Key events
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Emma Navarro beats Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
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Donna Vekic beats Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-4
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Wang Yafan beats Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
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Coco Gauff beats Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
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Paula Badosa beats Elena-Gabriela Ruse 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8)
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Zheng Qinwen beats Jule Niemeier 6-2, 6-1
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Preamble
*Shelton 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 1-1 Tiafoe (*denotes server) Tiafoe takes the first game of the third set and gets to 30-30 on Sheldon’s serve in the second game. But Shelton manages to tie it up 1-1 after crosscourt shot.
Shelton 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (5) Tiafoe (*denotes server) Shelton gets the tie-break with an ace, Tiafoe then hits out and then the younger American hits a fantastic return to give the younger American an early 3-0 lead. He continues with a forehand winner and his coach/dad shouts “great forehand winner”. Clearly something they have been working on. Tiafoe is crumbling here after hitting a lob to give Shelton a 5-0 lead and then another winner. Tiafoe shakes his head before he finally gets on the board and then breaks to make it 6-2 after Shelton hits it wide.
Forehand then long by Shelton … Have we seen a comeback from 6-0 in a tie-break before on Arthur Ashe? Not sure but Tiafoe has cut the lead to 6-4 after Shelton hits it long and then it is only one point between them after the younger American hits another forehand long …. what is happening?
Shelton, with huge pressure on his shoulders in this seventh set point, smashes an ace at 143 mph to take the set. That is the fastest serve of the tournament! He really said: “let me stop messing about and end this”. Wow! Wow! WOW!
Shelton 6-4, 5-7, 6-6 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) Shelton’s forehand is well out, ballooning the ball over the baseline and we go to a tie-break.
Two of America’s finest.
Shelton 6-4, 5-7, 5-5 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) You can’t separate them. Good serving from the older American to tie it up.
*Shelton 6-4, 5-7, 5-4 Tiafoe (*denotes server) Shelton nets a slicing backhand and his coach (and dad), Bryan Shelton, tells him to use his body more on the serve. He listens and Tiafoe can’t return with the forehand before hitting an ace. But then Tiafoe hits a crosscourt volley. Can he break? No, he nets and we go back to deuce.
Tiafoe then misses a forehand but Shelton’s shot is just out and he can’t take the set. Back to deuce again. Tiafoe hits a great dropshot after Shelton hits one. Can he break now? Now the crowd are fully chanting Tiafoe’s name and a double fault from Shelton gives the current crowd favourite the game.
Shelton 6-4, 5-7, 5-3 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) Yikes, a double fault from Tiafoe means he fails to hold. He looks really unimpressed with himself. Can Big Ben serve out the set?
*Rublev 6-3, 7-5 Lehecka (denotes server) Rublev is one set away from the third round after. A huge difference to his previous match when he had to come from two sets down. Is it smooth sailing for the world No 6 from here?
Shelton 6-4, 5-7, 3-3 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) Shelton has a break point but he hits a volley straight into the net. He drops his racquet and puts his hand on his hips in disbelief. His second break point comes and … straight into the net. Back to deuce. And Tiafoe manages to hold after Shelton’s forehand goes long.
Shelton 6-4, 5-7, 2-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) All tied-up in the third with neither player having broken yet. The excitement has died down a bit here with both players being a bit cautious with their shots.
Rublev 6-3, 3-4 Lehecka* (denotes server) We will turn to Grandstand for a moment. Lehecka has been struggling with Rublev dragging him inwards in an area he isn’t particularly comfortable in. But he deals with the dropshot and then hits a speeding ace at 160 mph to take the game.
Shelton 6-4, 5-7 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) Second set goes to Tiafoe! He makes it look easy as he gets to 40-0 and serves out.
*Shelton 6-4, 6-5 Tiafoe (*denotes server) Tiafoe finally breaks! He has been constantly asking Shelton the questions and the American No 2 has had the answers. Not here. It is a sneaky almost drop shot that tricks Shelton and his serve can’t get him out of the mess this time. He serves for the set!
Shelton 6-4, 5-5 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) Tiafoe moves 40-0 ahead with some fantastic shot variation and some good serves. But his backhand goes wide and then Shelton starts limping. Something looks to be wrong with his left ankle? Or left thigh? He continues though and somehow cushions a dink volley into the sideline after fighting a flurry of shots to take the point. But Tiafoe speeding forehand earns him the hold.
*Shelton 6-4, 5-4 Tiafoe (*denotes server) When was the last time Shelton went down 0-40 in back to back service games? But the thing with Shelton is that his serve can still bail him out. He gets on the board after Tiafoe hits it long. And then, wow! He shows great composure with serving getting Tiafoe off the court and then a perfect forehand winner. He sees the game out and holds. Surely Tiafoe is scratching his head, wondering how on earth he did not break.
Emma Navarro beats Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
The American survives the shaky waters against the world No 19. She describes the home crowd giving her “chills” on Louis Armstrong, and loves playing in the city she was born in.
It will be another all-American clash as she faces Coco Gauff next. The two recently played against each other at Wimbledon, a match which Navarro won.
*Shelton 6-4, 4-3 Tiafoe (*denotes server) There is an awkward moment where Shelton almost does the splits and he doesn’t look to comfortable in the rallies. He hits some hard serves, clocking in at 129 mph and again at 139 mph (his fastest of the match) when he is facing break point. His great serving continues and somehow he holds after being 0-40 down in that game.
Donna Vekic beats Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-4
The world No 24 and quarter-finalist here in 2019 is into the next round after beating her American opponent. She hit eight aces, 21 winners and had a period where she on 14 points in a row. She will play Zheng Qinwen in the next round.
Navarro 6-4, 4-6, 3-3 Kostyuk* (*denotes server) Navarro is forced to hit three smashes to make it 15-15 which shows the level Kostyuk is playing at the moment, even when she is put on the back pedal. We get to deuce after a Navarro shows great balance to hit a lob and after the second deuce, the Ukrainian nets to tie it all up in the third set.
Here is that incredible earlier point from Shelton.
Shelton 6-4 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) Box Office Ben strikes first! He misses a drop shot but is able to move Tiafoe around and the world No 20 nets a backhand to give Shelton the break and the set.
Wang Yafan beats Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
The three-time US Open finalist falls to the world No 80. It is the Chinese’s first career grand slam round of 16. She will fce Paula Badosa next.
*Shelton 5-4 Tiafoe (*denotes server) An opening for Tiafoe? Shelton hits a forehand into the net which puts him down 0-30. He then hits a backhand straight into the net after a short rally – triple break back point for Tiafoe … But Shelton finds two winners and Tiafoe slaps his thigh in frustration. Not for long though, he denies a volley winner and deservedly gets the break.
Shelton’s first serve was at 82% before this game and it has now plummeted to 69%.
Shelton 5-3 Tiafoe* (*denotes server) Tiafoe goes 40-0 and then Shelton mishits a lob so his opponent holds.
Navarro 6-4, 4-6 Kostyuk* (*denotes server) Emphatic play from the Ukrainian as she serves for the set. That last point saw her tumble but she gets her shot off and Navarro nets the return. Another decider on Louis Armstrong is coming up.
*Shelton 4-1 Tiafoe (*denotes server) Shelton has an incredible forehand. He gets up to 40-15 with it and Tiafoe looks at his team as if to say: ‘What the *!$% am I supposed to do about that?’
But Tiafoe fights back and gets to deuce. But oh my, the ball clips the net from Tiafoe’s shot but Shelton’s movement is incredible and he somehow gets there in time to block the shot. He nearly falls over backwards and I have no idea how he got there quick enough.
The crowd are up on their feet, cheering and the world No 13 takes a deep breath as he sits down.
Thanks Alex; sterling stint as always. Hello again, all. Let’s see how this All-American match up unfolds.
Ben Shelton, whose serve is a major weapon, makes a solid hold to open this match. The crowd are pretty quiet to start – still recovering from Gauff’s victory or unsure who to root for? We shall see. Well, specifically Yara El-Shaboury will see, as I’m putting you all back in her expert hands. Thanks for reading!
Kostyuk holds; Navarro holds. The latter leads 6-4, 2-1. Ben Shelton is serving to begin his match with Frances Tiafoe. The two are good friends off court. That can often create an interesting dynamic in a match.
A hold for Navarro at the start of her second set. She is having a lot of chats with her coach out there; seems to be working so far. Meanwhile, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are making their way on to court. Shelton, the younger player, will be the favourite – but will the crowd decide to back the 21-year-old rising star or the underdog? Could be some divided loyalties there.
Navarro takes the first set 6-4 against Kostyuk, grabbing the first game point on offer. The No 13 seed reeled off three games – including two breaks – in succession there, impressively upping her play when required. What were we saying about a good week so far for US players? Release the bald eagle and let it soar! Or something!
Emma Navarro holds to take a 5-4 first-set lead against Marta Kostyuk. Elsewhere, Victoria Azarenka has won the second set 6-3 against Wang Yafan: those two are starting a decider.
Navarro breaks back in a break-filled match with Kostyuk. They are 4-4 in the first set. Katie Boulter, who was so disappointed by her singles exit yesterday, is back in action in the women’s doubles but her and partner Anna Kalinskaya have lost the first set on a tie-break to the No 8 seeds Demi Schuurs and Luisa Stefani.
Ben Shelton v Frances Tiafoe is the next match on Arthur Ashe. So a guaranteed American winner in what’s been a strong first first week for home players. Although, in saying that, Kostyuk has taken a 4-3 advantage over Navarro in their first set and it’s the Ukrainian to serve. So have I just jinxed every US player with that observation? TBC.
An upbeat Coco Gauff credits her increased aggression after losing the opening set for that triumph as she thanks the Arthur Ashe Court, saying it’s her favourite place to play tennis in the world. She gets a round of boos for that (not really; it’s met with the raucous cheers you’d expect). Elsewhere in Flushing Meadows: Emma Navarro and Marta Kostyuk are 3-3 in their first set. The winner will face Gauff in the next round.
Coco Gauff beats Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
Gauff is into the fourth round! Svitolina broke in the penultimate game to give herself a glimmer – but the defending champion shook off any nerves and disappointment. She pressured Svitolina’s serve, took her first match point in this game – and won a really intriguing, see-saw match.
Svitolina* 6-3 3-6 3-5 Gauff (*denotes server) Wow. Who saw that coming? Gauff had three match points in that game but – from 40-love down – Svitolina fought back. The American’s serve suddenly went awry (she double-faulted twice) but what a fightback from the No 27. She went for it in that game. This isn’t quite over.
Svitolina 6-3 3-6 2-5 Gauff* (*denotes server) Svitolina may feel that it’s all going against her but she’s no quitter. She makes it through that service game under pressure, blasting some nice forehand shots. Now she has to break Gauff and see if she can induce a nervy wobble in the home favourite.
Svitolina* 6-3 3-6 1-5 Gauff (*denotes server) Gauff has gone from struggling in the first set, superiority in the second, supremacy in the third. Her serve has gone up a level (or three) since the start. She flies through that game and is 1x game away from week two.
Svitolina 6-3 3-6 1-4 Gauff* (*denotes server) The American takes advantage of her first break point to take a 4-1 lead in this set, Svitolina firing a shot into the net. Well, the momentum and the home crowd are against the Ukranian here. The No 3 seed is serving and needs two games to take her place in the next round.
Svitolina* 6-3 3-6 1-3 Gauff (*denotes server) Thanks Yara. In this match, the defending champion has found a new gear since losing the first set. Coco Gauff looks a different player and Elina Svitolina, who’s making a few errors, needs to hold serve here to stop her opponent running way with this decider.
It is time for me to take a short break. Alex Reid is here to expertly guide you through the next hour.
Paula Badosa speaks on the match after her win:
Guys, 5-4 down, I was destroyed. Match point down, I was done. You guys gave me so much strength. Thank you. I think she played an insane level. I wasn’t expecting it. I was a bit confused.
On what she was told by her coach after losing the first set:
My coach said you have to fight. To play aggressive. For a moment, I thought I wasn’t playing her, I was playing Simona Halep. Congratulations to her and her coach.
On playing mixed doubles with Stefanos Tsitsipas a bit later today:
He will have to do all the work. A good lunch will help me so much and the motivation and excitement will help me.
On the support on Louis Armstrong:
I always say the best crowd is in the US. It is not a coincidence my best results are here. I feel so safe and protected here. Thank you guys. I hope to see you at my doubles match.
Paula Badosa beats Elena-Gabriela Ruse 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8)
Badosa adjusted her positioning to attack Ruse’s second serve and her work gives her a 4-0 lead in the tie-break. But the Romanian refuses to give up and after a couple of risks and a fantastic forehand in a long rally cuts the Spaniard’s lead to 4-3. But then, a few misses for Ruse and Badosa leads 7-5 with Ruse serving.
The Spaniard hits it long and once again, it is a one point game – the tightest of margins. Badosa’s eighth ace makes it 8-6 but Ruse moves her opponent around with a crosscourt backhand before a forehand winner. But at the most crucial of moments, Ruse hits a return out … and then a backhand winner.
9-8 for Badosa and then Ruse’s return is long and the Spaniard wins by the skin of her teeth. A nice handshake at the net between the seeded winner and the qualifier after two hours and 32 minutes – what a grind.
Svitolina 6-3, 3-6 Gauff* (*denotes server) We go to a decider! An ace from Gauff is what gives her the second set and Svitolina looks annoyed she has let this one slip.
Ruse 6-4, 1-6, 6-6 Badosa* (*denotes server) We are heading to a tie-break in this third set!
Svitolina 6-3, 2-5 Gauff* (*denotes server) Svitolina’s accuracy has gone off a touch, making it 30-15 for Gauff after a long forehand. The American then hits another backhand that her opponent misses and she takes the game after another long forehand from the Ukrainian.
*Svitolina 6-3, 2-4 Gauff (*denotes server) Gauff hits the best backhand she has hit all day, with the power and positioning coming off perfectly to make it 15-15. You can hear a pin drop up until a Gauff hits a massive smash and then a forehand down the line. Big roar from Gauff, big roar from Arthur Ashe. A crosscourt forehand means she breaks. The American asks the crowd for more and they give it to her, gladly.
Ruse 6-4, 1-6, 5-5 Badosa* (*denotes server) Survival. Badosa holds! She goes into the forehand side of Ruse and the Spaniard is still in this match, to the absolute delight of most of the crowd at Louis Armstrong.
*Ruse 6-4, 1-6, 5-4 Badosa (*denotes server) What a way to break in those new balls – Ruse hits her first ace (and her fastest serve at 108 mph) and quickly gets to 40-0 after Badosa hits it out. But Ruse nets twice and all of a sudden it is deuce. Ruse takes advantage with another ace, this time at 111 mph and then holds. Can she break for the match?