That’s all from this blog, but you can follow defending champion Sloane Stephens against Elise Mertens on this site very soon. A couple of quick score updates: John Isner has taken the third set 6-4 to lead Milos Raonic two sets to one, and there’s a minor upset brewing on the Grandstand, where Anastasija Sevastova is a set up on the No 7 seed, Elina Svitolina.
Serena speaks to Pam Shriver on court:
“We always have really tough matches – I was just happy to get through it. [Since Wimbledon] I’ve improved my fitness, I feel more able to play longer matches. It was a really good match, and I hope we can keep it up.
“I’ve literally grown up on this court, and that’s super, super special. I’m still going!”
Serena Williams beats Kaia Kanepi 6-0, 4-6, 6-3!
Williams quickly moves to 30-0 and outlasts Kanepi in the next rally for three match points. Kanepi looks to have saved the first, but mistimes her volley and Williams flicks it back into the open court to seal victory!
Third set: *Williams 6-0, 4-6, 5-3 Kanepi (*denotes next server)
The Estonian is serving to stay in the match but shows no sign of nerves, racing through another regulation hold – but Serena Williams will serve for the match...
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Third set: Williams 6-0, 4-6, 5-2 Kanepi* (*denotes next server)
Kanepi wins the first rally and has a chance at second serve, but Serena finds a spinning ace down the middle. Her service game is keeping Williams in front as we head past the 90-minute mark – and with that hold, she’s one game away.
Third set: *Williams 6-0, 4-6, 4-2 Kanepi (*denotes next server)
Kanepi struggling to find much rhythm on her service game, and gets lucky as a Williams return misses the baseline at 30-all. Serena then nets to end a scrappy game.
Third set: Williams 6-0, 4-6, 4-1 Kanepi* (*denotes next server)
Bish, bash, bosh, Williams holds in a flurry of big first serves. She’s two games away from a quarter-final against Karolina Pliskova.
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Third set: *Williams 6-0, 4-6, 3-1 Kanepi (*denotes next server)
A welcome comfortable hold for Kanepi, as the commentators discuss when the schools go back in New York. Next week, apparently.
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Wondering what’s happening in the match between John Isner and Milos Raonic? Of course you are. It’s 2-2 in the third, with the first two sets exchanged – and no tie-breaks yet.
Third set: Williams 6-0, 4-6, 3-0 Kanepi* (*denotes next server)
Williams looks in control on serve, until a double fault and a follow-up error give Kanepi an unexpected break point. Williams scraps to deny her, then fires down an ace and another serve that doesn’t make it back.
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Third set: *Williams 6-0, 4-6, 2-0 Kanepi (*denotes next server)
Now it’s Serena on the charge, and Kanepi feels the pressure – two unforced errors hand over a double break point, and she fires wide to concede the break. That was as if the second set had never happened.
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Third set: Williams 6-0, 4-6, 1-0 Kanepi* (*denotes next server)
Kanepi, who looked sure to be humiliated after that first set, senses an opportunity here, keeping Serena on the ropes through a long first service game. Williams gets over the line with a ferocious cross-court winner and lets out an almighty roar. She knows she’s in a battle here.
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“That photo has to be one of the best images of a world champion of all time. It is a staggering image of determination, confidence and skill from one of the greatest tennis players and athletes of all time” – Martin O’Brien is talking about this, an absolute stunner of a snap by Robert Deutsch:
Kaia Kanepi wins the second set!
Second set: *Williams 6-0, 4-6 Kanepi (*denotes next server)
So after losing the first set in 18 minutes, Kanepi is serving for the second set. Call me cynical, but I have a feeling how this might pan out – and indeed, Serena blasts a forehand winner for 0-30. The next two points are exchanged, before Williams nets on a double break-point.
An ace for Kanepi, challenged by Williams, but it clipped the line. Deuce – and now set point after another fine first serve. Williams smash, we’re back to deuce. Back and forth we go, before Serena goes long! We’re going to a decider!
Second set: Williams 4-5 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
An early wobble, but Williams steadies up to take it to deuce. A bullet of a serve gives her advantage, and on the next point her second serve – ovrenthusiastically returned – seals the game. 5-4.
Second set: Williams 3-5 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
But, inevitably, she doesn’t. Williams raises the bar, planting a lovely two-hander bang in the corner, and it’s 0-30. Then a domineering two-hander and a no-nonsense forehand down the line, and she has broken back.
Second set: Williams 2-5 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
The first “Come on!” of the match emanates as Williams edges 30-15 in front with a storming volley. The same again at 40-15. But Kanepi drags it back to deuce with a flat diagonal, and wallops one down the line for advantage! Staring down the barrel of two break points, Williams hits a simple shot wide, and her challenge is in vain. 5-2 Kanepi, and if she holds her serve here, an unlikely second set is hers.
Second set: Williams* 2-4 Kanepi (* denotes next server)
Kanepi takes her service game with relative ease, her play notably more assured now.
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Over on Louis Armstrong, Milos Raonic has taken the first set again John Isner, 6-3, but the American leads 3-0 in the second.
Second set: Williams 2-3 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
Williams is in her stride, serving with menace for 40-0 and emerging from a game-deciding rally that sees two Kanepi shots clip the net.
Second set: Williams* 1-3 Kanepi (* denotes next server)
Kanepi unearths her own pair of aces. 40-0. A double fault halts her momentum though, and Williams wrongfoots her to draw it to 40-30. But another strong serve from the Estonian sees out the game.
Second set: Williams 1-2 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
Williams rattles in her seventh ace in half an hour to go 30-0 up and, a minute later, comes her eighth. 2-1. The merry sound of the Sugarhill Gang’s Apache (Jump On It) blasts around the stadium, but Kanepi does not look enthused.
Second set: Williams 0-2 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
Serena changes her racket midway through the game and hits into the net. 30-15. Kanepi, nerveless now, holds out through a couple of second serves to take the game, rounding it off with a whipped shot along the line.
Second set: Williams 0-1 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
A rare Williams error, overhitting a crosscourt pass, brings it to 15-15 before the American hits lazily into the net for 15-30. After some back-and-forth a great return gives Kanepi advantage, and she sees out the ensuing rally – Williams hitting long again – to break. Welcome to the game.
Williams takes the first set in 18 minutes
First set: Williams 6-0 Kanepi
Lordy. After a couple of solid point, Kanepis sees her serve swiped back down the line, out of her reach, and then loses it badly. She hits one volley long and Williams – who hasn’t dropped a point on her first serve yet – eats up the break point.
First set: Williams 5-0 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
With three aces, Williams steams through her service game without dropping a point. Kanepa, already weary, beats a hasty retreat to the touchline. Williams strolls after her.
First set: *Williams 4-0 Kanepi (* denotes next server)
Kanepi pegs Williams back, and a low pass from the American gives Kanepi her fourth point of the match. But then she thwacks a two-handed backhand down the line for 15-30 and takes the next point hungrily. Break point, and Kanepi’sweak serve is belted venomously back across court by Williams, who has not broken sweat yet. She’s broken again.
First set: Williams 3-0 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
Another volley from Kanepi falls long to put Williams 40-15 up, and the latter’s serve is returned with too much power. Williams watches it sail past her feet and land well out.
First set: Williams* 2-0 Kanepi (* denotes next server)
Kanepi’s first serve of the match is swept back down the line by her opponent. 0-15. A rally follows, Williams outlasting the Estonian, and some dead-eyed forehand see Williams break – already. 2-0. Kanepi needs to raise it a notch or start packing her bags.
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First set: Williams 1-0 Kanepi* (* denotes next server)
After losing the first point, Williams pegs it back with a cross-court forehand for 15-15, before following it up with an ace. The game is finished off with a deft drop-shot that has Kanepi scrambling in vain. Ominous from Williams.
On Louis Armstrong, John Isner and Milos Raonic take to the court. But here, it’s Williams v Kanepi.
The pair are out for the pre-match knockabout, Kanepi with her left shoulder strapped up and a bandage on the other elbow. She’ll be even more bedraggled once this match is done with, you suspect, whatever the result. The 37-year-old Williams looks as calm as ever. She is going for her 24th slam singles title, and her seventh here. These two have played each other four times before. Kanepi is yet to win a set. All the best, Kaia. Williams to serve.
Here’s Kevin Mitchell’s report on Nadal’s win:
Nadal: “I’m very happy to be through. I think I improved with my level by the time of the fourth set. He was playing very aggressive. The first two sets were tough because there was no rhythm in the match. After Karen Khachanov, which was a long one, this was a physical one. But I feel good.”
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Nadal drinks in the crowd’s affection, spanks a few balls playfully into the stands, and wanders down the tunnel triumphant. His title defence will continue against Dominic Thiem – who dispatched Kevin Anderson early this afternoon – in the quarters. It’s a rerun of the French Open final from three months ago. Nadal won that one.
That was a terrific game in the end, after a slow start. Next up, Serena Williams takes on Kaia Kanepi.
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Plíšková sees off Barty 6-4, 6-4
London buses. Two matches are decided in a matter of moments and Karolina Pliskova, the no 8 seed, has beaten the Australian Ashleigh Barty in straight sets.
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Nadal defeats Basilashvili 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-4
Nadal wins: 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-4
His first serve is too much for Basilashvili, who then fires long for 30-0, and then again – three match points. Nadal only needs one. It’s an ace, and he’s into the quarter-finals. But he’s had to work for it, and Basilashvili can take real heart from a performance that was equal parts skill and fight.
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As Nadal serves for the match, so does Karolína Plíšková, 5-4 up against Ashleigh Barty in the second.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 5-4 Basilashvili
Hello again. After an early back and forth, Basilashvili swoops forward to send a pass across court for 30-15. Nadal retreats to towel his perspiring face. But it does him little good. Basinashvili finishes him off with a sizzling backhand. But now he needs to break, or he’s off home.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 5-3 Basilashvili
Nadal may have landed a knockout blow there – he needs two more service holds. He outlasts Basilashvili in the first rally, and races through the rest of the game. Time to hand you back to Alex...
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 4-3 Basilashvili
Nadal must wonder how he’s in this situation – he could have been off court an hour ago, and had chances for a double break 10 minutes ago. Fortunately, his opponent is having another badly-timed wobble, an unforced error handing Nadal two break points. Basilashvili comes to the net – and is punished by a brutal passing shot! Nadal enjoyed that – now can he close it out?
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 3-3 Basilashvili
Basilashvili is so tired, he changes his socks to buy a little time – and comes back out firing, racing to a triple break as Nadal fires a forehand wide! Nadal saves the first but can’t do anything about the second – and we’re back on serve. The power of new socks, eh?
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 3-2 Basilashvili
The Georgian in a spot of bother, as a double fault leaves the match 30-all. He fires a hopeful forehand into the tramlines, and it’s as good as a match point for Nadal – but he nets from a ferocious first serve. He gets another, second serve, but great defence from Basilashvili keeps him in it. There can’t be much left in the tank, but he finds two more big first serves to hold.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 3-1 Basilashvili
A couple of lovely winners from Basilashvili, but Nadal bounces back each time. The Spaniard looks to have the momentum in the next rally, but Basilashvili earns break point with a terrific, controlled backhand winner down the line! Nadal scraps to deuce and holds through force of will.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8) 2-1 Basilashvili
Basilashvili gets on the scoreboard in the fourth, finding some of that third-set first serve accuracy. Over on Louis Armstrong, Karolina Pliskova has won the first set against Ashleigh Barty.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8) 2-0 Basilashvili
Nadal holds with ease, his opponent looking a little worse for wear as the match creeps towards the three-hour mark. It’s a long way back from here...
Fourth set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8) 1-0 Basilashvili
Niall here, filling in while Alex makes a quick trip to the locker room. Nadal would have loved to have got out of here in straight sets but the Georgian was having none of it. He’s serving first in the fourth, but Nadal is angry and quickly sets up two break points with a vicious forehand winner. The No 1 seed takes his first chance, and is back in total control.
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Basilashvili takes the third set against Nadal
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8) Basilashvili
Nadal misses a vital point, bodging a pass down the line. Set point on Basilashvili’s serve, and he seals it. Nadal is forced into four sets – at least – and against an opponent who is growing into this match.
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Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-6 (6-6) Basilashvili
Basilashvili lures Nadal to the net with a finessed drop-shot, and sweeps the ball across court to take the point in dazzling style. Majestic stuff. Nadal blasts one down the line in response. 6-6
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Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-6 (5-4) Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
Nadal puppeteers his opponent into one corner and sprays the ball to the other. Basilashvili holds on his point, and on the next Nadal aims a purposeful forehand beyond the Georgian. Thrilling tie-breaker.
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-6 (3-3) Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
But Basilashvili refuses to lie down. He plays his part in a splendid rally, his precision too much for Nadal, who then fails to hold his own serve. 3-3, and the tennis on display is regal.
Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 6-6 (3-1) Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Nadal opens his body up to swish a sumptuous 94mph winner into the court’s outermost corner. A despondent Basilashvili loses the next point, too, and Nadal is on the brink of victory.
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Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 6-6 (1-1) Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
A languid, lengthy exchange finishes with Basilashvili planting a two-handed backhand across the court and inside the line. Great shot. 1-1
Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 6-6 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili is getting better now, bounding towards the net at every opportunity and twice winning points in the process to hold his serve. 6-6, and a tie break.
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Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-5 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
At 0-15 down, the Georgian spins at the net to slice an acute volley past a scampering Nadal. Full of confidence, Basilashvili looks to get on the front foot, rushing to the net but Nadal whisks the ball past him. 30-15. A no-nonsense ace follows a glorious rally, finished by Nadal as he strains every sinew to send the ball down the line, ends the game in the Spaniard’s favour.
Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 5-5 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili, via a high-quality rally and a couple of fierce serves, takes the game. He’s not letting go of this set without a fight.
Over at Louis Armstrong stadium, Karolina Pliskova has started with serious intent, breaking immediately to go 2-0 against Ashleigh Barty in the first set. The winner there will play either Kaia Kanepi or Serena Williams, who face off when Nadal and Basilashvili are done.
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Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 5-4 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili begins the game with a superb 93mph pass down the line before returning a venomous serve with enough dip to flummox Nadal. But Nadal takes the next point and then, when Basilashvili gets a chance to pass into acres of open court, he takes the wrong option and finds only the net. Two brief points later and Nadal had held once again. He mooches over to the bench for a rest.
Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 4-4 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
But he doesn’t falter, holding his serve with an assuredness that belies his precarious position. Nadal picks, scratches, twitches, and prepares to serve.
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 4-3 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
Nadal wobbles, going 15-30 down to his dogged opponent, but then he rifles in a couple of unreturnable serves before, 40-30 up, discharging a vicious blitz directly at an advanced Basilashvili, who in the end can’t keep up and volleys, flustered, into the net. A break in the next game would be curtains for him.
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Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 3-3 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Leading 30-15, Basilashvili sweeps a desperate volley towards the net, over which the ball trickles to land in Nadal’s half. Point to the Georgian, who apologises with the customary sheepishness. Then he hammers a forehand home to even things up again.
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 3-2 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
Back on Arthur Ashe, Nadal has broken straight back. No messing around. And he holds on to his next serve without any fuss to take it to 3-2. He takes a seat, fidgeting and rehydrating. Basilashvili does the same and marches back on to court purposefully – but he’s back to square one in this set.
Thiem defeats Anderson
Dominic Thiem has seen of Kevin Anderson in straight sets, taking the third on a tie-break. He has won 7-5, 6-2, 7-6. The Wimbledon finalist will be heading home, while Thiem marches on to the quarters, where he will face Rafael Nadal the winner of this match.
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 1-2 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili breaks! Meanwhile…
Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 1-1 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
A couple of down-the-line specials from Nadal take it to 0-40, and three break points. This is a critical moment for Basilashvili – and he claws it back to deuce. A brief exchange later and its deuce again, before Nadal plants a poor drop-shot well short. Advantage Basilashvili – who promptly gives it up with a double fault! The two then treat us to a pleasing rally, which the Georgian wins in style. Advantage again, and this time he serves on the money, Nadal’s return trickling into the net. Terrific resistance from Basilashvili, who escaped five break points there.
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 1-0 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili, his shirt now pasted to his torso, pegs it back to 30-30 after losing the first two points. A masterful serve and a bad mis-hit from Nadal take it to deuce, before another dead-eyed served and a delicate-drop shot wrap up the game. Basilashvili is looking ever more beleaguered.
Nadal goes two sets up against Basilashvili
Second set: Nadal 6-3, 6-3 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Nadal, pegged behind the baseline, lofts the ball into his opponent’s half via the skies, once, twice, three times. Basilashvili is equal to all of them but his third return is belted beyond him by Nadal. That’s 15-0 and from there the Georgian can’t quite pull it back. Nadal sees out the game with minimal fuss, and that’s the set.
Second set: Nadal 6-3, 5-3 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
A mirror image of the last game, Basilashvili’s return hitting the net to put Nadal 5-3 up in the second. He looks bemused and sidles off to change his racket.
Second set: Nadal* 6-3, 4-3 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili does similarly, his opponent hitting weakly into the net to finish another short game. An hour gone. The Georgian has two more chances to break Nadal’s serve before he’s two sets down.
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Second set: Nadal 6-3, 4-2 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
Nadal trots back out on to court and rattles through a rapid four-point service game.
Second set: Nadal* 6-3, 3-2 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
An assured ace whizzes past a flat-footed Nadal as Basilashvili holds his serve.
On Louis Armstrong, Thiem and Anderson are two hours in and it’s 7-5, 6-2, 3-4. No breaks yet in the third.
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Second set: Nadal 6-3, 3-1 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
A sustained rally draws to an end when Basilashvili glides across court to usher a delightful backhand down the line. A minute later he’s got two break points. The first gets away from him, his reply to Nadal’s drop-shot sneaking inches long. And the second is even more agonising, the Georgian scuttling side and hitting a return past the net post but not quite into the court. A third break point sees Nadal give him the runaround to take it back to deuce. The next two points are taken by Nadal. Close, from Basilashvili, but not close enough.
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Second set: Nadal* 6-3, 2-1 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili’s turn to muck up, planting a simple volley badly wide at 30-0 ahead. His coach looks on glumly. But the pupil redeems himself with a splendid two-hander down the line and past a straining Nadal, who returns the ensuing serve with too much venom. That’s 2-1, and the pair retreat to their umbrellas, Basilashvili looking relaxed, Nadal fraught. The latter bounds back on as soon as he gets the call.
Second set: Nadal 6-3, 2-0 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
A quickfire one-two of unforced errors from Nadal as Basilashvili benefits from a double fault and a wild looping mis-hit, before the Spaniard regains his composure to take the game with relative ease.
Second set: Nadal* 6-3, 1-0 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
And he loses precisely none of that momentum in the opening stages of the second set, roaring into a 0-40 lead before, two points later, watching a Basilashvili volley drop just past the baseline. Straight in with a break. Now he serves.
Nadal takes the first set
First set: Nadal 6-3 Basilashvili
No mistakes from Nadal with his service game, rattling a formidable forehand to claim the set, 6-3. He’s hotting up now.
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Thiem goes 7-5, 6-2 up against Anderson.
And so has Thiem, again. He has taken the second set 6-2.
Nadal* 5-3 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Nadal scampers wide to send a return past the umpire’s face and inside the baseline. A smart rally follows, Nadal in control, and on his second break point he forces Basilashvili well wide, and the Georgian, stretching, can only find the net. Nadal has broken.
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Nadal 4-3 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili uses up an appeal in lamentable fashion – Nadal’s shot was well in. And at 40-30 Nadal digs out a fierce volley to end the game. He shuffles off court to align and realign his water bottles. Basilashvili has a well-earned swig of water.
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Nadal* 3-3 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
The Georgian holds his serve again in what’s been a bitty match so far. A characteristically angsty Nadal embarks on the usual rituals – picking, twitching, readjusting – and prepares to serve.
Thiem has broken again – he’s 4-2 up in the second. Kevin Anderson, Wimbledon finalist two months ago, is in trouble.
Nadal 3-2 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
30-15 up, Basilashvili doesn’t quite get enough angle on a crosscourt shot and Nadal slams it gratefully down the line. On the commentary, Rusedki chastises him for “bad math, bad geometry”, and the Spaniard hoovers up the next two points.
Nadal* 2-2 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Nadal hits back, battering in a couple of forehands to take the game but again Basilashvili responds in kind, with a another near-flawless service game. 2-2.
Over on Louis Armstrong, Thiem is 3-2 up in the second.
Nadal* 1-1 Basilashvili (*denotes next server)
Basilashvili makes similarly light work of his turn, allowing Nadal just a single point and sweeping in on the diagonal to take the game.
Nadal gets under way against Basilashvili
Nadal 1-0 Basilashvili* (*denotes next server)
No surprises there: Nadal rifles through his first service game, hinting at mortality by volleying into the net before playing a bit of cat-and-mouse with Basilashvili in taking the final point.
And we’re going to switch to Arthur Ashe, for Nadal-Basilashvili. We’ll keep you updated from Louis Armstrong.
The pair are out. A bronzed Nadal slips out of his jacket to treat us to a fluorescent pink sleeveless number and a pair of titanic biceps. His trademark mini-scowl is etched into his face: he’s ready to play. Basilashvili, for his part, looks unfazed. His black-and-white sweatband bares a skull on the front.
Meanwhile, Thiem has broken again against Anderson. He’s 2-0 up in the second.
Thiem takes the first set against Anderson
First set: Anderson 5-7 Thiem
Thiem responds to his first big break by double-faulting lamely. But after that there’s no mishaps and he takes the set with a serve that is met wildly by a stretching Anderson. The ball loops behind and Thiem sighs with relief. He grew into that set.
Not long now until Nadal gets going.
First set: Anderson 5-6 Thiem* (denotes next server)
First blood to Thiem, who pulls himself two break points clear with a beautifully angled volley. Anderson responds by flicking a similar one past his flailing opponent. On it goes. Finally, on his fourth chance to break, Thiem drives down the line, past a groaning Anderson, to take the game.
First set: Anderson* 5-5 Thiem (denotes next server)
Thiem draws level at 30-30 by sending a delicious low volley just over the net and well out of Anderson’s reach. It’s 40-30 when he ends a rally by heaving a forehand across court and, after a stutter and an exasperated semi-strop, he takes a tight game when Anderson overhits.
First set: Anderson 5-4 Thiem* (denotes next server)
… before delivering a flawless service game. Could be an endurance test, this match.
First set: Anderson* 4-4 Thiem (denotes next server)
No rallies this time. Thiem makes quick work on the next game. A glistening Anderson winces.
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First set: Anderson 4-3 Thiem* (denotes next server)
A giddy rally sees Thiem teleport across court to return an unreturnable forehand, before misjudging a impudent lob ever so slightly to lose the point. He makes up for it at close quarters, battering past an advanced Anderson at the third time of asking. The game goes to the wire, Anderson double-faulting late on and Thiem doing the business at the net, but the Austrian can’t quite do enough to break and loses a challenge in the process. Umbrellas out.
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First set: Anderson* 3-3 Thiem (denotes next server)
Thiem pirouettes at the net to send the ball out of Anderson’ reach, 40-15. Another slip from Anderson and that’s the game.
First set: Anderson 3-2 Thiem* (denotes next server)
Anderson returns the favour, finishing with an emphatic forehand. The two retire to the sidelines and a pair of young lackeys materialise holding umbrellas – it’s 26C in New York. There’s nothing in this one so far.
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First set: Anderson* 2-2 Thiem (denotes next server)
Thiem’s shot clips the net and lands on the other side. The Austrian holds up a sheepish hand in apology but shows no such remorse thereafter, rattling through the next three points to take the game to love.
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First set: Anderson 2-1 Thiem* (denotes next server)
A tight third game goes to deuce before an already sweat-soaked Anderson sends Thiem scampering back and forth across the baseline, draws him in and wallops a cross-court shot that lands neatly inside the white line. Lovely rally, and a silent fist-pump to celebrate.
First set: Anderson* 1-1 Thiem (denotes next server)
The first point on Thiem’s serve is taken by a nerveless Anderson. Thiem chews his lip and slams in a better effort for 15-15. Then comes the first sign of flaw from Anderson as he slices out. His opponent, more relaxed now, takes the next two points in quickfire style.
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First set: Anderson 1-0 Thiem* (denotes next server)
Anderson’s first serve is barely reached by Thiem, who slashes out. His next one, at the second attempt, leads to a brief exchange that he beings a fast end to. The next two, like the first, are barely returned. Strong start by the South African.
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“End of warmup,” instructs a not-to-be-messed-with umpire. And we’re off. Anderson to serve, bathed in east coast sunshine.
Thiem and Anderson are out on Louis Armstrong, game faces fixed, the former sporting a bright pink sweatband on his right wrist – nice. Should Thiem win here, we could well be in for a replay of last year’s final. Nadal won that one – and his game today starts in an hour.
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“I think there’s gonna be drama, I think there’s gonna be emotion,” divines Greg Rusedski from behind the pundits’ desk, before taking us on a whistle-stop tour of Arthur Ashe Stadium. There’s a gym, and for a split second he looks about to embark on some impromptu chin-ups. But alas, his better instincts prevail.
Amid all that, fourth seed Alexander Zverev became the biggest casualty of the tournament so far last night, beaten in four sets by his German compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber – who will face Kei Nishikori in the last 16.
Alex de Minaur, the unseeded 19-year-old Australian, pushed the seventh seed, Marin Cilic, to the brink yesterday in a late-night thriller. Relive it:
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And here’s a reminder of yesterday’s drama between Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios, in which the Swiss “reminded the untamed prodigy he will never be as great as he thinks he is until he starts to listen to some of the advice that comes his way on an almost hourly basis”. Those the words of the Guardian’s Kevin Mitchell – not the first pep talk dished out to Kyrgios this week.
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Today's order of play (singles)
Arthur Ashe – day session
Rafal Nadal (Esp) [1] v Nikoloz Basilashvili (Geo)
Kaia Kanepi (Est) v Serena Williams (USA) [17]
Night session
Sloane Stephens (USA) [3] v Elise Mertens (Bel) [15]
Juan Martín Del Potro (Arg) [3] v Borna Coric (CRO) [20]
Louis Armstrong – day session
Dominic Thiem (Aut) [9] v Kevin Anderson (Rsa) [5]
Ashleigh Barty (Aus) [18] v Karolina Pliskova (Cze) [8]
John Isner (USA) [11] v Milos Raonic (Can) [25]
Grandstand – day session
Anastasija Sevastova (Lat) [19] v Elina Svitolina (Ukr) (later on)
In the meantime, why not catch up on Venus-Serena XXX – “a very American moment, two great lions in internecine combat,” in the words of Bryan Armen Graham – with our correspondent’s report from Flushing Meadows.
Preamble
A bullish Serena Williams was in no mood for familial friendliness on Friday, vanquishing her sister at Arthur Ashe Stadium in regal style, just 72 minutes elapsing between the match’s first and final shots. It was imperious, ominous stuff from the No 17 seed and her next hurdle is Kaia Kanepi, the big-hitting Estonian who began her tournament by dispatching the No 1 seed, Simona Halep, in straight sets before dishing out the same treatment to Jil Teichmann and Rebecca Peterson.
Kanepi has impressive grand slam pedigree, having reached six quarter-finals, including in this very tournament last year. Williams’ grand slam pedigree, as you may be aware, is rather loftier: 23 titles, seven runners-ups and countless opponents left in her wake. Will Kanepi be added to that pile? We’ll find out tonight.
But that’s later. First up, Rafael Nadal, hot off the back of his edge-of-the-seat dogfight against Karen Khachanov, takes on Nikoloz Basilashvili for a place in the quarter-finals. The two have met just once before, at Roland Garros last year, and the outcome could hardly have been more emphatic: Nadal won 6-0, 6-1, 6-0 and nine days later he had his hands on the trophy. Basilashvili, the first Georgian to reach the ATP top 40 rankings, will have to do a mite better this afternoon if he’s to stand any chance of pulling off what would be a seismic shock.
Elsewhere today, Dominic Thiem faces Kevin Anderson for the chance to play Nadal (or, technically, Basilashvili) in the last eight. That’s at Louis Armstrong stadium, followed by Ashleigh Barty against Karolina Pliskova and John Isner against Milos Raonic. Anastasija Sevastova also takes on the No 8 seed, Ukrainian Elina Svitolina.
Then in the evening session, Sloane Stephens, who was back on form against Victoria Azarenka after being made to sweat by Anhelina Kalinina in the second round, takes on Elise Mertens, who has seen off her last two opponents in straight sets. After that, Juan Martín del Potro locks horns with Borna Coric, the 20th-seeded Croatian, for the right to face Isner/Raonic in the quarters.
Needless to say, you’ll be able to follow the lot – plus plenty more from around Flushing Meadows – right here.
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