Jannik Sinner (1) and Tommy Paul (14) are up next on Ashe in a last-16 clash to round out the day, but we’ll leave it there for now with a wrap of Alex De Minaur’s four-set victory over Jordan Thompson:
Alex De Minaur praises Jordan Thompson who he says is “like a big brother to me, my Davis Cup teammate”, before the 25-year-old gives away few secrets when he says that he tries to “win every point” and “compete his heart out”.
The No 10 seed will now face Jack Draper, an opponent he has beaten in each of their three previous meetings though De Minaur is taking little from those encounters that were away from the glare of grand slam courts.
Both the Australian and British player will be chasing a first grand slam semi-final appearance when they clash on Thursday, with De Minaur into his fourth quarter-final and Draper into the last eight for the first time.
😈😈😈 pic.twitter.com/HoIqteGkAW
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2024
Updated
Alex De Minaur is now into a third consecutive grand slam quarter-final after reaching the last eight at the French Open, then missing out on an opportunity to face Novak Djokovic at the same stage when forced to withdraw due to a hip injury.
That injury was an ongoing concern as De Minaur eased into this US Open but he has been able to turn to his speed and agility more and more as the tournament progresses. The No 10 seed is now into a US Open quarter-final for the second time and will take on Jack Draper for a spot in the semi-finals.
Updated
Alex De Minaur (10) beats Jordan Thompson 6-0, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5
Australia’s No 10 seed Alex De Minaur is through to the quarter-finals after defeating his compatriot and friend Jordan Thompson in just under three hours.
Demon gets it done in an all-Aussie battle! pic.twitter.com/m9lJFNx8Nc
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2024
Updated
Iga Świątek beats Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 6-1
No 1 seed Iga Świątek has defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 6-1 to move through to the quarter-finals.
Another Monday at the office for Iga Swiatek! pic.twitter.com/ps3ptzY2Kd
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2024
Updated
De Minaur breaks and will serve for the match! Thompson has his chances at 30-30 but mis-times a backhand volley when the point was all but his. Thompson follows up with a blazing forehand winner from deep behind the baseline as he finds the nearest corner, and might have held serve when pushing De Minaur around the court again and closing in to the net before the No 10 seed pulls out a scything backhand winner. Thompson does all he can to hold serve but a forehand error puts De Minaur on the brink of a quarter-final berth.
Updated
De Minaur holds serve to stay in the set at 5-5. The No 10 seed mostly rediscovers his range with his first serve but is made to work hard to level the set as the game goes to deuce. Thompson fails to clear the net with a forehand through a rally, and again admonishes himself, then is unable to return serve as the set goes down to the wire.
Thompson holds serve after recovering from 0-40. Thompson makes all the play but a pair of unforced errors from deep on the court allow De Minaur to take charge and set up three break points. Thompson saves the first with a forehand winner, allows De Minaur to make a mistake on the next, then takes it to deuce with a stunning forehand. A backhand winner gives Thompson the advantage and he finishes the game with a thundering smash at the net.
Thompson breaks back and the fourth set is tied at 4-4. De Minaur’s serves lets him down with a quarter-final all but in sight. Thompson throws his racquet away again after slamming a baseline shot into the net but De Minaur is unable to take advantage as he follows up with a pair of double faults. Thompson somehow gets a deep shot into the corner over an approaching De Minaur as the ball nicks the baseline as he puts away the return. Thompson has been unable to hold on his past two service games but has next to no margin for error from here.
Updated
De Minaur breaks Thompson for the second service game in a row. The No 10 seed’s fast feet are allowing him to close down even Thompson’s better serves as the 30-year-old is working his way to the net whenever he can. Thompson moves to advantage with a firm volley as De Minaur searches for a backhand winner, but another mis-timed stroke that flies off the frame leaves the 30-year-old incensed. Thompson’s loose forehand from the baseline and into the net sets up break point, which De Minaur claims off another long forehand. De Minaur leads 4-3 in the fourth.
De Minaur holds to make it 3-3 in the fourth set. Simple mistakes are costing Thompson as the ball comes off his frame again, this time on a baseline rally after he had just sipped a sublime forehand down the baseline to make it 30-30.
De Minaur breaks straight back! The No 10 seed is undeterred by dropping serve for just the second time in the match. He finds a pair of backhand winners while Thompson is back to his coach to complain about his own mistakes. Thompson saves a couple of break points despite missing both first serves, but a simple forehand comes off the frame and the clash is back on the serve.
Updated
Thompson breaks! De Minaur has been cruising through his service games but Thompson is quickly on the front foot with a strong forehand winner. De Minaur’s serve is a little off range and Thompson is able to take advantage as he forces an error and pushes to 30-40. The No 10 seed then double faults for just the third time in the match.
In Arthur Ashe Stadium, Iga Świątek has taken the first set against No 16 seed Liudmila Samsonova 6-4 with a late break.
Iga Swiatek gets the break and the first set on Ashe! pic.twitter.com/6Sr3YeAJAt
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2024
Thompson holds a hard-fought service game after drawing on all his serve and volley expertise from time spent going deep in doubles events, following up on a short approach shot with three fast-reaction volleys to move to 40-15. But Thompson soon looks frustrated again after a simple forehand from the baseline goes long. De Minaur takes the game to deuce off a long baseline rally with a stinging forehand that sneaks in before the line, as Thompson heads to the chair to complain about the balls. From deuce to advantage, Thompson rushes back to the net as De Minaur misses a lob that has otherwise served him so well.
De Minaur breezes though his serve to 15 while pushing Thompson from side to side across the baseline.
Thompson holds but is looking rattled as he rides every missed shot, slamming his racquet to the ground after a loose backhand floats wide to make it 30-30. He recovers straight away with a stylish forehand winner while sliding across the court, then closes out as De Minaur sends his own forehand wide. But the test for Thompson, if he is to take this into a fifth set, will now be to push De Minaur more on his serve.
Updated
De Minaur closes out the third set 6-3 and now leads two sets to one. The No 10 seed has been able to hold his serve with ease through much of that set even while regularly calling on his second serve. Thompson rushes the net while De Minaur is on the second of three break points, but a perfectly-placed lob then a smash off the return finishes him off.
Securing the third set in style 👌 de Minaur leads 2-1! pic.twitter.com/2ZIjeN5Njy
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2024
Updated
Thompson holds and De Minaur will serve for the third set. Thompson looks to be more aggressive to stay in the set, pushing towards the net off his serve and forcing De Minaur into a pair of errors, but blows the advantage with a double fault to make it 30-30. De Minaur goes early with a backhand down the line while Thompson is again approaching the net, but the shot sails narrowly wide as the game goes to deuce. Thompson finishes it off with a forehand winner but with his first serve looking fragile that could have gone either way.
De Minaur holds to 15, racing to 40-0 with an ace while he is also controlling the baseline, until giving up what turns out to be the only point on his serve across the past three games. Thompson hits long as both players are more prepared to settle in for another baseline rally, and will now serve to stay in the third set.
De Minaur breaks to gain a 4-2 lead in the third set. The loose hat incident seems to have riled De Minaur, as he wins the next two games to love. A pair of forehand winners give Thompson little chance, including on break point as De Minaur finds barely enough room down the baseline.
Next on Ashe: Iga Świątek (1) v Liudmila Samsonova (16)
The women’s fourth-round clash between No 1 seed Świątek and the Russian Samsonova is also now underway.
Samsonova 🆚 Swiatek gets the night started in Arthur Ashe Stadium! pic.twitter.com/HyycPMLQnJ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2024
Updated
De Minaur holds to love with the pick of the points a perfectly placed forehand while Thompsons misses three points on the same side.
A bit of spice as added to the friendly encounter as De Minaur has Thompson scurrying back past the baseline at 30-30 but as the 30-year-old races back his hat falls off to void the point. De Minaur is unimpressed and disputes the call, as he was on the brink of claiming a break point, but it is hard to miss a flying bright yellow cap. Thompson takes two points off his second serve to close out the game.
De Minaur holds serve with ease again, this time to 15 as he gives up a double fault on 30-0 but finishes it off with an ace. Thompson really needs to start making more of De Minaur’s second serve if only to take the pressure off his own.
Thompson looks more comfortable on his own serve as he holds to 15. He is able to push De Minaur wide on a pair of first serves to move to 30-0 then sends down a 111mph ace.
De Minaur holds to start the third as he breezes through to 15 even with his first serve yet to get going. De Minaur has Thompson racing from side to side throughout much of the game, and even when he gets too far under a backhand it is the 30-year-old that wastes the opportunity into the net.
Updated
Thompson wins the second set 6-3 to level the match. De Minaur’s third unforced error for the set hands Thompson a 15-0 lead then he fails to make the most of a second serve as a backhand return sails wide. He brushes aside the early errors with a devastating backhand return to take the game to 30-30, but an aggressive cross court back hand clips the net and allows Thompson to dispatch it away for a set point. De Minaur pushes the point again but a loose forehand ensure it is now one set all.
Thompson won 13 of 16 points when at the net in the second second to help turn the game.
Thompson bites back! He claims the second set 6-3 👀 pic.twitter.com/jgcp50vuD2
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2024
Updated
De Minaur stays alive in the second set with a sublime backhand down the baseline after Thompson went searching for a winner on 40-30. Both players are looking to get to the net more, where much of the damage is being done. Thompson will now serve for the set.
Thompson holds to 30 to move to a 5-2 lead in the second set. De Minaur doesn’t do a lot wrong as he looks to strikes right back but Thompson is working out of the corners more comfortably now. Thompson wins a pair of points with volleys as he continues to get to the net, and moves to within one game of squaring this at up at one set apiece.
Thompson breaks! De Minaur races to 40-0 with an ace but Thompson fights his way back to deuce with a forehand volley. Thompson is back at the net on break point, sending De Minaur onto his forehand and volleying the return across court and out of reach in the far corner. Positive play and more variety from Thompson are starting to have an impact.
Updated
Thompson holds again to make it 3-2 as the set continues to go with the serve. De Minaur finds it difficult to return serve with enough pace and depth, as the game moves to 40-15 and Thompson finishes it off with another ace.
De Minaur holds serve to love as Thompson undoes his hard work in the previous game with four forehand errors.
Thompson holds again to take a 2-1 lead, this time to 15. He makes it 40-0 with a blazing ace that seems to surprise De Minaur, then completes the game after reading De Minaur’s scurry to the net and sending him packing with an exquisite lob. Much better from Thompson.
De Minaur races through his service game to 15, finding three winners – two on the forehand, one on the back – as he makes the most of finding a way to the net. Thompson’s coach calls for him to get to the net more as well, though that might be easier said than done.
Thompson holds serve to 30 to win his first game of the match, moving De Minaur around the court more and finishing him off with a pair of crosscourt forehand winners. Thompson edges to a 1-0 lead with an ace that could be just the spark he needs.
Updated
De Minaur holds serve to win the first set 6-0. The No 10 seed has hit 8-1 winners, while Thompson has given away 12-5 unforced errors. The set really was as lopsided as those basic stats suggest, and Thompson will need to quickly put it out of his mind if he is to make more of the second, let alone fight back to claim a spot in the quarter-final.
Smooth start for de Minaur ⛵ He leads Thompson 6-0. pic.twitter.com/PyOH0y5cE2
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2024
Updated
De Minaur is controlling this match as Thompson lacks any flow in his game. Another break takes it to 5-0, with Thompson making more unforced errors while De Minaur is looking comfortable whether on the baseline or at the net.
De Minaur holds after Thompson misses a break point. Thompson takes the game to 0-30 with a backhand thwack down the line, probably his best shot of the day so far. De Minaur is able to bring it back to 30-30 with a forehand winner but an error hands Thompson a break point, which he returns much too long. A 31-shot rally on deuce looks like dragging on until Thompson chips a ball short and De Minaur dispatches it across court.
De Minaur breaks for a second time to race out to a 3-0 lead in the first set. Thompson pushes out to 30-0 after forcing De Minaur errors on deep baseline rallies, but the 25-year-old finds a winner to level the game. A pair of mistakes from Thompson gift De Minaur the game and has the 30-year-old on the ropes early.
Alex De Minaur holds to 15, only giving up a double fault at 40-0. A pair of errors from Thompson, one on either side, give De Minaur an early lead and he races away with a smash from the net and then an ominous forehand down the baseline.
Jordan Thompson serves first and Alex De Minaur breaks immediately. The two Australians are happy to sit back and feel out the match-up, but after an unforced error on either side, Thompson double faults to make it 15-30. De Minaur is making most of the play, edging towards the net when he can, but more errors allow Thompson to recover to 40-30. De Minaur takes the game to deuce with a sublime backhand winner, as errors from Thompson give the younger Australian an early break.
Updated
De Minaur and Thompson last met in an ATP event in Miami in 2022 which the younger Australia won in straight sets to take a 4-1 head-to-head record between the pair.
But Thompson will be a different prospect this time with the 30-year-old arguably in career-best form after a breakthrough ATP title at the Los Cabos Open earlier this year. No the Australian is playing off for a first grand slam quarter-final appearance, and we’re about to get underway.
Updated
Alex de Minaur has learned and honed his craft in Australia and Spain, so it is perhaps little coincidence that he mirrors a Spanish great with his intensity and tenacity on the court, writes Simon Cambers:
Jordan Thompson once gave the No 10 seed his time and guidance, but Alex de Minaur is now inspiring his compatriots as Australia’s men return to grand slam singles relevance, according to Simon Cambers:
Next on Armstrong: Alex de Minaur (10) v Jordan Thompson
The first all-Australian fourth-round clash at the US Open since Wally Masur’s five-set victory over Jamie Morgan in 1993 can not quite be labelled “the Master and the Apprentice”. But Australia’s No 10 seed Alex De Minaur has been happy to reveal that he looked up to his older compatriot Jordan Thompson when he was making his way through the ranks in Sydney.
“I remember one of the biggest things is that he had a car,” De Minaur said. “So he would drive us to the gym, which otherwise was like a 15, 20-minute walk. I won’t name the car but it did the job.
“So we’ve gone from that. Now we’re putting ourselves in the deep end of tournaments and, look, it’s a good problem to have that we’re playing each other in the fourth round. It’s exciting. We’ve grown up together.”
Thompson might have once had the wheels, but De Minaur has since overtaken him on the court, winning nine ATP singles titles (Thompson has one) and climbing to a career-high ranking of six in July following his run to a Wimbledon quarter-final against Novak Djokovic. That showdown was put on ice before it began, after De Minaur injured his right hip when (what turned out to be) three points from a fourth-round victory over Arthur Fils.
The 25-year-old is now three successful sets away from a third consecutive grand slam quarter-final, and what would be his second appearance in the last eight at the US Open alongside his breakout tournament in 2020.
De Minaur has been steadily building form and fitness this time in New York, but can expect both to be tested by familiar foe Thompson. The 30-year-old has already knocked out world No 7 Hubert Hurkacz and Italian No 30 Matteo Arnaldi – both in straight sets – to reach the fourth round at a grand slam for just the second time, after also progressing to the second week at the 2020 US Open.
“Tennis is tennis,” Thompson said. “We’ll be mates off the court and on the court. We’ll just be going about our business. I mean, it is tough to play a mate but it’s not the end of the world.”
So I guess this match-up can at least be labelled as “Mate vs Mate”. And while the world might not be riding on the outcome, a quarter-final clash against Britain’s Jack Draper is up for grabs after the world No 25 defeated unseeded Czech Tomas Mahac 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 earlier today.
Updated
Thanks Daniel, some great tennis and coverage so far today but the main event is about to get underway for those of us in Australia – a fourth-round meeting between Australia duo Alex De Minaur and Jordan Thompson.
Righto, that’s it from me for the day. But rest assured, we’re not leaving you lonesome: here’s Martin Pegan to bring you Alex de Minaur (10) v Jordan Thompson. Peace!
That was a brilliant match. Haddad Maia has so much talent and if she can raise her bottom level and improve her composure under pressure, she can give anyone a hard night. I think Muchova will have too much, but it should be a great contest.
Haddad Maia can barely get a word out – she’s shattered. She praises Wozniacki, who she respects a lot. She’s happy because it was a tough battle and she’s trying to focus on her game.
She’s the first Brazilian to make it to the quarters since 1956 and the first South American lefty ever to; asked which means more, she of course doesn’t answer an awkward question, just saying she’s proud and she and her family work hard.
She’ll try and recover her body for Muchova – last time they played it was a brilliant match, and she’s happy to have the chance to play in a big stadium against good players.
Oh man, and she’s totally Hazelirvined! The interviewer gets the crowd singing her name, she cries, and says she was trying to hold it down at the end of the game. Brazil is a huge country so it means a lot of people cheering for her and she really appreciats it. She’s proud to represent and also proud to represent women’s sport.
Beatriz Haddad Maia (22) beats Caroline Wozniacki 6-2 3-6 6-3
Haddad Maia’s second serve just about clambers over the net and Wozniacki nets; a tame but memorable end to a blazing slog of a match. Next for Haddad Maia is Karolina Muchova – and she’ll have to play better than this to get through that.
Updated
Haddad Maia needs a rest. Her serve is slow and to the body and her groundstrokes lack their usual weight. She quickly goes long, then another error hands Wozniacki break-back point, saved with forehand and overhead; deuce. Haddad Maia makes relieved faces, trying to enjoy herself, and it is mainly her deciding the points with either winners or errors. She whips a good forehand to the corner, comes in, volleys, and here comes a third match point…
Oh my goodness gracious me. The best point i’ve seen for a long time and on match point! It’s 20-0dd strokes, Wozniacki along the baseline line you wouldn’t believe if you didn’t know before, out of nowhere, uncorking a ninja of an inside-out backhand winner to save herself! And Haddad Maia is feeling the pace – they both are – the shot-clock preventing her from taking the breather she needs and helping her deliver a double. But a service-winner follows, Wozniacki then errs, and here comes a second match point…
Updated
Given a look at a second serve, Wozniacki doesn’t do enough with a poor effort but gets away with it; Haddad Maia, nervous, nets. A long rally ensues, which Wozniacki tries to end with a big forehand … only to hit the top of the tape; 15-all. Eeesh, but Haddad Maia then goes long on the forehand and longtime readers of this blog will know her feeling it isn’t new. But have a look! Another long rally and the Brazilian is back playing her game, hitting harder and nailing a backhand pass down the line; 30-all. A first serve follows, then some big forehands, and when Wozniacki thrashes wide, Haddad Maia has match point … and asks her coach where she should serve!
This is good from Wozniacki, hitting deep to open up the court. She makes 30-0 in short order. But Haddad Maia battles back and at 40-30 in a frankly ludicrous rally, Wozniacki doing brilliantly to stick in it, just when it looks like she’s turning the tide, a reflex volley at the net from Haddad Maia – who’s an excellent doubles player – earns deuce. From there, though, Wozniacki powers through to hold; at 2-6 6-3 5-3 Haddad Maia will have to serve for it!
At 15-all Wozniacki gets a long rally going but winds up netting a forehand, then a big serve and two volleys give Haddad Maia 40-15. She winds up holding to 30 having missed the line by a fraction and clobbered another winner, and this is a very fine set she’s playing here. So far! She leads 5-2 in the third.
Massive forehand return from Haddad Maia makes 0-15, but a forehand into the net restores parity. But she’s by far the better player now – I guess ultimately that’s what she is and her top level is a very good level – putting Wozniacki under pressure at 30-all. From there, though, Wozniacki sees it out and trails 2-4 in the third.
Updated
Novak Djokovic sometimes tanks opponents’ service games when up a break so they don’t have rhythm or momentum when they come to face his – the crafty so-and-so. Anyroad up, Haddad Maia holds to 15 and the way it’s going, Wozniacki struggling to make much impression on her serve, this match is now about whether she gets tight trying to finish things off. Haddad Maia leads 4-1 in the third.
Now she’s got her break, Haddad Maia can look to hit winners on the Wozniacki serve, saving her energy to hold. So Wozniacki holds to 15, opening the game with an ace, and she’s on the board at 1-3 in the third.
Updated
Goodness me these two are giving it everything. At 30-0, another sapping rally unfolds, and Haddad Maia has the poise to compose before clock a backhand winner down the line. A thumping ace follows, and she leads 2-0 in the decider.
Ooooh yeah! At 15-0, Haddad Maia uncorks a brutal forehand winner but then strays fractionally long during another gruelling baseline barney. Wozniacki, though, misses an attempted forehand pass so at 30-all is under pressure, her opponent thwacking with abandon from the back. And have a look! A further Wozniacki error offers break point, and Haddad Maia doesn’t need asking twice, a fantastic backhand down the line putting her in charge of the decider at 1-0 with a break.
Haddad Maia makes 30-0 but I wonder if she’s tiring – a shot she played at the end of the second rally, a longun, gave that impression. But she holds to love, Wozniacki – who I bet backs herself to win the physical battle – making her work. Haddad Maia leads 1-0 in the final set.
Haddad Maia nips off, returns, and off we go again. This should be a lot of fun.
Wozniacki gets to 30-0 but when Haddad Maia thumps a forehand for 15-30, who knows? Er, Wozniacki does, smoking a forehand winner down the line to raise set-point before an error seals a very fine set (of tennis). Wozniacki 2-6 6-3 Haddad Maia
Wozniacki will have to serve for the set because Haddad Maia holds and is still hitting it cleanly and hard – with new balls now due. She leads 6-2 3-5.
Now it’s Haddad Maia who holds in short order to lead 6-2 2-4 and her coach is chatting at her – apparently he’s not stopped all match. I think he’s telling her to chill, but whatever’s going on it doesn’t seem to be fazing her and, as I type, a poor swing-volley gives her 0-30. And she makes it to 15-40 courtesy of another Wozniacki error … but an ace and a deep forehand on to the sideline make deuce. This is thrilling, compelling stuff and from there, the two-time beaten finalist serves out for a 5-3 second-set lead.
Updated
Wozniacki rushes through a hold for 4-1 in set two and is two games away from forcing a decider.
So Wozniacki earns another only to swipe a backhand return wide as comms note her difficulty in converting break points through advantage because of Haddad Maia’s lefty serve out wide to the backhand when attacking the ad court. But a poor miss from the Brazilian, netting with court at which to aim, offers another chance and this time she cuts her opponent a … er … um… break, sending down a double that illustrates a major momentum shift at 6-2 1-3 in third, given not that long ago, she was a set and a break up.
Updated
Thanks will and hi again everyone. This is a terrific match, Haddad Maia fighting to hold up 6-1 1-2. She is not someone I totally trust under pressure, and Wozniacki will want to make her play as many balls as possible … but have a look! She plays a miserable drop but the response is right at her and she spirits a glorious pass cross-court to raise another break point … quickly confiscated via forehand winner.
Right, time for me to hand back to Daniel Harris. Enjoy the rest of the action.
*Wozniacki 2-6, 2-1 Haddad Maia (denotes server) It’s another tricky service game, but Wozniacki holds. Can Haddad Maia respond in kind?
Daniil Medvedev (5) beats Nuno Borges 6-0, 6-1, 6-3
Meanwhile, over on Arthur Ashe, Borges’s resistance has been broken. Medvedev races to victory in the third set and, just like that, earns a straight-sets win and a spot in the quarter-finals.
Updated
Wozniacki 2-6, 1-1 Haddad Maia* (denotes server) Wozniacki crafts two break points, working her openings deftly. Haddad Maia saves the first with a cross-court zinger from the right sideline. She follows up with a chunky ace to take the game to deuce. She then double faults, however, giving Wozniacki another shot at the break. Wozniacki slices into the net, Haddad Maia sends a shot long to dish up a fourth break point and, finally, Wozniacki takes her opportunity.
*Borges 0-6, 1-6, 3-3 Medvedev (denotes server) Borges is still clinging on in the third set, holding serve with Medvedev on the prowl.
*Wozniacki 2-6, 0-1 Haddad Maia (denotes server) Haddad Maia pulls and pushes Wozniacki around the court, showing excellent point construction and agile footwork. A series of thumped forehand winners take her to 40-0 and three break points. She takes her chance at the first time of asking, leaving Wozniacki crestfallen.
Borges 0-6, 1-6, 2-3 Medvedev* (denotes server) After that brief wobble, Medvedev has wrested back momentum. He holds serve with a steely focus.
Updated
Haddad Maia has won the first set 6-2. Wozniacki gave her a scare in the final game, but the Brazilian held her nerve, and serve, to cement her lead.
Updated
*Borges 0-6, 1-6, 2-2 Medvedev (denotes server) Well, that was short-lived. It’s another battle at deuce, both players letting slip chances to wrap up the game. Borges double faults to waste an advantage, Medvedev finally punishing him by breaking back.
We’re back under way on both courts. All seems to be in order.
Both matches have been temporarily suspended because of a fire alarm. Let’s take a breather, shall we?
*Wozniacki 2-5 Haddad Maia (denotes server) Wozniacki allows herself a wry smile after a straightforward hold. Where has that serve been?
Wozniacki 1-5 Haddad Maia* (denotes server) Haddad Maia rattles to 30-0, but Wozniacki produces an excellent forehand winner to hit back. She fails to deal with a big serve, but hits an aggressive return to drag it to 40-30. The pair thrash out a fierce rally, covering the court at a frantic pace. Wozniacki eventually sends a shot wide, handing the game to her opponent.
Updated
Borges 0-6, 1-6, 2-1 Medvedev* (denotes server) Borges gets a break! The crowd roar in approval. Is it too late to make a match of it? Probably. But it’s much better from him.
*Wozniacki 1-4 Haddad Maia (denotes server) Wozniacki is not happy. She coughs up another break with a double fault, with her serve now fully haywire.
*Borges 0-6, 1-6, 1-1 Medvedev (denotes server) Borges and Medvedev duke it out at deuce, the latter squandering his chance to break. Borges holds serve with a big ace, cracking a rueful smile.
Wozniacki 1-3 Haddad Maia* (denotes server) It’s not the most confident service game, but we have our first hold. Wozniacki takes it to deuce with some battling points, but her forehand goes wonky and Haddad Maia sees it out from there.
Borges 0-6, 1-6, 0-1 Medvedev* (denotes server) Medvedev starts the third set with much the same vibe as the first and second, blasting through his first service game to love.
Hello! Let’s get to it, then. Haddad Maia has broken Wozniacki again, making it three consecutive breaks in the first set.
Righto, it’s time for my break, so here’s Will Magee to hang for the next hour.
Updated
We go to and from advantage and deuce, Wozniacki burning six opportunities to break back. But eventually, down advantage, Haddad Maia nets and we’re at 1-1 in the first. On Ashe, meantime, Medvedev breaks Borges yet again to seal the second set 6-1. I think he’s got a chance of winning this.
Updated
On Armstrong, Wozniacki and Haddad Maia are under way and this feels like a very … describable matchup. Wozniacki will keep the ball in play, looking to work opportunities, while Haddad Maia – who broke in game one and has just saved two break-back points in game two – will want to hit winners.
Medvedev is showing Borges no mercy, now up 6-0 4-1 with a second second-set break.
Updated
But Medvedev then breaks for 6-1 3-1; Borges just can’t get anything going. Jack Draper, on the other hand, has it all going on and he’s with Eurosport now saying he did a really good job controlling his emotions.
Asked about playing brave tennis on break points – he serve-volleyed on a few – he explains that he noticed Machac standing well back and on Armstrong, the ball comes through quickly and the shadow makes it difficult.
He goes on to explain that he’s only had three coaches and they’ve all been great with him. They all have his best interests at heart and that’s hard to find in professional sport because there are a lot of people out for themselves.
He’s been through a lot with injuries the last few years and he thinks about that a lot – he was considering quitting the game – but here he is.
Back on Ashe, Borges is on the board, trailing Medvedev 6-0 1-1.
Updated
On telly they’re extremely impressed with Draper’s performance, and at 22, it was just so mature. We know he can serve well and give it a whack, but constructing the points; going for winners at the right times; staying calm when under pressure; mark out someone who could go on to do plenty.
Medvedev has bagelled Borges to take set one and, as ever, he’s moving quietly through the draw.
Updated
Next on Armstrong: Caroline Wozniacki v Beatriz Haddad Maia (22).
Draper says it’s been a tough battle previously against Machac but today he played pretty well and his opponent was a little off. He lost at this stage last year so is glad to have improved on that, and before his first quarter, he just needs to keep going – he loves his team, loves the fans and loves the big stages.
Asked about Andy Murray, he says he misses him in the changing room and being next to his “stinky clothes and stinky shoes”, but if he has half the career, he’ll be happy.
Finally, asked about Machac’s short shorts, he says it’s important to be different and show not just your tennis style but your style in general. He’s meant to be really sound and every time I hear him speak that becomes more apparent.
Jack Draper (25) beats Tomas Machac 6-3 6-1 6-2
An absolutely brilliant performance from Draper, giving a very fine talent a proper going-over. He served well, worked his opportunities well, and punished Machac down the line off both wings – he finishes with a backhand winner. He’s yet to drop a set, lost his serve just once and knows he’s right there, but what’s noticeable is that his celebration is muted. He’s happy, but expects there to be more; next for him it’s either Jordan Thompson or Alex de Minaur (10).
Updated
Now then! Machac makes 15-40 but hooks a forehand just wide to lose his first break point, then a serve out wide and clean-up volley confiscate the second. An ace to set up match point follows, and this is serious stuff from Draper.
Machac forces Draper to serve for the match, and that’s no small achievement. He’ll be telling himself he can win but he knows it’s over and he’ll be desperate for this tousing to end. It can be lonely out there – as Nuno Borges is remembering too, down two breaks and 0-3 to Medvedev.
Coach Calv said this wouldn’t be close and Medvedev breaks Borges immediately, then consolidates for 2-1 in the first. As for Draper, he saves break point with a backhand volley then another with an ace – both on advantage – then yet another forehand winner down the line secures 6-3 6-1 5-1 and he’s a game away from the last eight. His ability to stay calm under pressure is extremely impressive.
Oh dear. On deuce, Machac sends down a double and second later he’s down two sets and two breaks. Draper has been so patient and consistent, not going for too much but if it’s there, doing so with zealous prejudice. He leads 6-3 6-1 4-1 and he’s almost in the quarters, a statement performance behind him.
Updated
On Ashe, Borges and Medvedev are away…
Draper consolidates for 2-0 in no time and at the risk of being previous, it’s hard not to look forward. Next for him if he wins is Thompson of De Minaur, both of whom are good, neither of whom are unbeatable, and once you’re in the last four who knows – never mind if you’re in the last four with his serve and power.
Ach, poor Machac has gone. Down break point, he swipes a forehand wide, and Draper is all over him at 6-3 6-1 1-0; if he can keep focused, he’ll be back in the changing room in less than half an hour while, at change of ends, Machac races over for a ruckus with his coach.
Marion said Draper would need to play pretty much perfectly to beat Machac and, so far, it looks like she was half-right: he is playing pretty much perfectly, but were he not he’d still probably be winning. He holds to 30 and now leads 6-3 6-1; this is brilliant from the British no 1 , who is still to drop a set in the competiton.
Meantime Draper breaks again for 6-3 5-1 and looks to be hitting his best form at the business end. I don’t see how Machac can win from here.
“Borges-Medvedev will be a grindfest” advises Coach Calv. “Borges is a great lad and a good player. But he’s no chance.”
Next on Ashe: Nuno Borges v Daniil Medvedev (5).
Pegula says she’s felt more pressure this year because she did so well in the lead-up. But she enjoys the pressure and says it’s great being American and getting the support, is hoping to bring her best tennis in the later rounds, and has worked really hard on her movement so she can get pulled out of court but not out of the point, keeping pressure on her opponent; with how the girls move, you have to get faster and stronger every day. She’s not yet made a grand slam semi, but “every match is every match” so the occasion doesn’t make loads of difference to her.
Jessica Pegula (6) beats Diana Shnaider (18) 6-4 6-2
Pegula is playing really well and could this be her time? Next for her it’s Iga Swiatek (1) or Liudmila Samsonova (16) and though she’ll be second-favourite if it’s the former, she’ll be quietly confident.
Updated
Pegula is a good player but lacks the weapons to beat the best ones on the biggest occasions. That’s why it took Caroline Wozniacki so long to win a major, which on the one hand shows how hard it is, the other that it’s possible. She makes 40-15, raising two match points…
Pegula breaks again and, as in set one, she’ll serve at 5-2 – only this time it’s for the match.
Pegula has consolidated to lead Shnaider 6-4 3-2, while Machac earns his first break point of the match having made advantage from 40-15; Draper saves himself with a big serve then consecutive forehand winners monstered into the corner secure his consolidation. He leads 6-3 3-0.
Down 0-30, Machac fights back to parity … then chucks down a double. But on break point, Draper opens the angle for that monstrous forehand down the line, only to go slightly wide. He’s gifted another go, though, by a backhand into the net, and though his return isn’t great, when Machac marches in to put away, he goes wide looking to make sure! Draper leads 6-3 2-0 and this is going perfectly for him so far.
A lovely touch from Draper, slicing a backhand drop, gives him 40-15 and from there he closes out for 6-3 1-0. He’s looking so strong from the back and Machac is struggling to make an impression.
Oh and as I type, Pegula breaks to lead 6-4 2-1. Shnaider is asking plenty of questions, but doesn’t quite have the consistency or brilliance to impose herself.
I’ll level with you, after the first two games I wondered if Machac had Draper’s number. Since then, though, it’s been one-way traffic and at 15-40, the Brit has two set points. But both are saved, but then two unforced and kind of wild errors from Machac hand over the first set, Draper leading 6-3 and playing nicely, ceding few errors and taking on winners when appropriate.
Updated
Down 0-15, Draper punishes a forehand winner down the line; his hitting partner said he was practising those shots earlier today and I guess it makes sense because if he goes cross, he makes it easier for Machac, who moves and hits beautifully, to attack the space. He consolidates to 30, racing in to put away a backhand, and looks pretty decent at 5-3. Back on Ashe, meanwhile – and I’d be vexed if I’d paid to be there to see matches less obviously interesting than those on Armstrong – Pegula leads 6-4 1-1.
Now then. Draper makes 15-30 then Machac misses from on top of the net – I didn’t see that coming – and when he goes long off the forehand, he cedes the first break! I thought it’d take more but Draper leads 4-3 ion the first.
It doesn’t come easily and she has to survive a break-back point to do it – with a brave backhand winner cross-court – but Pegula eventually serves out a 6-4 first set.
Here’s a heartwarming yarn for the sneaker heads among youse: the other day, Draper, who now trails 1-2, was wearing a pair of the original Agassi Nikes which have just been released limited edition, so Coach Calv complimented them. Next day, Draper – who seals a comfy hold with an ace as I type – had got him a pair.
By the way, Harriet Dart and her partner Diane Parry have been beaten in the women’s doubles by Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova.
Snaider retrieves one break then holds for 4-5, forcing Pegula to serve for the set a second time. Meanwhile, Draper holds through advantage – and has to play some tremendous tennis so to do. This looks like it could be a seriously sapping, intense contest.
Updated
Machac – who’s 3-0 against Draper, though their only recent meeting was on clay – is indeed exhibiting the quads by way of short shorts and he holds to love, sealing his 1-0 with an ace. Pegula, meanwhile, consolidates and breaks, up 5-2 in the first.
Marion Bartoli thinks Draper will have to play almost perfectly to beat Machac, who she says moves well and has a good chance of handing what he does best. But Feliciano Lopez thinks the Brit has more weapons – likewise Calv, who says “If he’s physically all there I think he’ll have too much.”
On the matchup itself – and on De Minaur v Thompson – he says “There’s not much interesting tactically in either though. They’ll just slug it out.”
Pegula breaks again as Draper and Machac come on to Armstrong. “He’s very solid,” says Coach Calv – whose Wimbledon-champ charge, Herny Patten, is next on Court 5 – of the Czech. “Doesn’t miss much. Very talented lad. Loves to show off the quads.”
Pegula breaks for 2-1 but Shnaider immediately breaks back and these two look pretty well-matched.
We’re away on Ashe where Shnaider and Pegula have both held so it’s 1-1 in the first.
Updated
Next on Armstrong: Jack Draper (25) v Tomas Machac.
Muchova says the plan was to play her game. She was nervous at the start, it was windy and Paolini is an incredible player, so she’s happy to have won. She didn’t play for 10 months after making last year’s semis but loves tennis so did all she could to make it back, thanking all those who helped her; “I’m a really happy kid right now,” she concludes.
Karolina Muchova beats Jasmine Paolini (5) 6-3 6-3
Muchova runs around her forehand and punishes a winner cross-court to finish the match. It’s s good to see her back and playing like this but make no mistake, she’s got higher gears to engage. Next for her: Wozniacki or Haddad-Maia (22).
Paolini loses an overhead in the sun, then Muchova guides a leaping forehand winner down the line – she wants this over forthwith. And though Paolini makes 15-30 with a big serve/overhead combo, another error hands Muchova two match points…
Updated
Muchova finds first deliveries when she needs them, quickly making 40-0, then another is returned into the net and at 6-4 5-3, she’s a game away having hit just one ball in the game that wasn’t a serve.
Muchova gets to 0-30, but an error then a lovely volley from Paolini bring us back level in the game. For all the good it does her: down 30-40, she can’t control her response to a Muchova forehand to the corner, and at 3-6 3-4 with a break, she’s very close to out.
Shnaider (8) and Pegula (6) arrive on to Ashe, so they’ll soon be away – it’d be nice if one of the Sky channels would show this match instead of both showing Muchova v Paolini so I don’t have to watch it on my phone, but it appears no one’s advised Uncle Rupert of this necessity. Meantime, Paolini makes 15-30 then cedes three quick points to bring us back level at 3-3 in set two.
A love-hold apiece meaning Muchova leads 6-2 2-3. Both players are serving well, so this set could come down to a point here or there.
Another hold for Paolini, and at change of ends we see a graphic showing us that Muchova’s average position is on the baseline; Martina reckons that’s making it hard for Paolini to respond because the balls are getting to her quicker and faster. But she leads 2-1 in the second, Muchova by one set to love.
I love Paolini but Muchova is the better player and dictating more of the points. Set two though, opens with a hold apiece, the Czech leading 6-3 1-1.
Paolini makes 0-15 but Muchova is so chill out there and very quickly raises two set points, a high-kicking serve especially effective against her diminutive opponent. And from there, Muchova comes in, puts away, and five games in a row means she takes the first set 6-3! That was very impressive and it’s clear she can play better.
She’s not at her best yet but Muchova has settled and it feels like the match is on her racket in that she’s controlling more of the play and ending more of the rallies, wherher by winner or error. She holds for 4-3 then hits a terrific winner on the return for 15-all; an error from Paolini then gives her 15-30 before she wins a net exchange with the daintiest of volleys. The first break point goes with a backhand into the net and the second via shanked return – the ball was there for her – but when a mishit return loops up, Paolini overhits her swing-volley putaway and at 5-3, Muchova will now serve for the first set! What a turnaround!
Updated
Now Muchova holds easily, but can she make an impression on the Paolini serve? So far, she’s made too many unforced errors to ask the questions she’ll have prepared, but she makes 30-all and then plays a lovely point, a drop giving her the chance to hoist a lob that’s too good; break-back point. But another unforced error on the return, cedes the opportunity. No matter: Paolini goes long on the forehand and on advantage, she tries a drop, Muchova getting it back deep and blocking back a ball deliberately whacked at her, before tidying up. We’re back on serve at 3-3 in the first.
Paolini consolidates easily and it’s just ridiculous how good she’s got all of a sudden. I mean, obviously the raw materials were there, but they’d been there for years – she’s 28! I can’t remember the last time a player had such a glow-up so late in their career.
This match is such high fashion Anna Wintour is in to enjoy it.
Two errors give Paolini 0-30, then at 0-40 second serve barely struggles over the net. And though the return is out, Muchova then nets at 30-40 and it’s the Italian with the early advantage, up 2-1 with a break.
Updated
An ace onto the outside of the line gets Paolini 30-0, then Muchova nails a forehand pass down the line, on the run; brilliant shot. Then, at 30-all, Muchova plays a good approach only to notch her putaway, and from there Paolini seals the hold with a booming forehand. Muchova, though, will be irritated she didn’t raise break point because she’d done all the hard work in the rally. But it’s 1-1 and already, this is shaping up.
Muchova holds for 1-0 and I’d expect her to really attack the Paolini serve
I can’t wait for this match. I reckon Muchova will want to keep Paolini moving. Except she’s really good at moving, so I’d not be surprised to see her regularly hauled in to the net rather than just allowed to race side to side and unleash. Paolini, I imagine, will want to clout forehands into corners.
Our players are out on Armstrong and the good news is that Martina is on co-comms.
In her post-match press conference, Gauff said she thought the problem was mental not technical, saying she can hit 30 serves in practice and nail them all. But I’m not sure you can separate them, because we all saw her shoulder dropping yesterday, an issue which might be exacerbated by the match situation but which definitely exists.
On the telly, they’re discussing Coco Gauff, whose performance yesterday wasn’t always easy to watch. Laura Robson suggests she take the rest of the season off to address the technical fault with her serve and Martina agrees that might be a smart plan. Thinking back to her own career, she says she didn’t know you could have time off so she didn’t, but now she knows you can, she thinks a break might do Gauff well.
Also going on:
Preamble
Yo dudes, and welcome to the US Open 2024 – day eight!
Sometimes, the desire of tournament organisers to put the biggest names on primetime is an annoyance, but other times it works quite well. Today, for example, when our most enticing match is also our first.
Jasmine Paolini has had an amazing year, coming from nowhere to reach the last two major finals, a bouncing bundle of joy and aggression who can scarcely believe what’s happening to her. But in Karolina Muchová she meets an opponent whose clever deployment of spins, angles, power and pace makes her a one-off for whom it’s difficult to plan. Or, in other words, this could be an absolute classic.
Following them on Armstrong, Jack Draper – whose win over Botic van de Zandschulp, conqueror of Carlos Alcaraz, gives him the number three seed’s passage through the draw – meets Tomas Machac. Draper knows what a chance this is for him, but the pressure isn’t too great because he also knows there’ll be many more such chances. His swinging lefty serve and his certainty that he belongs make him a serious threat ... but to get to this point, Machac has despatched Fabio Fognini, Seb Korda and David Goffin in straight sets and all of his best grand slam performances have come in 2024. He too believes this can be his moment.
Also on Armstrong is Caroline Wozniacki v Beatriz Haddad-Maia and Alex de Minaur v Jordan Thompson – decent! – while our day-dig on Ashe brings Diana Shnaider v Jessica Pegula and Nuno Borges v Daniil Medvedev. So, eyes down for another banging day of lovely tennis. Awesome! Let’s go!
Play: 11am local, 4pm BST
