07:57 (IST)
Alex de Minaur 1-6, 2-6, 1-2 *Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
De Minaur gets the first point with some excellent combination play and a winner into open space. The second comes courtesy of a shanked return from Thiem. De Minaur then fluffs a shot, and it doesn't clear the net. 30-30 then, as Thiem continues to push him relentlessly. 40-30, Alex de Minaur unleashes a ferocious forehand winner. Thiem then hits a forehand long after an exquisite rally. De Minaur holds.
07:53 (IST)
Alex de Minaur* 1-6, 2-6, 0-2 Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
Thiem begins his service game with an ace. He undercooks a slice and it doesn't clear the net. 15-15. He opens up his body on the next point and unleashes a fearsome forehand winner. 30-15. No wait. 40-15. No wait. He's held serve. He's just blazing through this.
07:50 (IST)
Alex de Minaur 1-6, 2-6, 0-1 *Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
Alex de Minaur really needs to go for broke now. There's nothing to lose at this point, and there's a whole lot to gain. Thiem has hit 23 winners, while the Australian has hit just 10. He could with taking a couple of risks here and there and really leaning into his groundstrokes. Make that 24 winners for Thiem actually. He's up 40-15 with two break points. 40-30 with just the one. He's broken in the very first game of the third set, and he does it with a gorgeous lob!
07:45 (IST)
Second Set: Dominic Thiem 6-2
Dominic Thiem serves for the second set. Ace. Ace. Unforced error from De Minaur. Unforced error from De Minaur. Thiem wins the second set. It's just that easy. Pure class from the Austrian.
07:39 (IST)
Alex de Minaur 1-6, 2-5 *Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
It's Slice City here as both Thiem and De Minaur continue to duke it out in this enthralling quarter-final tie! Thiem has really clicked into gear of late, and he's keeping De Minaur at bay with relative ease. He eases through his service game, and then goes up double break against De Minaur! The Austrian is playing at a very very high level right now, and his Australian opponent just can't seem to raise his game enough to put up a real challenge.
07:29 (IST)
Alex de Minaur 1-6, 2-3 *Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
After winning 11 straight points on his serve, Alex de Minaur commits a string of errors to take his service game from 40-0 to deuce. Dominic Thiem catches the scent of an opportunity to break, and he moves in very well to force De Minaur into giving away a point. And he has the break! What a little spell from Thiem, this guy is just too good.
07:25 (IST)
Alex de Minaur* 1-6, 2-2 Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
Alex de Minaur looks a lot more composed in this second set, and he's really pushing Thiem for every point now. He's also managed to put together a couple of service holds, which looked unlikely in that first set. He's going to need to dig deeper into his bag of tricks if he is to win this match though, because Thiem just looks effortlessly elegant at the moment.
07:11 (IST)
Alex de Minaur 1-6, 1-0 *Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
For anyone who hasn't watched the match, Alex De Minaur isn't really playing that badly. Despite losing the first set 1-6, he's been doing pretty well. It's just that Dominic Thiem has the reading of him at the moment, and he's dealing with the Australian quite well.
07:06 (IST)
First Set: Dominic Thiem 6-1
A couple of big aces from Thiem here, as he serves to wrap up the set! He miscues a backhand, gives Alex De Minaur a point. Then he goes up to set-point after an unforced error. Blistering ace and Thiem has the first set in the bag!
07:03 (IST)
Alex de Minaur 1-5 *Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
15-15 on De Minaur's serve, and he pulls out an excellent forehand volley! 30-15. Thiem shanks a return, and it's 40-15. Can De Minaur hold for the first time? He makes an unforced error, 40-30 now. Oh lord, Thiem takes it to deuce with a gorgeous backhand winner!
Advantage Thiem, after a forehand error from the Australian. And Thiem breaks!
06:57 (IST)
Alex de Minaur* 1-4 Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
What a massive, massive hold from Dominic Thiem! The Austrian finds himself 40-0 down, staring at three breakpoints, but he does really really well to fight back and take it to deuce. After that, it's just a matter of letting his power and natural ability do the talking.
06:47 (IST)
Alex de Minaur 1-3 *Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
Alex de Minaur surrenders a point after reviewing whilst the point was being played and getting it wrong. He makes it 15-15, but then gives away another point with an unforced error. He makes it 30-30, but Thiem gets to break point with some huge Nadal-esque forehands. Deuce now, after Thiem miscues a shot.
Advantage Thiem, De Minaur hits a shot long. Thiem breaks again!
06:42 (IST)
Alex de Minaur* 1-2 Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
De Minaur breaks back right away, despite some excellent play from Dominic Thiem. The Australian is here to play! Meanwhile, the roof is to be closed after the rain intensifies.
06:37 (IST)
From the first 2 games of the match, already a few information: de Minaur is going to try to avoid enduring Thiem’s power rallies by coming to the net.
— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) September 10, 2020
Thiem will change pace and use slice BH to avoid doing too much rythme to De Minaur
06:35 (IST)
Alex de Minaur 0-2 *Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
Thiem already looks like he's much more settled than De Minaur. He secures the first couple of points on De Minaur's serve, but the Australian does well to level it at 30-30. Thiem then gets a break point after De Minaur launches a shot into orbit. Deuce after Thiem fires a backhand long.
Ooof! Thiem gets the advantage after letting loose a thunderous backhand! And he breaks! Great start from the Austrian. (Sidenote, I'm definitely going to mix up Austrian and Australian at some point, aren't I?)
06:30 (IST)
Alex de Minaur* 0-1 Dominic Thiem (* denotes server)
Dominic Thiem gets us underway with a service game. This match should be an intriguing one, because it's a pretty well-established player coming up against an up and coming one. There's also a bit of rain right now, it's a light drizzle at the moment.
06:21 (IST)
Up next, Dominic Thiem vs Alex de Minaur!
06:10 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka speaks after the match!
That was pretty good. I think that was pretty good today. I felt like I saw the ball really well today and I really executed my plan well. I knew I had to use my speed and power to come up with some variation that would get her off balance. I'm very happy with my movement.
To be honest, I felt like I've been moving a lot better in practice. In practice I was getting to everything, so I've been trying to do the same in matches. I'm happy that I've been able to do that, despite the pressure and intensity of these matches.
I've been able to enjoy, because I take it a day at a time. I'm glad I have a house here, I can eat my mum's cooking every night, which is a huge advantage for me! It's great to be able to play with my son in the garden. I love New York. I love going to coffee shops and exploring the city. This isn't the year for it, but we can make more memories next year.
For me it can't get any better than meeting Serena Williams in the semi-final! I'm excited for it, it's an amazing opportunity to play against a champion, someone I respect a lot, someone who is my friend. I hope people are excited for this too. I hope it'll be fun for them, I know it will for me.
I'm definitely enjoying my tennis a lot more now than six or seven years ago. I don't think I've ever enjoyed tennis earlier, to be honest. I've always felt like it was a job. When you're winning, it's great, but when I lost it felt like I couldn't function sometimes, because I was so overwhelmed. But now I'm enjoying it, nothing bothers me anymore.
06:00 (IST)
Game, Set, Match: Victoria Azarenka wins 6-1, 6-0
This has been an absolute masterclass of a performance from Azarenka. From the first point of the match, she has been imperious, and Elise Mertens has just not turned up. With a commanding 6-1, 6-0 demolition job, the Belarusian is through to her eighth Grand Slam semi-final, where she will face Serena Williams!
05:52 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka* 6-1, 5-0 Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
Couple of good points for Mertens. Can she hold serve for the first time this match? She double faults. 30-15 to her. Another unforced error from Mertens, 30-30. One more break point for Azarenka. She converts it with a gorgeous backhand winner. Surely this is all over? She serves for the set!
05:49 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 4-0 *Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
It's worth remembering that Mertens has not held serve even once yet. She really needs to do something different, there's not that much time left. Azarenka gets the first point of her service game. Mertens wins the second, with an excellent winner. 15-15. Ace from Azarenka. And she's up 40-15 after Mertens terrible return sails wide. Another ace, and the Azarenka express keeps pulling away.
05:45 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka* 6-1, 3-0 Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
Mertens has really struggled with her forehand tonight. She gives away the first point with an unforced error. It's 30-0 now. Mertens is struggling, but she claws back a point with her first ace of the night. Azarenka has break point again after a gorgeous forehand winner eludes Mertens. She's cruising here. Azarenka makes a couple of unforced errors though, and we're at deuce.
Excellent play from Azarenka, and she had advantage. She's hitting it so clean and deep, the ball is just skidding off the court. Elise Mertens is not out though, she gets it back to deuce. Advantage to Azarenka. An error from Mertens' forehand again. Mertens makes it deuce with an inch-perfect volley. How good is Azarenka! She has advantage for the third time this game. It's her fifth break point of the game and she converts it!
05:36 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 2-0 *Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
Azarenka up a set and a break. She gives away the first point with an unforced error. Mertens takes the second with a powerful winner. Azarenka makes it 30-15. Ooh, Mertens has break point now! She's not held serve yet, but this is her second break point. Azarenka claws back a point with an ace, and then makes it deuce with a smash.
She's doing really well with her little combinations, Mertens just cannot cope. Advantage Azarenka! She holds serve
05:31 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka* 6-1, 1-0 Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
Mertens disappears down the tunnel after the first set is done, and she's gone for ages. Azarenka takes the time to meditate with her legs crossed. Real zen moment.
Mertens takes the first point of the second set, but Azarenka claims the next two. Mertens makes it 30-30 with a strong smash. And Azarenka has another break point! Double fault from Mertens and Azarenka is ahead!
05:23 (IST)
First Set: Victoria Azarenka 6-1
Azarenka is serving for the set now. Mertens gets the first point, after the Belarusian shanks a return long, but makes it 15-15 after Mertens' lob clears the court. Fantastic shot from Mertens under real pressure and she's 30-15 up. Azarenka is doing so well to close down her angles though, and she makes it 30-30 after charging to the net. Elise Mertens hits another one long for her twelfth unforced error. Azarenka on set point. And she wraps it up after another unforced error from the Belgian!
05:18 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka* 5-1 Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
Azarenka is playing some excellent, aggressive tennis. She wins the first point after Mertens can't reach her cross court return. She gets the second after Mertens buries a return into the nets. 30-0 up. Make that 40-0 up, because she's won another point with a forehand winner! She has three break points, can she capitalise on this? Why yes she can, with a stylish backhand winner down the line. She's up double-break now.
05:15 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka 4-1 *Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
What a return to action Victoria Azarenka has had! After winning the Western & Southern Open, the Belarusian has looked in fine form at the US Open, and in this match, she looks like she just about has the edge. She holds, despite the game going to deuce.
05:08 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka* 3-1 Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
The set is back on serve. Azarenka tries to put power on a forehand return, but it fails to clear the net. 15-0 to Mertens. Mertens' shot from a rally on the next point clips the net and outfoxes Azarenka. 30-0. Mertens then gives away a couple of points back-to-back and it's 30-30 now. Azarenka hits a return long and it's 40-30. Oh my, what a huge overhead winner from Azarenka. To deuce we go.
Azarenka gets advantage after Mertens misses the court with a forehand. She makes up for her miss with an excellent backhand winner though. Advantage back with Azarenka now. Oh no, it's a double fault from Mertens. Azarenka back into the lead after breaking.
05:01 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka 2-1 *Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
Mertens fights back with a powerful winner and its 15-0. She then pushes Azarenka into hitting a return long and it's 30-0. Azarenka replies well by making Mertens scamper across court after a well placed shot, which the Belgian can't get to. 30-15. But Mertens is at break point now! Doesn't faze Azarenka though, she unleashes a wonderful serve and forehand combo. Oh my word, Mertens has broken back with an imperious return which kisses the baseline before wooshing past Azarenka.
04:57 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka* 2-0 Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
Mertens goes up to 30-0 with ease, but then Azarenka gets a point after an excellent rally. Azarenka makes it 30-30. Mertens with the double fault and Azarenka has break-point now. And she breaks! She's off and running!
04:52 (IST)
Victoria Azarenka 1-0 *Elise Mertens (* denotes server)
Azarenka starts us off with the serve, and she does well to bag the opening point. Mertens replies by making it 15-15. Oof, early double fault from Azarenka and it's 15-30. Mertens miscues a return and it's 30-30. Oh, excellent forehand winner from Azarenka there, that's cannoned off her racket. Elise Mertens returns well on the next serve and we go to deuce.
Mertens fluffs a return and it's blasted straight into orbit. Advantage Azarenka. Mertens messes up another return, it's a hold.
04:41 (IST)
Coming up next, Elise Mertens vs Victoria Azarenka!
In the final quarter-final tie of the US Open women's singles, 15th-seeded Elise Mertens takes on former World No 1 Victoria Azarenka! Stay tuned for all the latest updates!
03:03 (IST)
Their exchange at the net
"You really played great, just was unlucky" — Medvedev to Rublev at the net.
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) September 9, 2020
03:02 (IST)
Yet to drop a set at US Open, yet to a drop a set against Rublev.
Here's a list of men who have dropped zero sets this tournament:
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2020
Daniil Medvedev
03:01 (IST)
Medvedev controlled and executed the tempo of how that match played out like a real genius. Especially towards the end when he started cramping.
— Somdev Devvarman (@SomdevD) September 9, 2020
Special special player!
03:00 (IST)
Medvedev: "First time in almost a year I celebrated a win because this was tough. One point decided three sets. Andrey was playing really well."
"It was a very tactical game today and I'm glad it worked out."
"I am going to relax and watch Thiem/De Minaur. I never try to predict, I just prepare for the winner"
02:57 (IST)
Daniil Medvedev wins 7-6, 6-3, 7-6
Just the one break point in the match and Medvedev converted it. Little opportunity otherwise for both players but it is Medvedev who is into yet another US Open semi-final.
02:56 (IST)
Third set tiebreak
The tiebreak stayed on serve until Medvedev pushed forward, took the serve return early for a backhand winner into the corner. Rublev mixes things up on the next point by serving and volleying. Medvedev misses the attempted pass. Daniil gets the tougher volley back but not the simpler volley to give back the advantage. But follows it up with a big serve and winner. Match point. Big forehand from Medvedev has Rublev rushing into the corner but his defensive backhand goes long.
02:51 (IST)
Third set tiebreak
Daniil Medvedev called for the trainer again before the tiebreak saying his legs are cramping. Challenges for three points in a row at the start. Rublev gets one right, not the second one and now Medvedev asks for the Hawk Eye's intervention. At the change, it is 3-3
02:42 (IST)
Rublev 6-7, 3-6, 5-4 *Medvedev (* denotes server)
Rublev holds comfortably. Medvedev calls the trainer out at the end of the game. He's getting treatment on his right shoulder. Doesn't seem to be much of a concern or something that could prevent him from playing on. A medical time out later, Medvedev looks good to go. The trainer hangs around for the next change of ends
02:29 (IST)
Medvedev has altered his serve over the last two years
Love graphics like this — Medvedev has streamlined his ball toss significantly in the past two years (@espn) #USOpen pic.twitter.com/aVMV8Tx3le
— Matt Trollope (@MattyAT) September 9, 2020
02:25 (IST)
Rublev 6-7, 3-6, 3-2 *Medvedev (* denotes server)
Third set staying on serve. Rublev holds with ease with an angled ace out wide on the deuce side. Perfect placement, much like his forehand passing shot earlier in the game.
02:06 (IST)
Medvedev didn't drop a set vs Rublev in their prior three meetings. So far so good.
May the best Russian win...and it's looking like @DaniilMedwed so far. 🇷🇺
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 9, 2020
The No. 3 seed leads two sets to none over Rublev.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/WMYdVwONDX
02:03 (IST)
Second set: Daniil Medvedev 6-3
Daniil Medvedev takes a two sets to love lead with an ace. The first set took over an hour and this one has taken half of it. Rublev is disintegrating right here. Looked to be a promising match and suddenly seems less so.
02:02 (IST)
Rublev gets warning
Andrey Rublev has been warned for 'audible obscenity' by chair umpire James Keothavong. Seemed to be just a scream but the chair umpire believes it was something else? Strange!
01:57 (IST)
Rublev* 6-6, 2-5 Medvedev (* denotes server)
Daniil consolidates the break with an ace down the tee. Rublev is upset with the way things are going and lets out a huge scream. But that doesn't deter Daniil from closing the game out.
01:56 (IST)
Rublev 6-6, 2-4 *Medvedev (* denotes server)
Daniil gets the first break of the match after a weak game from Rublev. Just the first break point of the match and Medvedev converts with a simple put away smash. BREAK!
01:53 (IST)
Important point by Somdev Devvarman on playing a player who you don't just know but is also a friend.
For the juniors out there who have a tough time with this, (I know I did) there's a masterclass on at the US open on...
— Somdev Devvarman (@SomdevD) September 9, 2020
How to play with intensity and focus while playing against a good friend #rublevvsmedvedev
01:48 (IST)
Rublev 6-6, 2-2 *Medvedev (* denotes server)
Second set going much the way the first did. Except the second game, on Rublev's serve, went the distance before he prevailed.
01:44 (IST)
The ball girl did not see that racket smack coming
The scoreline can explain this one. 🥴#USOpen | @AndreyRublev97 pic.twitter.com/to2aGOTZGU
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 9, 2020
The battle of all mothers will be waged Wednesday at the US Open when Serena Williams faces unseeded Tsvetana Pironkova for a berth in the semi-finals.
Williams missed more than a year of competition when she had a daughter in 2017, and has since been seeking a record-tying 24th Major title. Pironkova is playing in her first tournament since she took a break of more than three years to have a son.
In another women's quarter-final match-up, World No 16 Elise Mertens will face unseeded Victoria Azarenka, who is also a mother. Azarenka has won nine consecutive matches, including the final in the Western & Southern Open that was played in New York as an in-the-bubble warm-up for the US Open.
Two men's quarter-finals are also scheduled. No 2-seeded Dominic Thiem, a three-time Major runner-up, meets first-time Slam quarter-finalist Alex de Minaur, a 21-year-old Australian. No 3 Daniil Medvedev, last year's Open runner-up, plays No 10 Andrey Rublev.
The path to the men's title is wide open after overwhelming favorite Novak Djokovic was disqualified on Sunday for unintentionally hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball. Each of the men's quarter-finalists is seeking his first Grand Slam title.
(With inputs from The Associated Press)
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