US Open men's semi-final Highlights: Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev to set up final against Daniil Medvedev

Quick look at what is on offer for Sunday: Djokovic vs Medvedev. World No 1 vs World No 2

Such drama in that match!

Played 27, Won 27. One more to go!

More stats from Djokovic’s win over Zverev

Novak Djokovic: “These are the moments we live for. Opportunities we wake up for. To do the same things over and over. Thank you so much for making it special!”

“I support Stefanos Tsitsipas because the rule is not clear. He did not deserve the attacks he was getting in the media”

“On another note, Alexander is a big champion. Someone we admire on and off the court. We train a lot. He uses Monaco as base, he is a great guy even better player. I knew today was going to be a battle and I hope we brought the energy to the people in the stadium.”

“There’s a lot of emotions. You’re by yourself on the court, have to find a way. I’ve developed a method over the years. There’s no secret potion. Tennis is rewarding but very demanding. You have to have the right balance between mind and body in this sport”

“Grand Slam is there but there is not much to talk about. I’m all in! Let’s do it! I’m going to put my heart, body, soul and head into that one. I am going to treat it like the last match of my career”

31st Grand Slam final for Djokovic

Novak Djokovic into the US Open final

Novak Djokovic remains unbeaten at the majors in 2021 and comes through a battle against Alexander Zverev in over three and a half hours. Wins 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 and is into the US Open final where he will play Daniil Medvedev

One win away from a calendar slam!

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic throwing the kitchen sink at Zverev and the German still fighting. Still keeping himself alive. Djokovic gets the point in the end but it hasn’t been easy and it still isn’t. Zverev makes it 15-15 with a forehand winner after a big forehand came back – somehow. A 116mph ace out wide makes it 30-15. Djokovic on offense on this point. Forehand into the corner results in a short ball and quickly dabs it for a backhand winner. 30-30 and Zverev goes for an outstretched forehand winner but misses. The crowd is up and Djokovic is urging them to make some noise. Match point! DREAM IS ALIVE! Zverev’s shot hits the net and Djokovic has his arms in the air in joy. He deserves every bit of it!

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 5-2 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic serving for the match. Zverev starts off by continuing his silky smooth touch for a winner. And then forces an error out of Novak. 0-30. Is the fight on? Djokovic tries to quieten it with an ace down the T. But not for long. Sascha finds the sideline and the displays more of his resilience with a backhand winner down the line. Two break points. One saved as Zverev shanks his backhand into the net. Another break point goes away. Cry of anguish from Zverev. Djokovic with a deep forehand going a little too far. Tenth break point of the match for Zverev, third of the game. This is saved as well! Djokovic rocks on his forehand and drives a winner into the corner. Deuce. Misses a backhand this time and Zverev has another chance to break. 117mph ace to bring the game to deuce. WHAT A POINT. We’ve said this before and saying it again. 22 shot rally after almost three and a half hours. Zverev with a forehand winner after Djokovic gets two volleys up and over but doesn’t get the point. Yet another break point. BREAK! Double fault from Djokovic at the crucial moment. Still has the buffer but can never tell with this sport.

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 5-1 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev with a fabulous backhand winner down the line. Went low and snuck in a passing shot past Djokovic. Alexander Zverev gets on the board in the fifth set

ONE GAME TO GO!

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 5-0 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

A love hold from Novak Djokovic. 22 minutes played in the fifth set and he is bulldozing his way to the final taking Zverev apart in doing so

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 4-0 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev runs along haplessly to the other side of the court. Djokovic in complete control and producing some sublime hitting. Producing some sublime defensive and attacking tennis. Zverev overhits a forehand and it is a break point for Djokovic. Point to go double break up. Zverev with big serve, brave drive volley but he sends the smash long. Has his head in his hands. Djokovic is jubilant. And has every right to be. DOUBLE BREAK!

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-0 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Another point dropped, another hold for Novak Djokovic. He has, expectedly, turned things around from the fourth set. And completely on point with his five setters this year

Scenes in the Djokovic box!

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 2-0 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic drops a point on serve and holds comfortably. Zverev under pressure on his serve. A double fault, a 133mph second serve, not really helping his cause. Brings it to 30-30 with a smash. Patient approach from Djokovic and Zverev sends the backhand into the net. Break point. Second serve… BREAKS HIM! Djokovic and Zverev with patient rallying from the back of the court before Novak hits the drop shot and then hits a forehand passing shot. 30 shot rally!

Fourth five setter of the year for Novak Djokovic. He has won them all, like his matches this year at majors.

Fourth set in numbers

Fourth set: Alexander Zverev 6-4

Alexander Zverev has forced a fifth set. He takes the fourth set 6-4 and seemingly brushes aside the disappointment of the closing stages of the third set. Up and ready to go is the German!

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev serving for the fourth set and starts off with an ace. What else? At 15-0, Djokovic comes out the poorer in an exchange from the baseline. Doesn’t get the right contact on the backhand and it goes wide. Two points away… Not so soon. A double fault from Zverev, goes for too much on the second serve. Djokovic with a drop shot but it isn’t perfectly placed. It sits up and Zverev runs into it for a forehand winner down the line. Set points and one is all he needs! Into the body and Djokovic sends the return into the net

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-5 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic goes for too much on the forehand and only sends it wide. 15-30 and a look in for Zverev. Good serve at this point and the short reply is swiftly dispatched straight at Sascha. Djokovic with a backhand winner into the corner to bring up game point. Strange shot from Djokovic and it doesn’t come off. Holds in the end and it will now be on Zverev to hold and take the match into a fifth set

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 3-5 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev cruises along in that service game. He is one game away from forcing a fifth set.. Holds at love now and Djokovic is under pressure

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 2-4 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic seemed to have an opening after Zverev made an unforced error on the backhand. But the German brings up game point with some big hitting and smacking the ball away for a smash. Djokovic staying in it with Zverev missing a backhand. Deuce. Slight window of opportunity. Big serve down the T at 134mph and punched into the corner for a winner on the forehand to go with it. Perfect one-two. Djokovic misses a forehand and Zverev holds from a seemingly precarious position

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 2-3 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

A pain free serve hold from Djokovic now. Zverev sends his backhand wide and the players quickly take their seats. Based on the start of this set, a fifth looks to be a certainty.

Longest rally of the US Open: 53 shots. FIFTY THREE.

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 1-2 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Some cracking points in the third game of the fourth set. Djokovic finding a backhand passing shot with Zverev at the net and now the German with a divine backhand winner of his own. From the edge of the court, Zverev whips a backhand down the line winner. At 40-30, Zverev finds the sideline and then goes behind Djokovic to bring the game to deuce. Djokovic with another ridiculous backhand winner. From below net height, Djokovic hits a backhand winner which kisses the line on its way. That was a brilliant shot. Looking to close the game out, Djokovic finds the tape on the next backhand. On we play. Zverev with INCREDIBLE defensive and then attacking tennis. Keeps the point going with great gets from the back and then puts the point away. Break point. Once again, Djokovic finds the big serve at a crucial juncture. The serve return is into the net. Little he could do. He, though, has another break point chance. Seventh of the match for Zverev. BREAK! Zverev with a forehand winner down the line and Djokovic could do absolutely nothing about that.

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic holds serve at 40-30. Zverev with some concern as a bug seems to have been lodged in his eye. Djokovic offers his saline solution but Sascha had fixed the problem by then. Now if only he could solve the challenge in front of him as well

Novak Djokovic is one set away from a 31st Grand Slam final

Third set in numbers

Third set: Novak Djokovic 6-4

Novak Djokovic takes the third set 6-4 and is now two sets to one up over Alexander Zverev. The German saving two set points but unable to repeat his heroics on the third in what was a remarkable final game. A game that had 21, 53 and 16 shot rallies one after another. In the grand scheme of things, how deflating would that be for Alexander Zverev? He stays on court as Djokovic goes off to change

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev serving to stay in the third set. And it starts with Zverev making an unforced error on the forehand. Djokovic playing the waiting game, getting Sascha to go for it all. 32-shot rally. And it is Zverev who tries to find the sideline and misses by a milimetre. Not even an exaggeration. At 0-30, Zverev with a mishit. Djokovic once again patient and mixing things up with slice backhands, flat forehands. Three set points. One saved by Zverev. Brilliant hitting from both players. Djokovic find the deep end of the court multiple times on the forehand. WHAT AN UNBELIAVABLE POINT! 53 shots in that rally. FIFTY THREE! 21 shot rally on the previous point. 53 now. FIFTY THREE. Zverev with the point with a forehand cross court winner. Both players taking a much needed and deserved breather here. Jaw dropping stuff. Third set point does it! Djokovic with a forehand cross, then down the line and smashes the high ball. He gets the crowd up and cheering and there is every reason to. What a game!

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 5-4 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

FINE MARGINS on display in the semi-final. Djokovic finds the absolute last inch of the court to beat Zverev. Couple of groans as the line mark is displayed on the screen. Novak keeps the third set on serve with a reasonable hold in the end

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 4-3 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

The lull is over! Djokovic and Zverev embroiled in a 21-shot rally with great hitting from the back, some mishits too, and then Zverev plays a drop shot, Novak moves up with the slide to play a silky, smooth drop shot. Holds

Hope he’s got his UberEats order…

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2, 3-3 Zverev (* denotes next server)

ACE! Second straight love hold from Alexander Zverev and he quickly brings the pressure back on Novak Djokovic’s serve

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 3-2 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

After bit of a lull in play, Djokovic is required to save two break points. Saves one with an serve and volley strategy. The return doesn’t come back but Djokovic was up and ready. On the second, he finds an ace. Perfect placement. On deuce, Zverev has the chance to hit a passing shot but sends it well long. Looks at his box in disbelief and frustration at having missed that. Novak goes for the line on the backhand but it goes wide. Holds through in the end. On the second point, the ball seems to stay low after hitting the line. Zverev is displeased but there is little he or anyone can do about it. A big hold from Djokovic while saving two break points

May not have won the match, Felix Auger-Aliassime wins the sportsmanship award

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 2-1 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Both players dropping two points each before holding serve. Djokovic producing a *sensational* drop shot while moving up to the net. The balance, the control to stay on top of the ball and still get the feel on that ball. Just *chef’s kiss*

Wouldn’t have expected it to be this lopsided from the back

Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 1-0 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Third set gets going with a break point chance for Zverev. He does brilliantly with the volley to place it into the open court. On break point, Djokovic with a big, booming serve to force an error. He brings up game point with an inch-perfect drop shot of his own. Survives the challenge with another big serve

Strong stance from former player and NBC presenter Mary Carillo

Second set in numbers

Second set: Novak Djokovic 6-2

Novak Djokovic takes the second set 6-2 in 36 minutes. Breaks Alexander Zverev twice after the German’s serve and groundstroke level drops significantly from the first. Just 55% first serves in from Zverev in that second set…

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-2 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev with a poor service effort when he needed to avoid it the most. Saves one set point after missing the sideline. But not the second. Looks to slice and push but overcooks it

Djokovic and Zverev are “Turning it up” to ensure “Good Time” for all

Djokovic 4-6, 5-2 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Straightforward holds from both players. A point dropped from Zverev on his serve and two by Djokovic. The pressure remains on Sascha to find a break. He’s coming close but not as close as he was in the first set.

Djokovic 4-6, 4-1 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Not often that Djokovic slides, gets the stretch and doesn’t even get to the ball. Today is that day. Tumbles and has another difficult serve to navigate. At 15-30, he finds an ace and then sees Zverev miss the side line. At 40-30, Djokovic with confident volley to get Zverev out of his comfort zone and puts the point away with a little smash into the open court

Djokovic* 4-6, 3-1 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev holds after dropping a point. Gets an ace and a winner along the way to get on the board in the second set

Djokovic 4-6, 3-0 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

After a brilliant first set, Zverev’s level has dropped at the start of this second set. Couldn’t find a first serve in the previous game and then double faulted on break point. Now missing a simple forehand. At 30-0, both players with great movement, brilliant hands and it is Djokovic who gets up for a smash put away as Zverev looks to lob his way out of trouble. Drop shot at 40-0 and Zverev sends the return long. Tries to do too much on it and Novak holds at love

Djokovic* 4-6, 2-0 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev misses a forehand and Djokovic has his first break point of the match. Crowd getting behind Novak. Second serve…. and double fault! BREAK!

Djokovic 4-6, 1-0 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic’s serve comes under pressure early on in the second set. He gets the frame of the racquet once again to prolong the game and make it deuce. On the next point, he smacks one down the line and the Zverev defensive stroke goes long. But he keeps the game going to read the drop shot, move up and get it up and over the high part of the net. At deuce, Djokovic gets a big serve and punches the smash into the corner. Djokovic holds as Zverev sends the backhand long

First set Alexander Zverev!

First set in numbers

First set: Alexander Zverev 6-4

For the fourth straight match, Djokovic will have to come from behind to win it. Alexander Zverev breaks at 4-4 and then goes on to hold his serve to take the opening set. Both players serving well and hitting the ball beautifully. Zverev with more precision and making lesser of the errors

Djokovic* 4-6 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Alexander Zverev serving for the first set. Starts with a quick point and then two consecutive aces. 132mph. Brings up three set points. Double fault! First double fault from Zverev in this match. Still has two set points. Almost got another ace down the T. Goes big on the second serve but Djokovic does well to block it back. Zverev with an errant backhand and another set point goes away. On the third, Djokovic miscues, the ball hits the frame and Zverev takes the opening set 6-4

Djokovic 4-5 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic making quite a few errors here as Zverev creates an opening once again. Sascha precise on backhand and forceful on the forehand to bring up two break points. And double fault! BREAK! Zverev gets the first break of the match thanks to the first double fault of the match

Djokovic* 4-4 Zverev (* denotes next server)

This has been an incredible start to the match. Both players going side-to-side, down the line, testing the absolute limits of each other’s skill and physicality. Zverev holds with Djokovic missing ths sideline on consecutive points but only after long, long rallies.

Djokovic 4-3 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Errors from Djokovic on forehand and then backhand to go from 30-0 to 30-30. Is that the little window opening up? YES IT IS! WHAT A POINT! Lengthy rally from the back is followed by a fabulous drop shot from Djokovic. Zverev gets to it and hits a drop of his own. Djokovic gets to it, barely, but leaves the court open for Zverev to hit a winner. The German takes in the standing ovation and deserves every bit of it. Break point Zverev. Saved! Pin point accuracy on the first serve to force an error. On deuce, another fantastic point. Another point with both players going corner-to-corner, once again a drop shot from Djokovic but this time Sascha is unable to get the return up and over. Zverev sends his forehand long and Djokovic holds finally. What a game that was!

Djokovic* 3-3 Zverev (* denotes next server)

ACE DOWN THE TEE! Hold at love from Alexander Zverev. He is 10/10 on first points won having landed 10/14 of them. These are very, very good numbers against one of the best returners of serve

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Djokovic 3-2 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev drops a point before holding serve. Now on to Djokovic and he’s quickly under pressure. A 14-shot rally with clean, swift forehands from both players goes Zverev’s way as he finds the winner. And hold! From 0-30, Djokovic holds with four straight first serves. Went to serve-and-volley on the first point, produced a deep serve on the second point, an ace on the third. Beautiful serving from Novak

Djokovic 2-1 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Djokovic brings up three game points before conceding his first point on serve. Nice clean contact from both players from the back of the court before Djokovic finds the net on his forehand. Does hold in the end with a serve-and-volley winner

Djokovic* 1-1 Zverev (* denotes next server)

Zverev gets on the board as well. Drops a point with Djokovic playing an exquisite drop shot to catch Zverev off guard.

Djokovic 1-0 *Zverev (* denotes next server)

Perfect start for Novak Djokovic. An ace to get the match underway, a winner on the next point and closes the game out with a love hold. Simples.

READY, PLAY!

Novak Djokovic wins the toss and will serve first

Pre-match talk

Alexander Zverev: “I’m playing a guy that hasn’t lost a match yet in a Grand Slam. I think the match at Olympics against Djokovic gave me a lot of confidence. I hope I continue that today”

Novak Djokovic: “Feeling very good. Excited. Big match ahead. Lost to Sascha in Tokyo in a close one. Every time is a close one against him. Expect nothing else tonight.” “I like best of 5 sets. I’ve had good night sessions in New York. Hope to use the experience. But I’ve got 10 years on him. Just to take my A-game!”

Moments away from start of the marquee clash at US Open today

There’s delay in start to the second semi-final to allow fans to get to the stadium

BIG STAT: Alexander Zverev has never beaten a top-10 player at a Grand Slam.

How Djokovic and Zverev compare

Head-to-head: Djokovic leads 6-3

How bloody good is that?

What’s at stake for Alexander Zverev:

Zverev defeated Djokovic in a Tokyo Olympic semi-final, rallying from a set and break down to deny the World No 1 a chance at a “Golden Slam” sweep of major titles and a gold medal.

With a loss, Djokovic would be the first man with a Slam bid entering the semis not to reach the US Open final.

German 24-year-old fourth seed Zverev, last year’s US Open runner-up, is on a career-best 16-match win streak since losing to Auger-Aliassime in the round of 16 at Wimbledon.

What’s at stake for Novak Djokovic

Djokovic is trying to complete the first men’s singles calendar-year Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.

The 34-year-old Serbian seeks his fourth career US Open title and his 21st overall Slam crown, which would lift him one above the record 20 he shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent with injuries.

Djokovic would be the oldest US Open finalist since Andre Agassi at 35 in 2005 and could be the oldest US Open champion since Ken Rosewall at 35 in 1970.

By beating Zverev to reach the brink of the Slam, Djokovic would match Federer’s all-time record of 31 men’s Slam final appearances. Djokovic is 20-10 in major finals.

Djokovic seeks only the fourth men’s singles Slam in history after Don Budge in 1938 and Laver in 1962 and 1969.

Djokovic has won 26 consecutive Slam matches, four shy of his all-time record streak from 2015 and 2016 when he won all four major titles in a row.

Djokovic vs Zverev

We shift our attention to the second semi-final featuring World No 1 Novak Djokovic and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Alexander Zverev. The German entered the tournament with report of domestic and sexual abuse from a former partner. He has since fielded some tough questions in the media. On court, he has had little trouble. Novak, on the other hand, has been taken to four sets in all but one of his matches in the last fortnight. Expect nothing different tonight.

Daniil Medvedev speaks after the match: Strange match in the second set, where everybody felt it’ll be one set all. I guess you never know where the match will go. I saved a few points, and he dropped some. I don’t think I played my best tennis.

During that game in the second set, he had two set points, and I was just hoping he didn’t hit an ace on the line.

Last time, it was a crazy match. If it’s the same sort of final on Sunday, I just hope I can win this time. First of all, I’m going to enjoy this win. It’s always better to play first, you can enjoy your opponents’ match without thinking too much about who will win. That match is going to be a great one, I advise everyone to watch it.

I think in tennis, we have superstitions sometimes. For me, I only want the closest people in my life to be in my box, and for the others, I give them quite good tickets. But in that box, I just want people who I’m working almost all year around with, and that’s usually the case.

I’m definitely going to watch the match between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. Hopefully, I can relax in the hotel room and just enjoy it with an UberEats.

Game, Set, Match: Daniil Medvedev wins 6-4, 7-5, 6-2!

Medvedev wins the first couple of points thanks to errors from Feliz Auger-Aliassime. He then makes a mistake of his own, sending a backhand into the net. 30-15. He serves out wide, and then hammers a forehand into the empty net. He has two match points. He misses a pretty simple forehand though, sign of nerves? Not at all, the ice cold Russian wins the match to enter his second US Open final!!

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 2-5 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

Auger-Aliassime is really up against it here. This is do or die time now. He drops the first point, but Medvedev then hits a lazy looking return long. 15-15. OH LORD, BULLET OF A RETURN FROM MEDVEDEV! He hammered that return back into the court, FAA had no idea about it. 15-30. Service winner from FAA, 30-30. Two service winners from FAA, and he remains alive in this match. Medvedev will serve for the match.

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 4-6, 5-7, 1-5 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

Medvedev begins the game by taking control of the rally on the first point and sending FAA this way and that, before the Canadian ends up making a mistake and relinquishing the point. He does the exact same on the next point for 30-0. Service winner from Medvedev, it’s 40-0. Oof, great backhand return from FAA, he sends Medvedev’s serve back at him with some interest, and gets the point. 40-15. Medvedev hits long, 40-30. OH MY WORD, lovely forehand winner from Daniil Medvedev to hold serve! FAA will now serve to stay in the tournament.

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-4 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

FAA looks like he’s fading fast, and Medvedev appears calmer and more sure footed than he has all evening. Missed backhand from FAA, 0-15. FAA hits a backhand long, 0-30. Medvedev hammers a forehand into the body of FAA at the net, and the Canadian’s volley can’t make it over the net. three break points to Medvedev. Another missed forehand from FAA and Medvedev is up double break!! This looks like it’s just a matter of time now.

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 4-6, 5-7, 1-3 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

Error from Medvedev, FAA up 0-15. Ace from Medvedev, 15-15. Double fault from Medvedev, 15-30. He replies to that with an ace that’s just inside the T, 30-30. Medvedev misses a volley, and suddenly, FAA has a break point and a chance to bring the serve back on set. Service winner from Medvedev, deuce. Another service winner, advantage Medvedev. A third service winner, and Medvedev consolidates his break.

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-2 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

Daniil Medvedev races through his service game to hold serve. Point apiece in FAA service game, but then Medvedev goes into a 15-30 lead after the Canadian misses a forehand. Medvedev tries to end a rally with a lob over FAA at the net. FAA manages to smash, but it’s just wide. 15-40, and two break points to Medvedev. FAA misses a forehand, and Medvedev gets the break early in the third set!

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-7, 1-0 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

This is looking like an uphill battle for FAA now, but there’s still hope, faint as it may be. Point apiece for either player, 15-15. FAA’s tactic of approaching the net really is working for him though, he wins another point by coming in close and forcing Medvedev into a vulnerable position. 30-15. Service winner, 40-15. Another double fault from FAA, 40-30. Another point for Medvedev and it’s deuce. Advantage FAA. Medvedev hits a backhand long, FAA holds serve.

Set 2: By the numbers!

Daniil Medvedev takes the second set 7-5!

Auger-Aliassime tries a forehand down the line, but there’s too much power in the shot and it flies long. Medvedev then lands a gorgeous backhand down the line, 30-0. Missed backhand from FAA, 40-0 and three set points for Medvedev! Rare double fault from the Russian, 40-15. He wraps it up with an ace though, that was nailed down the centre of the court and Medvedev is two to the good!

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-6 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

FAA hits a forehand into the doubles alley, 0-15. Double fault from FAA, his eighth of the match, 0-30. Huge forehand from Medvedev, and it’s hit with too much power for FAA to return. Three break points for the Russian. FAA fires a forehand into the net, and Daniil Medvedev breaks to take the lead in this crazy second set! What incredible mental fortitude from Medvedev!

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 4-6, 5-5 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

Daniil Medvedev needs to hold serve here, or he’s still at risk of dropping the first set. FAA wins the first point after a Medvedev mistake, but the Russian responds by approaching the net and forcing FAA into hitting a forehand wide. 15-15. Back-to-back service winner from Medvedev, 40-15. FAA hits a backhand long, Medvedev holds serve!

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 5-4 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

FAA is doing really well to approach the net quickly and put Medvedev under pressure, and he wins the first two points on his service game thanks to this strategy. Double fault from FAA, 30-15. Lovely cross court backhand winner from Medvedev after pushing FAA into a corner, 30-30. Medvedev hits a forehand into the doubles alley and FAA has set point now! Oooh, things are getting interesting now, Medvedev forces FAA into making an error, and it’s deuce now! Medvedev hits a forehand long, and FAA has set point again! Error from FAA, we’re back on deuce. OH MY WORD, DANIIL MEDVEDEV TAKE A BOW! The Russian unleashes a fiery forehand cross-court winner to get to break point! FAA hits a backhand long, and Medvedev survives two set points to bring the second set back on serve! This will have taken the wind right out of the Canadian’s sails, how will he react?

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 4-6, 5-3 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

FAA consolidates his break by holding serve to love. Daniil Medvedev will now serve to stay in the set. Medvedev hits a backhand long on the first point in his service game, 0-15. Ace, 15-15. He volleys a desperate lob from FAA for an easy point. 30-15. Two service winners in a row and Medvedev holds serve. He needs to break in the next game.

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 4-6, 4-2 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

FAA wins the first point of Medvedev’s service game with a forehand winner down the line. He then hits a backhand long to make it 15-15. Ace from Medvedev, 30-15. FAA sends a backhand into the doubles alley, 40-15. Medvedev finds the net with his backhand, 40-30. OH! FAA does ever so well to send a tame second serve from Medvedev out for a winner. Deuce!

Medvedev gets caught between the baseline and the net, and FAA sends a belter of a passing shot beyond him for a winner. Advantage and break point to the Canadian! A long rally ends with Medvedev hitting a cross-court forehand winner! Deuce again. Medvedev fires into the net, and it’s another break point for FAA. OH MY WORD! Double fault from Medvedev, his first of the match, and FAA breaks to take the lead in the second set!!

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 3-2 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

Service winner from FAA, 15-0. A pretty long rally ends with a Medvedev mistake, 30-0. OH MY GOD MEDVEDEV YOU GENIUS! FAA tries to catch out Medvedev with a dropshot, as he’s done so many times already, and Medvedev just casually lobs it over FAA at the net, 30-15. Mistake from Medvedev now, 40-15. FAA hits a shot long, 40-30. A sixth double fault from FAA, and this game goes to deuce. FAA does well to approach the net, and hits a lofted Medvedev shot for a winner. Advantage to the Canadian. Medvedev fires a forehand into the net, and FAA holds serve!

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 4-6, 2-2 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

A very entertaining exchange at the net finishes with a smash from Daniil Medvedev, who picks up the first point. FAA hits a forehand long, if he’d got that in, he could’ve won the point, Medvedev was nowhere close to returning it. 30-0. Error from FAA, 40-0. Medvedev fires in a service winner to hold serve.

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 2-1 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

A lightning-quick rally ends with Medvedev hitting a backhand long, 15-0 to FAA. Two service winners from FAA in a row, 40-0. FAA tries a backhand slice, but there’s not enough elevation on it and it fails to get over the net. 40-15. A double fault from FAA 40-30. He’s giving away a lot of points for free, that’s five double faults already. It doesn’t matter much in the context of this game though, Medvedev hits a backhand long and FAA holds serve.

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 4-6, 1-1 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

Oof, Daniil Medvedev misses a pretty straightforward backhand, 0-15. FAA hits a forehand into the net, 15-15. Service winner from Medvedev, 30-15. Medvedev hits a running forehand into the net, before running into the net and unleashing a cannon of a forehand winner. 40-30. Another error from Medvedev, and it’s deuce. The Russian’s under some pressure, how does he react? With an ace and then a service winner to hold serve!

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 1-0 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

Great start from FAA! He hits a service winner, and then Daniil Medvedev misses a volley from close range to make it 30-0. Medvedev manages to win a point, but FAA fires in another service winner. 40-15. Medvedev sends a forehand return into the net and FAA holds serve!

Set 1: By the numbers!

Daniil Medvedev takes the first set 6-4!

Medvedev hits a backhand wide and then FAA hits an inch-perfect backhand winner down the line to grab a 0-30 lead and give himself some hope of rescuing this first set. Medvedev levels the game right back up with an ace and a service winner. 30-30. FAA hits a shot wide, 40-30 and set point to Medvedev. He clinshes the first set in style with a blistering ace!

Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-5 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

Great start from FAA, it’s an ace. 15-0. He then fires a forehand into the net, 15-15. Another ace from FAA, 30-15. Service winner from FAA, 40-15. This hold would mean so much to him. OH MY WORD! Daniil Medvedev reacts to a dropshot like the Flash, zipping over to hit a forehand passing shot past FAA. 40-30. Ace from FAA, he holds serve. Medvedev will serve for the set.

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 3-5 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

Medvedev wins the first couple of points with relative ease, and at this point, you’ve gotta feel for FAA. Nothing is going his way at the moment. Ace and then service winner, Medvedev holds serve. FAA will now serve to stay in the first set.

Felix Auger-Aliassime 3-4 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

A long rally ends with a terribly miscued forehand from FAA, who mistimes his shot and sends it into the stands. 0-15. Another forehand error, FAA sends his shot wide. He’s down 0-30 in this service game and Medvedev looks pretty good right now. FAA hits another forehand wide. 0-40. Daniil Medvedev draws first blood in the first set! He breaks to love, and he now has all the momentum. FAA looked a bit out of his depth in that game.

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 3-3 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

Medvedev tries to catch out FAA with a backhand down the line, but there’s too much in it, and it flies long. 0-15. Service winner from Medvedev, 15-15. Strong forehand winner zips past FAA, who doesn’t even move. 30-15. FAA hits a forehand wide, 40-15. Ace, and Medvedev wraps up yet another service game in double-quick time.

Felix Auger-Aliassime 3-2 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

Great little one-two combo from Felix Auger-Aliassime, serving out wide and then hitting the return into the other side of the court. 15-0. FAA tries to catch out Medvedev with a drop shot, but the Russian is quick off the blocks, and he blasts a forehand from close range at FAA, who can’t take the pace off the shot. 15-15. Service winner from FAA, 30-15. Medvedev then hits a couple of shots wide, FAA holds serve.

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 2-2 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

Daniil Medvedev absolutely races into a 40-0 lead, but then misses a forehand down the line to make it 40-15. FAA wins another point after Medvedev makes an error, and it’s 40-30. Medvedev wraps up the hold with a forehand winner.

Felix Auger-Aliassime 2-1 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

Good work from Felix Auger-Aliassime to play a bit of defensive tennis and wait until Medvedev makes a mistake, hitting a backhand long. 15-0. Service winner from FAA, 30-0. FAA tries to open up his body and go for an inside-out forehand, but he puts a little too much into the shot and it flies miles wide of the court. 30-15. Back to back smashes from Daniil Medvedev after a long rally, the first one is defended excellently by FAA but the second one is hit hard into the ground and it bounces off into the stands. 30-30. Another big first serve, another service winner for FAA. 40-30. FAA draws Medvedev to the court with a drop shot, and then hits the Russian’s desperate volley right back past him to hold serve.

Felix Auger-Aliassime* 1-1 Daniil Medvedev (*denotes next server)

A couple of errors from Felix Auger-Aliassime and it’s 30-0 to Medvedev. A long-ish rally ends after FAA hits a forehand into the doubles alley. Medvedev with a service winner, and he holds to love! So different from that first game, which was a real uphill battle for FAA.

Felix Auger-Aliassime 1-0 Daniil Medvedev* (*denotes next server)

Felix Auger-Aliassime holds serve under some serious pressure from Medvdev, who takes him to deuce on a couple of occasions.

Daniil Medvedev and Felix Auger-Aliassime have met just once in the past, with Medvedev winning that encounter

Who are you backing for this contest?

Daniil Medvedev’s path to the semi-final!

Felix Auger-Aliassime’s path to the semi-final!

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the US Open!

There’s an action-packed couple of matches in store for us tonight, with the men’s singles semi-finals on the schedule! Later on, World No 1 Novak Djokovic will take on fourth-seed Alexander Zverev, but we begin proceedings with Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev taking on Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates!