal unwinds on the forehand side ... but slaps into the net! 6-2. 6-3, after Khachanov, controlling play from the net, moves Nadal from one corner to the other. So match point No 3 ... and Khachanov, after four hours and 22 minutes of play, can’t get the return back! Nadal, from a set and a break down, survives a brutal battle! Khachanov leaves the court to a standing ovation from the crowd – the 22-year-old’s won some hearts today. That was a match to savour.
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Fourth-set tie-break: *Nadal 5-1 Khachanov
Khachanov, having looked sluggish for much of this set, is moving so much better now, and is going toe-to-toe with Nadal on the opening three points, which go with serve. Nadal leads 2-1. But then Nadal seizes the initiative, taking the first mini-break by coming to the net, and then a second too. 4-1, 5-1 at the change of ends ...
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Fourth set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 6-6 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
There’s nothing to choose between them on the total points won so far: 150-150, even though Nadal is ahead on the scoreboard. 15-0, 30-0. 30-15 after a Khachanov rocket. Nadal snatches at his shot and nets. 30-all. A wayward Nadal forehand later and the defending champion, from having served for the match, is set point down! Nadal rediscovers his forehand and Khachanov nets. Nadal hits deep and true and Khachanov goes long. Nadal’s advantage. A game of cat and mouse, including a tweener from Khachanov, which has plenty of pace but Nadal is able to get his racket to it and volley away the winner. It’s tie-break time again!
Fourth set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 5-6 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
Signs that Khachanov may be cramping as he hits his quads with his racket and shakes his legs. That break must have taken a lot out of him. At 30-all, you wonder whether he may be in trouble but he dismisses any danger. 40-30, game. He’s earned himself a tie-break at the very least.
Fourth set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 5-5 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
It’s Nadal who’s had a greater success rate at the net today but Khachanov comes forward to take the first point. 0-15. That’ll give Nadal something to think about. And after that winning volley from Khachanov, Nadal misses a routine one of his own! 0-30. A relatively straightforward forehand for Nadal ... and he nets! 0-40. Three break-back points. Nadal is sending Khachanov left and right and left but Khachanov keeps up before producing the winner to break! Another twist in the tale. There’s no doubt Nadal tightened up there.
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Fourth set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 5-4 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
Khachanov is 40-15 ahead but Nadal reminds the Russian who’s boss with an 89mph winner. And as the match clock hits four hours, Nadal is about to step up to serve to settle matters ...
Fourth set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 5-3 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
I’m sure Serena and Venus are cheering on Rafa too, they don’t want their Friday night fight under the lights to be delayed. Khachanov holds but unless he can break Nadal pretty soon this match will be over. And Nadal isn’t looking too charitable. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. He’s increased the power on his forehand in this set and he’s potentially a game away from a place in the fourth round.
Fourth set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 4-2 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
And then out of nowhere, Khachanov has 0-30 on Nadal’s serve after a forehand blast down the line. I hope for his sake – and mine – he doesn’t break here, because I’m not sure how much either of us have got left in the tank. He’s been going nearly four hours now, I’ve been going for seven. Though admittedly it’s only my fingers and neck that hurts, I can’t imagine how he’s feeling after going four hours and four sets against the world No 1. Nadal hears my plea, and knifes a volley for 30-all, before taking the next two points too. Thanks Rafa.
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Fourth set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 3-2 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
Khachanov looks like he’s had enough when Nadal tidies up on serve before going 0-15 up. It may well prove to be futile but here’s some resistance from the Russian as he digs deep to hold.
Fourth set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 2-1 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
A hold to love for Nadal. Khachanov, understandably, looks deflated. Two more double faults from the Russian, to add to those three in the breaker, and Nadal breaks to gain a stranglehold on the match. Nadal has done what Nadal does, grinding his opponent down with his relentless intensity. Taking a set against Nadal is one thing, but managing to consistently hit through him to win three is quite another.
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For the first time, Anderson v Shapovalov takes a slightly different course to this match. Shapovalov lobs the 6’8” Anderson to get to set point – and grabs the fourth set 6-4 to force a decider.
Fourth set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 0-1 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
Khachanov hit three double faults in that breaker. Ouch. He’ll be having nightmares about those tonight if he goes on to lose. But at 22, he’s still learning how to deal with the big moments. And he’ll have plenty more big moments in the future if he continues to play as well as he has today. Khachanov manages to put the tie-break out of his mind to hold at the start of the fourth set.
Nadal wins the third-set tie-break 9-7!
Nadal regroups. It’s a fourth set point for Nadal at 7-6 – but it’s on Khachanov’s serve. Nadal can’t make an impact. 7-7. But Khachanov then doubles! A fifth set point. And this is on Nadal’s racket. Nadal nets his first serve, gets the second in ... he’s grunting, grunting, grunting, running, running, running, pounding, pounding, pounding, this point feels like it’s never going to end ... but eventually it does after 39 (THIRTY NINE!) shots when Nadal comes forward, forcing Khachanov into the error! Phew. That would have been a fine way to end the match. But we’ve still got at least another set of this. Sit tight.
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Third-set tie-break *Nadal 6-6 Khachanov
The first – on Khachanov’s serve – goes by. As does the second. Both after unforced errors from Nadal, if you can call an error unforced at this stage of a match. But now Nadal has a set point on his serve ... he’s fidding with his hair, touching his face, bounce, bounce, bouncing the ball ... and he gets a warning for going over the shot clock! Nadal doesn’t seem too thrown, he sends down the serve but Khachanov goes on to save a third set point ...!
Third-set tie-break Nadal 6-3 Khachanov*
... Nadal is dawdling a bit at 4-3, and with the shot clock ticking down he serves just in time. The longest rally of the match goes Nadal’s way. 5-3. The pair mix some brutal hitting with some slicing and dicing on the next point, Nadal draws Khachanov in with the drop shot before rifling the winner. 6-3, three set points ...
Third-set tie-break Nadal 4-2 Khachanov*
Nadal, having taken the opening two points, should really win the third too but he blinks. A reprieve for Khachanov because that would have given Nadal two mini-breaks. 2-1. 3-1, after a superb half-volley from Nadal. They slug it out on the next point, and Khachanov hits with such depth on the backhand that Nadal can’t reply. 3-2. They’re back on serve ... but not for long, because Khachanov hands the mini-break back to Nadal with a double fault ...
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Third set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 6-6 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
Bish, bash, bosh, Nadal’s under the cosh. Another love hold from Khachanov and they’re into a tie-break ...
Third set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 6-5* Khachanov (*denotes next server)
There’s very little giving on serve right now. Nadal holds to 15, the only blot on his service book a double fault (he’s hit three of those today and not a single ace).
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Third set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 5-5 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. Back to you, Rafa ...
Third set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 5-4 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili defeated the former Brit Aljaz Bedene in five sets in the first round, ended Jack Sock’s mini-revival in the second round and he’s now beaten Guido Pella, Marin Cilic’s conqueror at Wimbledon, 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4). The result will be of interest to Nadal and Khachanov, because whoever emerges from this encounter – which is close to stretching over three hours – will play Basilashvili next. A fairly business-like hold from Nadal at the business end of the set.
Third set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 4-4 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
Love holds have been hard to come by this evening so Nadal will be grateful for the one he gets in game seven. The crowd are on their feet when Nadal adeptly turns defence into attack for 15-all on Khachanov’s serve. A Khachanov ace and a wild forehand from Nadal later, and it’s 40-15. Khachanov catches Nadal out with a body serve to seal the game.
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Watch this Khachanov performance and spend a moment considering Kyrgios. In another era you could skid by on talent. Now field is so good, halfhearted focus/commitment is off by a factor of two ....
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) August 31, 2018
This @karenkhachanov vs @RafaelNadal match is ridiculous Tennis. Quality continues in 3rd set. By far best match of @usopen todate.
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) August 31, 2018
Third set: *Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 3-3 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
Anderson has taken a two sets to one lead over Shapovalov, leading 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Given the way these two matches have been mirroring each other, it may be a good omen for Nadal. Right on cue, Nadal has 15-30 on Khachanov’s serve. An inexplicable miss from Khachanov at the net and it’s break point at 30-40! A serve missile down the middle, Nadal blocks the return back, it’s high, it drops and clips the line ... but no, Khachanov stops the point to challenge! And the Russian’s right! Hawk-Eye shows it was out. Deuce. And Khachanov holds!
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Third set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 3-2 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
Khachanov’s forehand has been ferocious in this match but Nadal’s forehand, of course, ain’t too bad either and the top seed has more winners on that side, 20 to 14. Make that 20 to 15, as Khachanov lets rip once more. Jim Courier mentions on the commentary that Nadal lost to Djokovic under the roof in the Wimbledon semi-finals, a match he had enough chances to win. Will there be any scarring from that encounter here? His serving percentage has certainly dropped indoors in this set – and he’s under pressure at deuce. Khachanov lets him off the hook with a loose lob, and the Russian then biffs a backhand well beyond the baseline.
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Third set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 2-1 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
Khachanov holds to 30, just as Thiem closes out a four-set win over Fritz, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-4. He’s the first man through to the last 16, where he’ll face either Anderson or Shapovalov. Nadal puts a regulation hold on the board and they’re still going with serve early in the third.
Third set: Nadal 5-7, 7-5, 1-0 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
Nadal, having worked so hard to get into the match, could really do without crashing 0-40 down in the opening game of the third set. Khachanov has a good conversion rate on break points so far, taking four of six compared to Nadal’s four from 11, but all three come and go this time. Another two points bypass him too as Nadal fires five points on the spin to hold.
Drama too on Grandstand, where Dominic Thiem returned after a 20-minute rain break (there’s no roof there), hit two aces and then three double faults to get broken when serving for the match against Taylor Fritz. It’s 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 5-4.
And just as Nadal catches Khachanov on Ashe, Anderson silences Shapovalov on Louis Armstrong, also taking the second set for 4-6, 6-3.
Nadal wins the second set 7-5!
Pow. Wow. At 15-all on Khachanov’s serve, the Russian thunders an inside-out forehand down the line. 30-15. 40-15. Khachanov double faults on the first game point ... and repeats the trick on the second! He didn’t even get close with that second serve. Khachanov puts that out of his mind to move to his advantage, but two points later it’s Nadal’s advantage, set point. A strong first serve down the T ... Nadal chops it back, Khachanov comes to the net, Nadal is having to run and run ... and Khachanov’s volley is out! Nadal, not at his best for much of this set, shows tremendous courage and commitment to level the match.
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Second set: Nadal 5-7, 6-5 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
Nadal and Khachanov are back. Because the break was so brief there’s no warm-up, they’re straight back into the thick of it. Nadal charges to 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. And he’s getting the taping on his right knee redone at the changeover.
One player who’s undeterred by the rain is Serena Williams. She’s out on the practice courts ahead of her meeting with Venus later.
The roof’s closing on Louis Armstrong too, where the man Nadal beat in last year’s final, Kevin Anderson, is also under pressure against a young upstart. The South African trails Denis Shapovalov by a set, 6-4, but does have the break in the second, leading 4-2.
The Arthur Ashe schedule is out for tomorrow, and it’s a surprise to see Federer and Kyrgios haven’t been given the nighttime slot:
Day
Keys-Krunic
Kyrgios-Federer
Night
Sharapova-Ostapenko
Djokovic-Gasquet
Thanks Niall. Well, well. Some rain to add to the drama. There’s a bit of indecision about whether to close the roof, eventually it’s agreed they will do. Which means a break of about five minutes or so. Who does it favour? Hard to say. It’ll give Nadal a bit of time to think tactics but it could check his momentum, having just broken Khachanov. And Nadal’s much happier playing outdoors than indoors.
And with that, the rain starts to fall. There’ll be a break while they close the roof – plenty of time for Khachanov to rue that missed chance. With that, I’ll hand back over to Katy...
Second set: *Nadal 5-7, 5-5 Khachanov (*denotes next server) Errors and possible injury aside, Nadal has been second-best here, and getting out of a two-set hole would call on all his powers of resilience. Nadal battles to 30-all, and then finds a 95mph winner to earn a break point! The Russian stays cool and wins the next rally. Deuce, but Khachanov tightens up and concedes another break point – and this time, Nadal punishes him!
“Did anyone ever tell Rafael he should buy his shorts the right size?” asks Doris Dunn. “Maybe then he wouldn’t have to pull at his shorts, front and back, consistently.” Way to kick a guy while he’s down...
Second set: Nadal 5-7, 4-5 Khachanov* (*denotes next server) Khachanov produces a silky cross-court lob to take the first point, and takes the next with a forehand into the corner. Not a flicker after that break of serve, and he has three break points as Nadal misses a volley! He saves the first two, but another missed forehand gives up the break. Khachanov will serve for a two-set lead...
Second set: *Nadal 5-7, 4-4 Khachanov (*denotes next server) This is more like it from Nadal, swinging and landing a big cross-court winner – although Khachanov may have misjudged the leave. 15-30, his opponent under pressure – and Nadal fires long. Groans from the crowd, but a beautiful passing shot down the line brings up break point. Khachanov goes long, and we’re back on serve!
Second set: Nadal 5-7, 3-4 Khachanov* (*denotes next server) The No 1 seed is at least finding things a touch easier on his serve now, holding with ease here. Can he find a break though?
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Second set: *Nadal 5-7, 2-4 Khachanov (*denotes next server) Rain on the way in an hour or so, apparently. Not a massive deal, given there’s a roof. Khachanov shows no signs of weakness here, firing in the first serves and powering the forehands to hold to 15.
Anderson has lost the first set 6-4 to Shapovalov, but there’s better news for another single-figure seed – Dominic Thiem has won the third-set tie-break against Taylor Fritz.
Second set: Nadal 5-7, 2-3 Khachanov* (*denotes next server) Nadal hustles his way to 40-0 before Khachanov gives him a reminder with a cheeky pass up the line. No call for the trainer, or complaints to his box, from Nadal just yet. He puts the game away with a smash.
Second set: *Nadal 5-7, 1-3 Khachanov (*denotes next server) Can Khachanov consolidate the break? Nadal gets to 15-30 but can’t turn the screw, and the Russian has a chance to hold – but goes long. Deuce, and Khachanov dominates the next rally, but Nadal prevails in a 16-shot exchange and just gets his racket to a lob. Break point, but Nadal nets and lets another chance go, before Khachanov powers to hold.
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Second set: Nadal 5-7, 1-2 Khachanov* (*denotes next server) Khachanov keeps firing down winners, and races to a triple break point as a hush descends on the stadium. Nadal nets, and he’s a set and a break down! Is his knee bothering him – or is his opponent just too good today?
Second set: *Nadal 5-7, 1-1 Khachanov (*denotes next server) The Russian takes advantage of a couple of unforced errors and holds to thirty. Nadal still trying to figure out a way to get on top in this match.
Over on Armstrong, Kevin Anderson, the No5 seed and finalist at Wimbledon and here last year, is a break down to Canadian up-and-comer Denis Shapovalov in the first set.
Second set: Nadal 5-7, 1-0 Khachanov* (*denotes next server) Thanks Katy. So, the defending champion is in a tight spot here, a set down and potentially suffering from a sore knee. He is made to work hard in this first service game, but gets through with an overhead smash and an ace.
Right I’m off to recover after that set. Niall’s going to step in for a bit ...
First set to Karen Khachanov, 7-5 over #1 Rafael Nadal.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 31, 2018
Nadal put up a pretty incredible goal line stand in that last game, but Khachanov broke through.
Still a long, long way from the finish line, though. #USOpen
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Khachanov wins the first set 7-5!
The skies look ominous, a metaphor for Nadal’s current situation. Khachanov’s never taken a set off Nadal. He’s going to here it seems. 15-0. 30-0. But how silly to doubt Nadal. 15-30. 30-all. 30-40, when Khachanov smacks into the net. Win this break point and Nadal will secure himself a tie-break. But he can’t get his return back and Khachanov brings up set point with a winning volley! The Russian rifles wide! Deuce. Advantage Khachanov, a second set point, thanks to a seventh ace. An enthralling exchange ... and Nadal eventually takes it with an outrageous forehand winner! Deuce. Advantage Khachanov, set point No 3. The pair give it everything they’ve got ... and Nadal hits deep into the corner before dinking a volley over! Deuce. Advantage Khachanov, set point No 4. This time Khachanov does see Nadal off, with an ace. The Russian’s staging a revolution on Ashe, he’s taken the opening set against the defending champion!
Karen Khachanov win his first ever set against Nadal 7-5. The last game was spectacular. Whether he can play another two sets like that is debatable
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) August 31, 2018
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First set: Nadal 5-6 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
Nadal continues his revival with a drama-free hold. The defending champion’s pounding away from the back of the court on Khachanov’s serve but the Russian repels his opponent impressively, coming through to love. 5-5. With both looking strong on serve at this stage, there’s a sense the set is heading for a tie-break. But as I write that, Nadal gives Khachanov a glimmer at 15-30. Khachanov clunks into the net but Nadal then frames a forehand. 30-40, break point. And Khachanov charges forward to punish a weak volley from Nadal! Khachanov will serve for the set!
Over on Grandstand, Dominic Thiem, who lost to Nadal in this year’s French Open final, is trailing Taylor Fritz 6-3, 3-6, 3-1.
WHOA that was a thorough racquet smash by Dominic Thiem after fritz got a lucky netcord. Impressive commitment to the destruction. #USOpen
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 31, 2018
First set: *Nadal 4-4 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
Nadal has got his game face on, frowning furiously as he gets to 15-30 on the Khachanov serve. Gone are the constant fist pumps and jumps of his early career. He can’t carve out a break point chance immediately, but he is able to from deuce. Advantage Nadal. Khachanov nets his first serve, Nadal is still standing so far back for the second ... but it works and Nadal whips a vicious forehand cross-court winner. They’re back on serve! Cue a, erm, fist pump and jump.
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First set: Nadal 3-4 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
The serving cyborg that is Khachanov malfunctions for the first time as he fails to land a couple of first serves. It helps Nadal get to break point at 30-40. But Khachanov charges back at Nadal with phenomenal power. Deuce. Advantage Khachanov. Game Khachanov. Nadal then puts aside the disappointment of that missed opportunity to hold to 15.
A result on the women’s side: the seventh seed Elina Svitolina has eased past China’s Wang Qiang 6-4, 6-4. The Ukrainian has an excellent record away from the slams but has never been beyond the quarter-finals of a major. How she’d like to change that here. But she’ll have to face Sloane Stephens in the last eight if they get through their last-16 matches.
First set: Nadal 2-3 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
Khachanov hasn’t missed a first serve yet. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. This, of course, is far too early for Nadal to be too concerned but the opening games have highlighted the challenge Khachanov presents. The 22-year-old hits the ball bloody hard and has a stinging serve too. He’s already struck eight winners and four aces. Nadal could do with a steadying service game here and he gets it. He takes the game with a forehand volley and looks pretty pumped. He needs to be against such a dangerous opponent.
First set: Nadal 1-2 Khachanov* (*denotes next server)
Nadal, having had two break points in the previous game, surprisingly slides two break points down at 15-40. Perhaps aware of the shot clock, he’s screaming for some balls to serve with. They arrive in time but he is well off the pace when Khachanov crunches a return. There’s the first break and it’s not gone to Nadal.
First set: *Nadal 1-1 Khachanov (*denotes next server)
The roof, having been closed for the finale of Stephens v Azarenka, is now open again, which should play into Nadal’s hands as he much prefers playing outdoors than indoors. It’s almost a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it opening service game from Nadal, but there again it’s very hard to miss Nadal today given his luminous pink attire. And from a hold to 15, Nadal gets to 15-40 on Khachanov’s serve. Two break points. Nadal goes long on the return and decides to wipe himself down with the towel to absorb his frustration. A 132mph ace and it’s deuce. Khachanov dismisses the danger to hold.
And they’re out, warming up, with a sleeveless Nadal clad in a bright pink top and matching trainers. Rafa’s been rolling at this US Open so far. He ended Daveeed Ferreeerrrrrr’s grand slam career in the first round, playing only one and a half sets before his fellow Spaniard retired injured, and then brushed aside Vasek Pospisil in round two. Having started the tournament as the bookies’ second favourite for the title, behind Novak Djokovic, he’s now taken top spot.
Nadal leads the head-to-head with Khachanov 4-0, including a victory at Wimbledon last year, but the Russian pushed him in the Toronto semi-finals this month. Khachanov undoubtedly has the firepower to take a set or two off Nadal but the question is whether he can sustain that in a best-of-five match.
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So with the women’s defending champion through, the men’s defending champion is up next as Rafael Nadal faces the serve and forehand of the big-hitting young Russian Karen Khachanov. They’re waiting in the corridor. Cue the first Nadal-ism as he jumps up and down. Which you’d think he maybe wouldn’t be advised to do any more after this.
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That was superb from Stephens. If there were a few questions about her form coming into the match, there won’t be now. Stephens has sometimes been criticised for giving the impression of being too laid-back during her career but you could tell what that meant to her at the end. She looks determined and dangerous.
In the best match of the #USOpen so far, Sloane Stephens beats Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-4.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 31, 2018
Really high standard of play and battle throughout. Lots of emotion from Sloane after the high-octane finish.
The defending champion speaks:
I just battled as hard as I could, ran down every ball. I was playing a former grand slam champion, she raised her level and sometimes things got tight. I just had to stay in it and I did that well. I fought for every point. I’ve never played under this roof so it was super cool. The man upstairs was definitely looking after me. I was thankful for the break.
Stephens beats Azarenka 6-3, 6-4!
Azarenka, knowing she must hold serve to stay in this captivating contest, loses the first point after a 22-shot rally of the highest quality. 0-15. Stephens’s forehand dips just in time to graze the baseline. Wow. 0-30. Another breathtaking point as Azarenka scrambles back to retrieve the lob before going on to unleash a backhand winner. 15-30. But Azarenka will be diappointed with the way she gives Stephens double match point. A strong first serve is backed up by a backhand bullet from Azarenka but Stephens absorbs the artillery and then launches an attack of her own, charging forward to end with a forehand cross-court winner! Stephens advances, Azarenka is out, but the former world No 1 is undoubtedly on her way back.
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Second set: Stephens 6-3, 5-4 Azarenka* (*denotes next server)
Stephens missed only one first serve in the first set but her percentage is down to 64% in the second. Perhaps she’s feeling pressured to go for a big serve more given the way Azarenka is stepping in on the second serve. Azarenka is also getting rewarded for coming to the net more. 30-40. Will it be a third consecutive break? No. Stephens squeezes through.
Every tournament she plays, Victoria Azarenka is getting better and better....
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) August 31, 2018
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Second set: *Stephens 6-3, 4-4 Azarenka (*denotes next server)
And they’re back. I wonder if they were able to get any coaching during the break. The rules allow it during a rain interruption but during a roof-closing break, I’m not sure. Andy Murray certainly won’t be happy if either of them have broken the rules after his row with Fernando Verdasco the other night.
So Azarenka is serving. The break has perhaps broken her concentration because she’s 30-40, break point down. Azarenka is banging her face in frustration. And she’s chastising herself when a poorly-thought through point ends in Stephens’s favour. They’re back on serve.
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And just to add to the drama, with the skies looking threatening, the roof is coming on. There’ll be a break of around five minutes. Azarenka decides she’s not going to hang around and watch the feat of engineering that is the roof being closed over a 24,000-capacity stadium. She sprints off court, and is then followed by Stephens.
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Best adjustment Vika’s made in this match is stepping wayyyy in on the second serve and crushing it. Two big backhand returns help her break to 4-3.
— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) August 31, 2018
Second set: Stephens 6-3, 3-4 Azarenka* (*denotes next server)
A stunning return down the line, backed up by a brutal backhand, and Azarenka is sensing blood on Stephens’s serve at 15-30. Azarenka comes out on top in a draining duel and it’s 15-40, double break point. Her return on the first break point is long, she thinks about the challenge but then decides against it. 30-40. Then just as they’re mid-point ... my feed freezes. Gah! Though it comes back just as Azarenka nets a volley. Deuce. Advantage Stephens. Deuce. Advantage Azarenka. These games are so close right now. And from 3-1 down, Azarenka continues the turnaround to go a break up!
Second set: *Stephens 6-3, 3-3 Azarenka (*denotes next server)
But no sooner does Azarenka break than she is in danger of being broken. 0-40. She saves the first two break points – and then the third with a volley that clips the sideline. Azarenka looks mightily relieved when Hawk-Eye confirms it was in. Deuce. Advantage Stephens after another extended rally. A Stephens error and it’s back to deuce. Daniela Hantuchova, on the Amazon Prime commentary, reckons this is the highest quality match of the women’s draw so far. Azarenka digs deep to hold and get back on level terms in this set.
Second set: Stephens 6-3, 3-2 Azarenka* (*denotes next server)
Two results to bring you: the 15th seed Elise Mertens has come through a second-set tie-break 7-4 to defeat the Czech Barbora Strycova 6-3, 7-6 in an entertaining match, by all accounts. Mertens awaits the winner of Stephens v Azarenka. And the 19th seed Anastasija Sevastova, a US Open quarter-finalist in 2016 and 2017, has beaten Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, closing it out with a perfect drop shot. And just as I’m watching that, Azarenka breaks back! Stephens’s service level has dropped a little in this set and the American gives Azarenka a lifeline in this match with a double fault on break point.
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Second set: *Stephens 6-3, 3-1 Azarenka (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, some thoughtful play from Azarenka as she puts in a high ball and comes to the net, forcing Stephens to go wide with the lob. 30-15. 40-15. The fifth point is as good as the third, and Stephens settles matters with a forehand volley. She’s looking so calm and composed out there. 40-30. A mis-hit return from Stephens and it’s deuce. Azarenka looks unimpressed. She looks even more unimpressed when it’s break point. And is furious with herself when Stephens breaks. The defending champion is now a set and a break to the good.
Second set: Stephens 6-3, 2-1 Azarenka* (*denotes next server)
That may be about to change when a wonderful volley on the stretch gets Azarenka to deuce. And three points later it’s break point at Azarenka’s advantage. It’s a rare miss of the first serve from Stephens but the American lands the second. At the end of a long rally the pair exchange cross-court backhands with the angle getting more extreme, Azarenka tries to go down the line but hits out. Deuce. Stephens steadies herself to hold.
Second set: *Stephens 6-3, 1-1 Azarenka (*denotes next server)
An energy-sapping second point on Azarenka’s serve. Stephens eventually nets. Azarenka screams and fist pumps, roaring herself into further action despite her exertions. It works. 40-0. Game, when Stephens overcooks a backhand. But Azarenka, apart from that break point in game six of the first set, has not yet been able to make inroads into Stephens’s serve ...
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Second set: Stephens 6-3, 1-0 Azarenka* (*denotes next server)
Stephens is not only the defending champion, she’s also the highest seed left in the women’s draw, at No 3, after Caroline Wozniacki’s exit last night. I wonder if Wozniacki is sipping some actual margaritas rather than some imaginary ones right now. But back to the match, where Stephens is sticking to the first-set script at the start of the second. She holds to 30.
Stephens wins the first set 6-3
Stephens is serving superbly and has missed only one first serve in 20 so far, with her percentage at 95%. Another four first serves help her take the game to 15. But it’s not only her serve that is firing today; her groundstrokes and movement is looking so secure too. Stephens has so much to her game. She’s one of the best movers, has great balance and so much natural power. When she puts all this together and it’s functioning, she’s a phenomenal player. It’s certainly clicking here, as she brings up a triple set point at 0-40 on Azarenka’s serve ... and Azarenka nets! Stephens is looking strong.
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First set: *Stephens 4-3 Azarenka (*denotes next server)
Azarenka is trying to interrupt Stephens’s rhythm by throwing in a few moon balls and coming to the net, the right idea but the execution isn’t quite there. 15-30. Stephens lets Azarenka off the hook with a loose shot for 30-all, and Azarenka then drills a backhand down the line, taking it early with the ball on the rise. 40-30. Game.
First set: Stephens 4-2 Azarenka* (*denotes next server)
The winner here is most likely to play the 15th seed Elise Mertens in the last 16. The efficient if slightly unspectacular Belgian is efficiently taking care of business against Barbora Strycova, leading 6-3, 4-3 with the break. Back on Ashe, Azarenka, with the wind in her sails after that love hold in the previous game, has a break point at 30-40. But that’s a bad miss on the backhand. Deuce. From there, Stephens survives.
First set: *Stephens 3-2 Azarenka (*denotes next server)
The weather in New York is much cooler today but that’s about the only respite Azarenka is getting, because Stephens is making this a fairly unpleasant experience for the Belarusian. Stephens, with one foot on Azarenka’s throat, charges through on serve. But suddenly Azarenka wriggles free. The former No 1 holds to love for the first time and must now build on that after the changeover.
First set: *Stephens 2-1 Azarenka (*denotes next server)
Stephens sprints to 40-0, before overhitting a forehand for 40-15. She does a little practice swing at the back of the court – remember the shot clock, Sloane! – but it does the trick and she secures the hold on the next point. Stephens, such a superb athlete, perhaps has a bit more of a spring in her step than Azarenka, and the American is asking questions of Azarenka’s serve once more at 0-30. But she then batters a backhand into the net. Make that two battered backhands into the net. 30-all. 30-40, break point, courtesy of a 90mph forehand from Stephens. And Azarenka very generously gifts Stephens the first break of the match with a double fault!
First set: *Stephens 0-1 Azarenka (*denotes next server)
Azarenka steps up to serve first – and already they’re having to put in the hard yards. A 13-shot rally and Azarenka is victorious. A couple of quicker points and it’s 30-15. An errant backhand from Azarenka – which skids well into the tramlines – and it’s 30-all. Stephens steps forward to put a forehand into a wide open space for break point. A “COME ON” from Azarenka as she saves it and gets herself to deuce. And from there the Belarusian holds.
So this is a match between two grand slam champions, with Stephens the defending champion in New York and Azarenka winning the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013, as well as reaching the US Open final in both of those years.
Stephens has been inconsistent in the opening two rounds, which sums up her season too. The American reached the French Open final and won the Miami title but also suffered first-round exits at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Azarenka’s year, meanwhile, seems to be on an upward trajectory. The former world No 1 is playing with a weight off her shoulders, after the resolution of a custody battle that meant she couldn’t take her son out of California. Serena Williams may be generating most of the headlines as a returning mother here – but Azarenka is making her mark too.
Stephens beat Azarenka in three sets at Indian Wells and also in Miami this year but Azarenka is in a much better place now and has looked very sharp so far. If Stephens plays like she did in the second round, she could be out.
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Here they come, making their way through the Arthur Ashe corridors. Stephens has a microphone shoved in her face before walking on to court. “[The second round] kinda got me going. I’m just looking forward to playing again. Just go out, execute, have fun, play my game, enjoy it.” Take from that what you will ...
The clock strikes midday in NYC, so Sloane Stephens and Victoria Azarenka will be on court very shortly. It’s much cooler today, by the way, with a high of around 25C forecast. It’s breezier and there could even be the first rain of the tournament later. But given there are roofs on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong, most of the singles matches are protected.
And, while we’re reminiscing, here’s some recommended watching:
Serena 🆚 Venus, Part 30:
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2018
Revisit 2 decades of a sibling rivalry ahead of tonight's milestone encounter between @serenawilliams & @Venuseswilliams...#USOpen pic.twitter.com/Ajv7T6BURP
This was fun ...... https://t.co/wRjEI9RkhJ
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) August 30, 2018
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Recommended viewing: In case you missed it the other day, here’s a lovely gallery of 40 years of the US Open at Flushing Meadows, which includes some pictures of Serena and Venus’s early years at the tournament.
Recommended reading:
Meanwhile we’re hearing that the umpire concerned, Mohamed Lahyani, will not face any action from the USTA and will continue to officiate during this tournament. A spokesman has said Lahyani went “beyond protocol” by getting out of his seat to encourage Kyrgios but that he will not be sanctioned on account of his “exemplary track record as an international tennis official”.
USTA statement, essentially:
— Hannah Wilks (@newballsplease) August 31, 2018
'We've seen your matches. You're great for tennis. We want to help you. We know this isn't you.'
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Friday's order of play (singles)
Arthur Ashe Stadium
Day session (12pm ET/5pm UK)
Sloane Stephens (USA) [3] vs Victoria Azarenk (Blr)
Rafael Nadal (Spa) [1] vs Karen Khachanov (Rus) [27]
Night session (7pm ET/12am UK)
Serena Williams (USA) [17] vs Venus Williams (USA) [16]
Juan Martin del Potro (Arg) [3] vs Fernando Verdasco (Spa) [31]
Louis Armstrong Stadium
Day session (11am ET/4pm UK)
Barbora Strycova (Cze) [23] vs Elise Mertens (Bel) [15]
Wang Qiang (Chi) vs Elina Svitolina (Ukr) [7]
Denis Shapovalov (Can) [28] vs Kevin Anderson (RSA) [5]
Night session (7pm ET/12am UK)
Milos Raonic (Can) [25] vs Stan Wawrinka (Sui)
Sofia Kenin (USA) vs Karolina Pliskova (Cze) [8]
Grandstand
(11am ET/4pm UK)
Ekaterina Makarova (Rus) vs Anastasija Sevastova (Lat) [19]
Dominic Thiem (Aut) [9] vs Taylor Fritz (USA)
John Isner (USA) [11] vs Dusan Lajovic (Srb)
Karolina Muchova (Cze) vs Ashleigh Barty (Aus) [18]
Court 17
(11am ET/4pm UK)
Feliciano Lopez (Esp) and Marc Lopez (Esp) [10] v Christian Harrison (USA) and Ryan Harrison (USA)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (Geo) v Guido Pella (Arg)
Kaia Kanepi (Est) v Rebecca Peterson (Swe)
Borna Coric (Cro) [20] v Daniil Medvedev (Rus)
Preamble
Serena and Venus Williams first played each other on tour in the second round of the 1998 Australian Open, with Venus beating her younger sister 7-6, 6-1. Their dreams and proclamations were, of course, already big, fuelled by their father, who for many years had told them – and the world – that they would be the best two players on the planet. But surely not even he, or a 16-year-old Serena or 17-year-old Venus, could have imagined that 20 years, 29 meetings and a combined 30 grand slam titles later, with the sisters boasting a collective age of 74, that they’d still be battling it out against each other at a slam.
The Williamses’ headline act under the lights tonight makes what comes before it on Arthur Ashe feel like a warm-up, even though the two defending champions are both playing in the afternoon session. Sloane Stephens will need to be at her best against the rejuvenated former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka, while Rafael Nadal faces his first real test of the tournament against the rising Russian Karen Khachanov.
Nadal isn’t the only 30-something to be pitted against a Next Gen talent, with the man he beat in last year’s final, Kevin Anderson, playing Denis Shapovalov on Louis Armstrong. That’s where the 2016 champion Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic will meet too. Other names in third-round action include John Isner, the French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem, the former finalist Karolina Pliskova, the seventh seed Elina Svitolina and the Australian No 1 Ashleigh Barty. And let’s not forget Daniil Medvedev v Borna Coric and the battle of the forehands between Juan Martin del Potro and Fernando Verdasco, which follows Williams v Williams XXX on Ashe.
Play begins on Arthur Ashe at: 12pm ET/5pm BST.
Play on the other courts: is already under way. Belgium’s Elise Mertens has an early break, 3-1, against the Czech Barbora Strycova, while Ekaterina Makarova, who defeated the Wimbledon semi-finalist Julia Goerges in round two, leads Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 4-2.
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