2022 US Open

[Sir David Gray]

In the run up to the US Open it looks like we'll be spared the drama that we had earlier this year with regards to Novak Djokovic's participation at the Australian Open

He has announced that he cannot travel to the USA due to being unvaccinated and therefore won't be taking part in the tournament.

In terms of this year's British interest Andy Murray starts against Francisco Cerundolo.

Cameron Norrie is seeded seventh and plays Frenchman Benoit Paire.

Kyle Edmund plays Casper Ruud.

Defending women's champion Emma Raducanu plays Alize Cornet in round one.

Serena Williams will play Danka Kovinic in what is expected to be her last tournament of her career.

Rafael Nadal plays Rinky Hijikata, defending men's champion Daniil Medvedev starts against Stefan Kozlov and Nick Kyrgios goes up against his doubles partner and good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Starts on Monday.

[He's here!]

I thought Djokovic's ban was confirmed a while back but good to hear it's confirmed.

A real shame Nadal had to retire injured at Wimbledon but I'd still love to see him make it 3 out of 4 in this year's slams.

Could be quite an open tournament.

[heretoday]

What's Medvedev doing playing and Novak not? I ken it's US law but it seems mad given current state of affairs.

[Sir David Gray]

What's Medvedev doing playing and Novak not? I ken it's US law but it seems mad given current state of affairs.

Personally don't have an issue with Russian players participating as they're not playing under the Russian flag.

I didn't agree with Wimbledon's approach and a Russian born player ended up winning the Ladies title anyway!

There is an argument that says banning unvaccinated people from entering your country should be no longer required but Djokovic knew what the consequences may be with his stance and he's more than comfortable with sticking by his beliefs so fair enough.

[Sir David Gray]

Andy Murray up first on Louis Armstrong Stadium tomorrow - 4pm BST.

[DaveF]

Is it only being shown on prime?

[DaveF]

Medvedev's opponent is a bit of an odd one. Rolling serves in at around 80mph and mostly patting the ball back with the occasional bit of pace. Not sure if this is his game or if he's just trying to bore Medvedev.

[Sir David Gray]

Is it only being shown on prime?

Yes they have exclusive rights but it's going back to Sky Sports from next year.

Cerundolo is serving to avoid going down two sets to nil.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray two sets up.

One more to go.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray skooshing his way into round two - 4-1 up in the third set.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray wins 7-5 6-3 6-3 and will play either John Millman or Emilio Nava in round two.

He'll be chuffed with that against a seed.

[He's here!]

Murray wins 7-5 6-3 6-3 and will play either John Millman or Emilio Nava in round two.

He'll be chuffed with that against a seed.

Great stuff. Well done Andy!

[DaveF]

Simona Halep out after losing to qualifier Daria Snigur (who has a fairly unusual style, but it obviously works!)

[Sir David Gray]

Harriet Dart beats 10th seed Daria Kasatkina.

Brilliant victory.

[Sir David Gray]

Jack Draper is also into the second round by beating Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4 6-3 6-3.

However Kyle Edmund lost 6-3 7-5 6-2 against Norwegian fifth seed Casper Ruud.

Serena Williams postpones her retirement by at least a couple of days after beating Danka Kovinic 6-3 6-3.

She has a tricky match in round two against second seed Anett Kontaveit, which could prove to be her last ever competitive match after almost 27 years as a professional tennis player.

[He's here!]

Jack Draper is also into the second round by beating Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4 6-3 6-3.

However Kyle Edmund lost 6-3 7-5 6-2 against Norwegian fifth seed Casper Ruud.

Serena Williams postpones her retirement by at least a couple of days after beating Danka Kovinic 6-3 6-3.

She has a tricky match in round two against second seed Anett Kontaveit, which could prove to be her last ever competitive match after almost 27 years as a professional tennis player.

Good wins for Norrie and (very shortly) Evans. Been a decent start to the tournament for the Brits. That Dart win was very impressive. Edmund was always unlikely to make much of an impression after so long out through injury.

[IberianHibernian]

Murray through to 3rd round . Security guard stopped fan putting Hibs scarf on Andy at end .

[He's here!]

Stunning display from Murray. Absolutely flew through after losing the first set.

Interesting to hear him talking about how much belief Lendl gives him. They were a great combo in his heyday.

[He's here!]

Sensational win by Britain's Jack Draper last night. He looks the real deal.

[He's here!]

Norrie looks to be heading into the next round following Dan Evans' impressive win earlier. 4 British men in the last 32. When did that last happen in a Slam event?

[Sir David Gray]

Norrie looks to be heading into the next round following Dan Evans' impressive win earlier. 4 British men in the last 32. When did that last happen in a Slam event?

It's only ever happened once before, at Wimbledon in 1997.

Tim Henman
Greg Rusedski
Mark Petchey
Andrew Richardson

They all got through to the third round that year - only Henman and Rusedski made it any further though as Petchey lost to Boris Becker and Richardson actually lost to Rusedski.

They've all got tough matches in the next round. I personally don't see Murray beating Berrettini or Evans beating Cilic.

Jack Draper has a tricky test v Karen Khachanov and Cam Norrie is probably the only one who is likely to come through v Holger Rune although it may not be straightforward.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray loses to Berrettini in 4 sets.

Not really a surprise to be honest.

[hibeg]

Murray beaten in 4 sets
Draper going well in his match

[hibeg]

Draper was going well, think he is carrying an injury. Hope he can keep going as he is a break up in the third

[hibeg]

Such a shame. Draper ain’t going to be able to continue surely

[Sir David Gray]

Draper retires in the third set.

That's a pity.

[Sir David Gray]

So that's it, after nearly 27 years as a professional, more than 6 years spent as the best player in the world and an Open Era record 23 Grand Slam titles Serena Williams has now "evolved" away from the sport.

Hats off to her opponent Ajla Tomljanovic as almost everyone inside the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium was willing her to lose but the Australian came through in the end 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 to reach the last 16 after more than 3 hours of play.

She has had some controversial moments during her career and hasn't been everyone's cup of tea during that time but there is no doubt in my mind that she is the so called "GOAT" of women's tennis and is one of the few athletes to transcend her sport.

Her records are incredible and some of them are highly unlikely to ever be beaten for a very long time;

Winning three Grand Slam titles from match point down.
Winning three of the four majors six (or more) times each.
Defeating the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked player at the same tournament eight times.
Winning 10 Grand Slam titles after turning 30.
Going 14-0 in Grand Slam doubles finals with Venus.
Completing a Career Golden Slam in singles and doubles.


I know this song has certain links to a football club in this country that will make it unpopular to many on here but as she walked off for what is likely to be the final time "The Best" was played over the Arthur Ashe tannoy system and not even her most fervent critics could deny that it sums up Serena Williams perfectly.

Women's tennis has lost a huge figure and it's really hard to see anyone stepping into her very large shoes. She has done a lot for herself over the last 27 years and leaves the sport as the wealthiest female athlete of all time, however women's tennis is in a much better state because of her, she was the top name that everyone looked out for in any draw and it will be hard to find another Serena Williams

Good luck to her with whatever she chooses to do in the next chapter of her career, I'm quite sure that she won't be spoilt for choice and I don't think we've heard the last of Serena Jameka Williams.

[He's here!]

Murray loses to Berrettini in 4 sets.

Not really a surprise to be honest.

Just couldn't get any consistency with his first serve. Otherwise I think he could have run Berrettini close.

He won't see it that way but it's been a respectable tournament for him.

[He's here!]

So that's it, after nearly 27 years as a professional, more than 6 years spent as the best player in the world and an Open Era record 23 Grand Slam titles Serena Williams has now "evolved" away from the sport.

Hats off to her opponent Ajla Tomljanovic as almost everyone inside the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium was willing her to lose but the Australian came through in the end 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 to reach the last 16 after more than 3 hours of play.

She has had some controversial moments during her career and hasn't been everyone's cup of tea during that time but there is no doubt in my mind that she is the so called "GOAT" of women's tennis and is one of the few athletes to transcend her sport.

Her records are incredible and some of them are highly unlikely to ever be beaten for a very long time;

Winning three Grand Slam titles from match point down.
Winning three of the four majors six (or more) times each.
Defeating the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked player at the same tournament eight times.
Winning 10 Grand Slam titles after turning 30.
Going 14-0 in Grand Slam doubles finals with Venus.
Completing a Career Golden Slam in singles and doubles.


I know this song has certain links to a football club in this country that will make it unpopular to many on here but as she walked off for what is likely to be the final time "The Best" was played over the Arthur Ashe tannoy system and not even her most fervent critics could deny that it sums up Serena Williams perfectly.

Women's tennis has lost a huge figure and it's really hard to see anyone stepping into her very large shoes. She has done a lot for herself over the last 27 years and leaves the sport as the wealthiest female athlete of all time, however women's tennis is in a much better state because of her, she was the top name that everyone looked out for in any draw and it will be hard to find another Serena Williams

Good luck to her with whatever she chooses to do in the next chapter of her career, I'm quite sure that she won't be spoilt for choice and I don't think we've heard the last of Serena Jameka Williams.

Never a fan. I found women's tennis too boring to watch when she was demolishing all comers with phenomenal power, often in under an hour, and the supposed other top players were rarely consistent enough to justify their rankings. Nevertheless she clearly rejuvenated a weak and uninspiring women's game, with younger players bringing more aggression and coupling that with a lot of skill - to the extent the women's game is now a much better watch (and one I feel could cope comfortably with an introduction of 5 set matches).

[Sir David Gray]

Never a fan. I found women's tennis too boring to watch when she was demolishing all comers with phenomenal power, often in under an hour, and the supposed other top players were rarely consistent enough to justify their rankings. Nevertheless she clearly rejuvenated a weak and uninspiring women's game, with younger players bringing more aggression and coupling that with a lot of skill - to the extent the women's game is now a much better watch (and one I feel could cope comfortably with an introduction of 5 set matches).

I wasn't her biggest fan either, I think she had a bit of a nasty side to her that she often got away with because she's Serena Williams.

I agree with you about the 5 sets as well.

Still she'll be a huge miss for the sport.

[He's here!]

Norrie into the last 16. Evans on later.

[Sir David Gray]

And then there was one - after 4 British men reached the third round of a Grand Slam for only the second time ever just one of them has reached the fourth round.

Cam Norrie beat Holger Rune in straight sets but Dan Evans is out after losing in 4 sets to Marin Cilic.

Norrie has a tough tie in the last 16 v Andrey Rublev.

[hibeg]

Watched a bit of the USOpen
I reckon Alcaraz will come through from the bottom half of the draw. He is a brilliant player
Top half is wide open. No doubt Medvedev will have a game on his hands v the crazy Aussie 😂

[hibeg]

Kyrgios beats Medvedev in 4 sets.

[Sir David Gray]

Norrie loses to Rublev in straight sets.

Disappointing result for him.

[He's here!]

Norrie loses to Rublev in straight sets.

Disappointing result for him.

Yep, didn't get his game going until it was too late. By no means a bad tournament for him but he'd have hoped to go at least a round further.

[Sir David Gray]

Nadal struggling vs Frances Tiafoe.

He's two sets to one down.

[DaveF]

I find it odd that they play through the roof closing. It must be a distraction with the noise and the ball toss.

[Sir David Gray]

Looks like Nadal's heading out - 3-1 up in the 4th set to 4-3 down.

[Sir David Gray]

5-3 Tiafoe.

[Sir David Gray]

Tiafoe wins in 4 sets, didn't see that coming at all.

Great win for him.

[He's here!]

Nadal's not looked fully fit at this event. Should possibly have given it a miss to recover properly.

Still been a phenomenal year for him.

[heretoday]

Kyrgios for the title!

[hibeg]

Kyrgios for the title!

Maybe so. Top half of draw is anyone’s.
Hopefully Alcaraz comes through v Cilic. I would like to see him win the US Open
If Carlos wins then the quarter finals will be contested by eight players who have never won a grand slam title !
That must be some kind of record, certainly this century, no Rafa, Roger or Novak
Changing of the guard

[hibeg]

Kyrgios beaten in 5 sets by Khachanov. Bit surprised by that result

[He's here!]

Kyrgios beaten in 5 sets by Khachanov. Bit surprised by that result

Unpleasant to see him destroy two rackets after losing. I get the frustration but I think players should incur hefty fines for doing that. Its all too common and sets a terrible example. These guys probably have equipment on tap from their sponsors but a tennis racket isn't something parents can afford to see their kids smash.

[Sir David Gray]

Unpleasant to see him destroy two rackets after losing. I get the frustration but I think players should incur hefty fines for doing that. Its all too common and sets a terrible example. These guys probably have equipment on tap from their sponsors but a tennis racket isn't something parents can afford to see their kids smash.

Yep I think if it's in isolation then it can be excused as an understandable reaction to a disappointing result.

However with Kyrgios it's pretty much every match that we see this type of behaviour from him and I don't think it should be tolerated.

Having said that the guy's box office for that very reason so I doubt there will be much of a call for that to happen.

[Sir David Gray]

Just woke up expecting the tennis to be done, however just switched on Alcaraz v Sinner which has gone into a 5th set after nearly 5 hours of play.

Sinner has just broken to go 3-2 up in the final set.

[Sir David Gray]

Alcaraz breaks straight back - 3-3.

Now officially the latest match ever at the US Open - it's after 2:30am there just now!

[He's here!]

Just woke up expecting the tennis to be done, however just switched on Alcaraz v Sinner which has gone into a 5th set after nearly 5 hours of play.

Sinner has just broken to go 3-2 up in the final set.

Two terrific young players who look the real deal and can finally break through the 'old guard'. Sinner should have beaten Novax at Wimbledon but just lost his nerve when two sets up IIRC.

[Sir David Gray]

Alcaraz breaks to go 5-3 up and will serve for the match.

[Sir David Gray]

Alcaraz wins 6-3 6-7 6-7 7-5 6-3 in 5 hours and 18 minutes - the second longest US Open match in history which finishes at nearly 3am local time.

What a match!

[hibeg]

Alcaraz wins 6-3 6-7 6-7 7-5 6-3 in 5 hours and 18 minutes - the second longest US Open match in history which finishes at nearly 3am local time.

What a match!

I didn’t see any of it unfortunately but it must have been a classic
Hope Alcaraz can recover in time for his semi final

[hibeg]

Alcaraz beats Tiafoe in another 5 setter. He has spent over 9 hours on court in his last 2 matches !
He will play Ruud in the final and the winner will become the new world number 1

[hibeg]

Alcaraz wins in 4 sets. The first major title for the new World number 1
Iga Swiatek won the Ladies final and picked up her third major at the age of 21.

[He's here!]

Alcaraz wins in 4 sets. The first major title for the new World number 1
Iga Swiatek won the Ladies final and picked up her third major at the age of 21.

First of many for Alcaraz you'd imagine.