Time to sign off, but we’ll have more reports and reaction on the site later on. I’ll leave you with our coverage from earlier today. Thanks for reading along. Bye!
Pliskova beats Bencic 5-7, 6-4, 6-3! The final match of the afternoon ends at 8.40pm local time, with Karolina Pliskova fighting back from a set and a break down to progress.
Elsewhere, Gasquet is at least on the board against Rafa Nadal, but trails 6-0, 6-1. Iga Swiatek is serving for the first set against Lauren Davis, and looking good to progress.
Marin Cilic beats Dan Evans 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 7-5!
Evans sends a volley wide, and after such an epic battle, that’s a disappointing way for it to end, with Evans hitting the wall and broken to love. It’s Marin Cilic who moves on, and it’s hard to argue when he hit 74 winners. He faces Carlos Alcaraz next.
Fourth set: *Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-5 Evans (*denotes next server) Both players were fidgeting in their chairs at the interval as the fatigue sets in. Cilic takes the first point, and Evans serves up a tired-looking double fault. On second serve, he nets a return and suddenly, Cilic has three match points …
Fourth set: Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-5 Evans* (*denotes next server) How are Cilic’s nerves after that near-miss? He starts with an ace, then Evans misses a gettable backhand down the line – but he is back on his hustle again to take the next two points, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. They want a decider … but Cilic digs in at deuce, the body serve getting him over the line as we approach the four-hour mark.
Fourth set: *Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 5-5 Evans (*denotes next server) Evans begins with a double fault, and then a narrow miss puts him in trouble at 15-30. The 20th seed pulls out an ace, and after Cilic drills back a second serve, a mishit forehand goes wide. Match point Cilic – but Evans somehow saves it with a backhand slice down the line that his opponent can’t return! That was outrageous, and he confirms the hold with another unreturnable serve.
Fourth set: Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 5-4 Evans* (*denotes next server) At 0-15, Evans moves in on the Cilic second serve – but gets outfoxed by a perfect drop shot. And then Cilic double faults! Is he wobbling here? A couple of aces turn things around, but he nets a volley and it’s deuce. Evans forces him to go for a winner down the line, and it’s long. Break point… saved by Cilic with a volley into the corner. Evans mishits, then goes long, and Cilic stays ahead. Evans will serve to stay in the match.
Fourth set: *Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 4-4 Evans (*denotes next server) Evans races into the net to draw an error on the first point, but Cilic bashes his way to the next point. Evans takes control from there, though, dialling up the intensity and putting the pressure on Cilic.
Fourth set: Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 4-3 Evans* (*denotes next server) Not a sniff of a chance for Evans here, and Cilic is two games from winning the match. Evans has to be careful on serve …
Pliskova has levelled against Bencic, taking the second set 6-4. We are on serve in the deciding set, and I wouldn’t like to call a winner.
Things are much more straightforward on Ashe, where Nadal has won the first set 6-0 against Gasquet. Elsewhere, Iga Swiatek has made a similarly formidable start, leading Lauren Davis 4-0 on Louis Armstrong.
Fourth set: *Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 3-3 Evans (*denotes next server) After an exchange of relatively routine holds, Evans stays on terms in the set with some big first serves, sealing a love hold as Cilic goes wide. He has to find some way to bother Cilic on serve again, though. Or just win another marathon tie-break.
Fourth set: Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 2-1 Evans* (*denotes next server) At 40-15 down, Evans produces perhaps his best shot of the match – chasing back to return a lob, he drills a passing shot back down the line, giving Cilic no chance. On the next point, the Briton flashes a cross-court winner wide, perhaps thrown off by a net cord.
Cilic is definitely looking more comfortable on serve, and Tim Henman reckons that is down to the sun going down and the lights coming on, making the on-court conditions easier to manage.
Fourth set: *Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 1-1 Evans (*denotes next server) Dan Evans has been in a proper funk since losing that key point at 30-all, and gets no joy on the Cilic serve. He starts to channel that frustration in the right way here, closing out the hold with a kicking ace out wide.
Cilic has hit more than 50 winners, and more than double Evans’ total. That makes it sound like a one-sided contest, but it’s been far from it, although the former champion undoubtedly has the upper hand now. Elsewhere, Bencic and Pliskova are back on serve in the second set, and Nadal has an early break against Richard Gasquet.
Cilic wins the third set 6-2! Evans is furious at missing that opportunity, arguing with his coach and calling himself (I think) a “pussy”. He gets a warning for bad language, which just irritates him even more.
Down 15-30, Evans fires in a clinical first serve – but on the next point, Cilic loops a pinpoint passing shot beyond him at the net. Set point, and he converts it with an absolute sizzler down the line, catching the very edge of the baseline.
Third set: Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 5-2 Evans* (*denotes next server) Evans stays in the set with a hard-fought hold, putting the pressure back on his opponent. A big moment at 30-all, Evans finding the line to keep Cilic on the back foot – but the Croatian finds another cross-court winner, and backs it up with an ace!
On the Grandstand court, another afternoon match is still going on as dusk descends. Belinda Bencic leads Karolina Pliskova 7-5, 2-1 with a break – but given both players’ inherent unpredictability, that may not be over yet.
Third set: Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 4-1 Evans* (*denotes next server) No slip-ups from Cilic here, the first serve clicking again as he consolidates the break. From 0-40 down, this has been his best patch of form since the first set.
Third set: *Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 3-1 Evans (*denotes next server) The scoreline might suggest a serving slugfest, but there have been so many switches in momentum, and we have another here. Cilic finds the line with a clean winner on his way to two break points, and looks to have the break when a lob lands in. But Evans finds a lob of his own to somehow rescue it … and on the next point, he sends a forehand wide. Cilic breaks!
Ivashka beats Musetti 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3! The world No 73 continues his unexpected run, moving into the last 16 with a four-set victory. He will face either Jannik Sinner or Brandon Nakashima in the fourth round.
Third set: Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 2-1 Evans* (*denotes next server) You would have thought losing such a close, high-quality first set might have done for Dan Evans, but instead it’s Cilic who has been unable to maintain that level. Possibly still kicking himself from failing to serve out the second set, he fumbles his way to 0-40. Ah, and then fires down four unreturnable first serves. And an ace to hold. You can’t accuse him of being predictable.
Third set: *Cilic 7-6, 6-7, 1-1 Evans (*denotes next server) The evening session will be getting under way soon enough on the show courts. We won’t be covering that live tonight, but will have reports on-site later. Back to the action on Court 17, and they start the third set with an exchange of holds, Evans getting a helpful net cord to seal the deal.
Evans wins the second set 7-6 (7-3!) Evans earns three set points when Cilic is unable to steer his serve back into play. On Cilic’s second serve, he takes charge of the rally, and closes it out when his opponent nets! We’re all square again …
Tiafoe beats Schwartzman 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-4! Frances Tiafoe gets the job done in straight sets, and he will face either Rafael Nadal or Richard Gasquet in the next round.
Second set tie-break: Cilic 2-4 Evans Cilic goes long, another loose shot at a key moment. He has space to hit a backhand down the line – and nets it. Evans 3-0 up, on serve – and he profits from another overhit forehand from Cilic! A slip allows Cilic to get on the board, and an ace keeps him in it at the change of ends.
Second set: Cilic 7-6, 6-6 Evans Evans doesn’t let his head drop, pouncing on a drop shot and second serve to win the first two points – and an unconvincing shot down the line floats wide. Three break-back points, the first two saved with a crunching first serve, the third converted as Cilic nets. It’s another tie-break!
Second set: *Cilic 7-6, 6-5 Evans (*denotes next server) It’s Evans feeling the pressure, a double fault at 15-30 presenting Cilic with two break points. Some solid, scurrying defence saves the first, but Cilic takes charge of the next point, a laser-guided forehand into the corner proving unreturnable. He’ll serve for a two-set lead …
Second set: Cilic 7-6, 5-5 Evans* (*denotes next server) Just when you might expect cracks to appear in Cilic’s resolve, he blasts through a hold to love, including a physics-defying volley at the net while facing the other way. Over to you, Dan …
Second set: *Cilic 7-6, 4-5 Evans (*denotes next server) Where Evans seemed to be clinging on in the first set, he looks the better player in the second, changing things up nicely on his way to a hold to love. There’s even time for a bit of banter with his coach.
Second set: *Cilic 7-6, 3-4 Evans (*denotes next server) A dominant hold of serve for each player as normal service is restored. Are we heading for another tie-break?
Second set: *Cilic 7-6, 2-3 Evans (*denotes next server) Dan Evans chases down two drop shots to hold to 30 – a welcome steadying of the ship. These two could be out here for some time …
Second set: Cilic 7-6, 2-2 Evans* (*denotes next server) Cilic holds, and has now escaped that drop-off in form unscathed.
Tiafoe is looking good for a place in the fourth round – he leads Schwartzman by two sets. On Court Five, Ilya Ivashka is threatened to upset another seed after beating Hubert Hurkacz in the last round. He leads Lorenzo Musetti 3-1 in the third after the first two sets were shared.
Second set: *Cilic 7-6, 1-2 Evans (*denotes next server) After the high drama of the first set, both players have lost intensity. Unforced errors from Evans hand Cilic two break points – the first is wasted, but another fine, cushioned cross-court volley earns an immediate break back!
Second set: Cilic 7-6, 0-2 Evans* (*denotes next server) Evans starts with a routine hold, and still looks fresh despite that gruelling first set. Cilic, on the other hand, has lost his rhythm on serve, a double fault presenting three break points to Evans. He saves the first with a fine volley but goes long on the next. Evans gets the break!
Rublev beats Shapovalov in five sets! We’ve been on court for the best part of 90 minutes, and the first set has only just finished. Dan Evans takes a moment off court, so there’s time to report on another epic battle – Denis Shapovalov saved three match points to break back against Andrey Rublev, only for the Russian to prevail in the deciding 10-point tie-break. The No 9 seed will face Cameron Norrie in the last 16, but the four hours he took to beat Shapovalov will be a boost to his British opponent.
Updated
Cilic wins the first set 13-11! Cilic lets another set point slip with a double fault, and Evans saves another with some aggressive play at the net. 11-all on Evans’ serve, but a huge forehand and clinical drop shot turns the point Cilic’s way. Set point No 7 – ace! No, it clipped the net. Cilic looks peeved. He regroups, and Evans can’t return this time.
First set tie-break: Cilic 9-9 Evans Evans sets up a third set point with a looping forehand that drops onto the line – and then double-faults! Cilic gets his third set point, on serve, and sends a regulation forehand a foot beyond the baseline. Anyone want to win this?
First set tie-break: Cilic 6-6 Evans Cilic does what he can on serve, before Evans gets around a cross-court forehand to bring up two set points. He goes long on the first, and a deep return from Cilic draws the error on the next! Both players have now let two set points slip away …
First set tie-break: Cilic 2-4 Evans On serve for the first four points, before Evans charges into the net again. The lob looks the best option but Cilic goes for the corner, and misses. In the next rally, he misses another forehand in the same area – and it’s advantage Evans …
First set: Cilic 6-6 Evans Cilic picks up two set points on the Evans serve – but the Briton saves them both with some exceptional defensive work. There’s a cry of “get in!” as Cilic nets at deuce, but Cilic responds with more heavy hitting. A couple of mishits from Cilic allow Evans to escape, and we go to a tie-break.
On the Grandstand court, Andrey Rublev was two sets down to Denis Shapovalov, but won the fourth – and now he’s broken in the ninth game of the decider. The No 9 seed will serve for the match, after three hours and 40 minutes on court.
On Armstrong, Frances Tiafoe is one set up on Diego Schwartzman after winning the breaker 9-7. He’s one of just two Americans left in the men’s draw – the other, Brandon Nakashima, plays Jannik Sinner later on.
Updated
First set: Cilic 6-5 Evans* (*denotes next server) Marin Cilic operating at a very high level here, dismissively putting away a passing shot after Evans tries a chip and charge. Can the Briton take this to a tie-break?
First set: *Cilic 5-5 Evans (*denotes next server) A little more noise from the crowd as the refreshed spectator is guided towards the exit. Evans takes a moment to compose himself, and holds to 30 despite some fearsome returns from his opponent.
First set: Cilic 5-4 Evans* (*denotes next server) This is an intriguing set – Cilic has looked at the top of his game, but Evans is hanging in there and might sense a chance to snatch the set. He gets the first point here, but can’t make further in-roads.
First set: *Cilic 4-4 Evans (*denotes next server) Some more info from Tim Henman, who’s courtside for Amazon: he says a fan has been shouting at both players, was jeered by the crowd and responded with a series of creative hand gestures. You imagine he’ll regret all of that in the morning. On with the match, and Evans keeps the first serve firing to hold again.
First set: Cilic 4-3 Evans* (*denotes next server) Thanks, Tom. A bit of a delay during Cilic’s next service game as Evans talks to the umpire. He says someone in the crowd has been abusive to both players, and he wants them removed. Cilic serves out to 15, the first point won by Evans against the serve so far.
Right, that’s me done. I’ll hand over to Niall again who will guide you through the rest of this one.
First set: Cilic 3-3 Evans (* denotes server)
Cilci is moaning to the umpire about time between points but the clock is irrelevant if you cannot clear the net. Evans will be happy with that, tidy hold.
First set: *Cilic 3-2 Evans (* denotes server)
Another love service game for Cilic.
First set: Cilic 2-2 Evans* (* denotes server)
Evans finds himself down 0-30 but battles back gamely in the face of some clean hitting from Cilic. The Brit just needs to get through this early onslaught, you feel.
Updated
Alcaraz beats Brooksby 6-3, 6-3, 6-3!
Alcaraz reels off six games in a row and what looked a tricky position turns into a three-set win. Some player.
Schwartzman again fails to serve out the set, it’s 6-6 and they’re headed for a tie-break.
Alcaraz has broken Brooksby again, he’s won five games in a row. The Spaniard will now serve for the third set and the match.
It’s break central on Louis Armstrong, this time Tiafoe cannot hold and Schwartzman will have another chance to serve for the the first set.
After another epic game on Rublev’s serve and he has finally sealed the fourth set 6-4. I said it would go to five…
Updated
First set: *Cilic 2-1 Evans (* denotes server)
Cilic has come out very strong to start here. He closes out with an ace with Evans able to do little but watch.
First set: Cilic 1-1 Evans* (* denotes server)
With Evans up 40-30 Cilic slaps a forehand into the net and that should do the Brit some good - he’s on the board.
Updated
Alcaraz has got back to 3-3 on Ashe, while Tiafoe has levelled the first set against Schwartzman at 5-5.
First set: *Cilic 1-0 Evans (* denotes server)
Cilic looks very smooth to start. Not a lot for Evans to get stuck into there.
Rublev and Shapavalov continue to take chunks out of eachother, the Russian has broken again and will now serve to take us to a fifth set.
Alcaraz has got one those breaks back and with a hold to love the third set is poised at 3-2 to Brooksby.
Right then, Dan Evans what have you got? The Brit and Marin Cilic, who won this tournament in 2014, have emerged on court 17/
Brooksby breaks again! He’s fully in the driving set in this set and has a 3-0 lead.
Shapavalov has broken back against Rublev, they’re back on serve at 3-3 in the fourth. Tiafoe has got a break back too, the Frenchman still trails 3-5.
Unbelievable stuff from Brooksby, that might be the point of the tournament. The American send Alcaraz scuttling around the court but a tricky overhead puts Brooksby down on the court, he manages to get up and compose himself to beat the Spaniard with a backhand. That put Brooksby 40-15 up and this time he manages to consolidate the break, he leads 2-0 in the third.
Schwartzman goes up two breaks against Tiafoe, he leads 5-2 and will serve for the first set.
This was not in the script. Brooksby was 40-15 down in the first game of the third set but fights back to break the Alcaraz serve. Can he make it stick this time?
Schwartzman has gone a break up against Tiafoe. The Argentinian leads 4-2.
On Grandstand, Rublev has an early break in the fourth set. The Russian is currently serving for a 3-1 lead. This is going to five sets isn’t it?
That’s the second set for Alcaraz, he breaks Brooksby again to take a 6-3, 6-3 lead. The Spaniard really found his range towards the end of that set, reeling off highlight reel shots for fun. The whipped, crosscourt forehand to earn break point in particular was absurd, effortless power that left Brooksby on his heels.
Alcaraz is a lot of fun to watch. He goes 5-3 up with a hold to love which he finished off with a lovely chip and charge combo. A slice backhand down the line was followed up with a straining volley into the empty court with Brooksby stranded.
Diego Schwartzman and Frances Tiafoe’s match is undwerway now on Louis Armstrong. The first set is on serve at 1-1.
That didn’t last long, Brooksby is quickly broken. The game turned at 30-15 when a dipping backhand caught the line to wrongfoot the American, Brooksby then dumps a forehand into the net before Alcaraz pounces on a second serve with a powerful backhand up the line. Alcaraz hold much more easily this time and now leads 4-2.
Shapavalov has won that marathon third set, the Canadian now leads the match 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(7).
Hello Jenson Brooksby! The home favourite has broken the Alcaraz serve, it’s now 2-2 in the second.
Updated
Unsurprisingly, Rublev and Shapavalov is heading to a tie-break.
Alcaraz is clearly a class apart but credit to Brooksby for willing to battle on here. The American gets himself on the board, grinding out a win on serve to trail 1-2 with Alcaraz looking to pounce on any opportunity.
Rublev has little wobble and coughs up two break points to Shapvalov but the Canadian is left frustrated as as he fails to capitalise. It’s 6-5 to the Russian, on serve as the match ticks beyond two hours with little to choose between them.
Updated
Fancy a doubles update? Britain’s Neal Skupski and his partner Wesley Koolhof have taken the first set 6-3 against the American pair of Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow.
Brooksby puts a cross-court forehand wide and Alcaraz has the early break. Still on serve on the Grandstand, Rublev leads 5-4.
The first game of the second set on Ashe is heading past ten minutes. Both Alcaraz and Brooksby have had their chances…
Azarenka beats Martic 6-3, 6-0!
Little time wasted by Azarenka to close the martch out, she holds to love and moves into the fourth round.
Shapavalov and Rublev seems to be one of those matches permanently at deuce. It is on serve with the Russian leading 4-3 in the third, but every game is its own saga and Shapavalov’s boom or bust approach has the crowd fired up.
Azarenka has broken Martic again, the Belarussian will now serve for the match with a 5-0 lead in the second set.
Updated
Brooksby managed to hold but Alcaraz made short work of his own sevice game to take the first set 6-3. Mark Petchey on Amazon says that is the best set of tennis he’s seen so far during the tournament.
Shapavalov and Rublev are still on serve in the third at 2-2. On Armstrong, Azarenka is pulling away in the second. The three-time finalist leads 4-0 with Martic serving.
Thanks Niall, Alcaraz is starting to purr out here. The Spaniard has broken Brooksby, fininshing with a stunning backhand that he snapped into with such easy athleticism. The 19-year-old then backs that up with a strong hold to go up 5-2 and looks well set to take the first set.
Updated
Time to hand back to Tom – I’ll leave you with Bryan Graham on Serena:
It’s been a bruising encounter between Alcaraz and Brooksby early on – still on serve, with the No 3 seed leading 3-2. On Armstrong, Azarenka has taken the first set, while Shapovalov has levelled up against Rublev. The winner of that one plays Cam Norrie, who came through a heated encounter earlier on:
Thanks, Tom. So, what’s happening right now? Carlos Alcaraz is under way against Jenson Brooksby on Ashe – it’s 1-1 in the first set. Victoria Azarenka is serving for the first set against Petra Martic, while Denis Shapovalov is in control of the second set after losing the first to Andrey Rublev; the Canadian is 5-1 up.
Right, I’m off for a quick break before Evans comes on court. Niall McVeigh will keep an eye on things in the meantime.
Rublev wins the first set
The wide-eyed Russian pumps his fist as he breaks Shapovalov’s serve at 5-4 to take opening set.
Pegula beats Yuan 6-2, 6-7(8), 6-0
Yuan completely ran out of steam in third set, Pegula moves into the fourth round where she will face an in-form Kvitova.
Dan Evans is expected on court at around 7.40pm UK time, but the men’s doubles match beforehand may well overrun. Diego Hidalgo and Fabien Reboul are tied at one set all against the Colombian pair of Juan Cabal and Robert Maksoud, with both decided by tie-breaks.
Pegula has responded well to losing the second set, the American has raced out to a 3-0 lead in the decider.
Over at the Grandstand, Denis Shapovalov and Andrey Rublev is on serve at 2-3.
Kvitova beats Muguruza 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(12)!
This is fantastic stuff on Louis Armstrong, nothing given as Kvitova and Muguruza power shots at each other. In the end the Spaniard couldn’t quite dig deep enough, although that is relative considering the tie-break finishes 12-10. Muguruza failed to serve for the match, had two more chances to win it on Kvitova’s serve but couldn’t close out. The Czech says Serena Williams’ battling defeat on Friday night inspired her to keep going, she’ll play either Pegula or Yuan in the next round.
Yuan has forced a third set by winning the tie-break.
Pegula forced the tie-break against Yuan and they are locked at 5-5 on Ashe. No one wants to win this game between Kvitova and Muguruza, they at 9-9.
Updated
Norrie speaks!
“Playing Holger isn’t easy, he can go through patches where he’s playing pretty passively and then he goes through and hits very aggresively. You have to be ready for anything. He has great hands and defends really well at time, so for me I stayed calmer than he did at big moments in the match.
“I stayed though in the first set and then again in the second. My goal today was to get to two hours and then we start the match from there.
“Then when we hit two hours I broke to go up 2-1 in the third. The he started to die there and I don’t know what’s going on with him.”
We’ve got a tie-break in third between Kvitova and Muguruza. Pegula has got that break back in the second, the American is serving to take that set to a tie-break as well.
Norrie beat Rune 7-5, 6-2, 6-1!
The serve pace is way down for Rune and Norrie wastes little time in punishing them. The Dane won less than 10 points in the entire third set as Norrie pulled away. Fittingly it’s a backhand winner that wins it for Norrie, but in truth this was over when the Brit sealed the second set.
Updated
*Norrie 7-5, 6-2, 5-1 Rune (* denotes server)
Norrie is turning the screw and this will be over very soon. No real fight from Rune at all now.
Norrie 7-5, 6-2, 4-1 Rune* (* denotes server)
Rune has lost interest in this. At 0-30, the Dane stretches Norrie on the backhand but the Brit finds a delightfully angled winner cross court. The latest tame drop shot attempt on the next point seals another break.
*Norrie 7-5, 6-2, 3-1 Rune (* denotes server)
Easy hold for Norrie.
This Kvitova-Muguruza match has been a great watch. The Czech veteran is fighting for every point and earns a way back into the match with a break when she needed it most, roaring back from 30-15 to win the next three points then holding on serve.
Norrie 7-5, 6-2, 2-1 Rune* (* denotes server)
Rune knows he is beaten here, I think. Norrie gets to 0-40 quickly and while he only earns the break at the third attempt it is a pretty tame end to the game for Rune as he dumps a routine backhand into the net.
*Norrie 7-5, 6-2, 1-1 Rune (* denotes server)
Routine hold for Norrie, flicking a backhand winner confidently passed Rune to win to love.
After being slightly overawed in the opening set, Yuan is showing some mettle in the second. She’s earned a break and has a 4-1 lead. Muguruza, meanwhile, is serving for the match against Kvitova.
Norrie 7-5, 6-2, 0-1 Rune* (* denotes server)
Rune’s questionable temperament has been evident through this match and he again lets Norrie into the game when he really should be closing out on serve. There’s a flicky, lofted, nothing of a forehand at 40-30 which gets Norrie back to all square in the first game of the third set, ultimately Rune holds but he’s making tough work of it.
Rune has gone off for a comfort break so I can update you on a few scores elsewhere. After winning the first, Pegula is pushing Yuan in the second but so far they’re on serve at 1-1. On Louis Armstrong, Muguruza has a break and leads Kvitova 4-2.
Norrie wins the second set!
*Norrie 7-5, 6-4 Rune (* denotes server)
Rune gets some reward for his shotmaking when he finally gets a dropshot to land to earn a break point. Norrie stay calm and gets a good first serve in which Rune can only return into the net. Rune then rants at the umpire about the time Norrie is taking between points, it seems very petty and earns boos from the crowd.
While Norrie does not seem to fussed about his opponent’s antics, Rune finds some big shots to earn another break point. Again Norrie keeps his head and lets some poor shot selection from Rune do the work for him to get the hold, along with the second set.
Updated
Norrie 7-5, 5-4 Rune* (* denotes server)
Despite an eighth double fault and flashy ‘hotdog’ shot through the legs into the net Rune hangs on to hold and make Norrie serve out the second.
Unsurprisingly Pegula has won the first set, holding her serve to take it 6-2.
*Norrie 7-5, 5-3 Rune (* denotes server)
Norrie is more than happy to hang back and let the game to him. On a couple of occasions he just lets Rune dictate the point before pouncing when the Dane gets bored and goes in search of a winner. At 30-15 Rune appears on top but comes into the net too soon, popping up a tame return for Norrie to hit the winner past him. A long return means Norrie will serve for the second set if Rune is able to hold.
On Ashe, Pegula has wasted little time asserting her dominance over the qualifier. She’s currently serving for the set at 5-2.
Norrie 7-5, 4-3 Rune* (* denotes server)
Another chance at a break for Norrie but Rune attacks the net on the back of a powerful first serve to his opponent’s backhand to get to 40-40 then rattles through a couple of routine points to hold.
Kvitova wins the second set! (Kvitova 5-7, 6-3 Muguruza)
An ace down the middle whistles past Muguruza and Kvitova finally gets some reward for her play.
Updated
*Norrie 7-5, 4-2 Rune (* denotes server)
The trainer comes on for Rune, it’s not clear what for but whatever the remedy is it certainly has an instant impact. The Dane earns three break points quickly and Norrie sends a backhand wide to hand that second break right back.
Norrie 7-5, 4-1 Rune* (* denotes server)
More car crash tennis from Rune. Norrie scampers around at the back of the court and lets the Dane beat himself, unforced error 27 gets the seventh seed to 30-40. Norrie outlasts his opponent again on the next point to get a double break.
*Norrie 7-5, 3-1 Rune (* denotes server)
No mistakes from Norrie who closes at the net this time with a successful overhead.
Updated
Kvitova has a break in the second and leads 5-2, while we are still on serve between Pegula and Yuan (1-2).
Norrie 7-5, 2-1 Rune* (* denotes server)
Rune’s power is on full display as he finally gets on the board in the second. Tim Henman on commentary is highly critical of the Dane’s play but when it comes off it is pretty spectacular.
Norrie 7-5, 2-1 Rune* (* denotes server)
Rune’s power is on full display as he finally gets on the board in the second. Tim Henman on commentary is highly critical of the Dane’s play but when it comes off it is pretty spectacular.
Jessica Pegula is getting her match with Yuan underway so I’ll sprinkle in key updates from Arthur Ashe with what is happening on Louis Armstong with Muguruza and Kvitova.
*Norrie 7-5, 2-0 Rune (* denotes server)
Fair play to Norrie, he’s playing solid tennis and taking the points that are given to him. He goes 2-0 up with a tidy first serve, followed up with a whipping forehand that leaves Rune stranded.
Kvitova 5-7, 2-2 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
I wish I could be a bit more descriptive of these games but the average rally length is less than three shots. Another fairly straightforward service hold.
Updated
Norrie 7-5, 1-0 Rune* (* denotes server)
Rune has hit 23 unforced errors already and we are only in the first game of the second set. Norrie gets three break points without really having to play any shots, the Dane fights back but some more poor decision making gives the Brit an early break.
*Kvitova 5-7, 2-1 Muguruza (* denotes server)
If you couldn’t see the score and were just judging who was winning on play alone you would say Kvitova is having the better of this. No real concerns on serve as she seal the game with another lovely backhand winner.
Kvitova 5-7, 1-1 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
Muguruza holds to love.
*Kvitova 5-7, 1-0 Muguruza (* denotes server)
After a comfort break Kvitova is straight back to the power game to win the first game of the second set.
Updated
Norrie wins the first set!
First set: *Norrie 7-5 Rune (* denotes server)
No mistake this time from Norrie. Hold to love to win the first set.
First set: Norrie 6-5 Rune* (* denotes server)
If that was poor from Norrie in his last service game then Rune looked intent on showing he could stink the joint out too. The Dane gets to 30-0 up but collapses to 30-40 through some bizarre shot selections before limply handing the break over with a tame, long forehand.
Muguruza wins the first set!
First set: Kvitova 5-7 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
Muguruza is made to work for it but claims the opening set when Kvitova finds the net with a backhand after one of their longer rallies.
Updated
First set: Kvitova 5-6 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
It’s very boom or bust for Kvitova and unfortunately for her it’s gone bust at the wrong time. A double fault at 30-40 hands Muguruza a chance to serve for the first set.
First set: *Norrie 5-5 Rune (* denotes server)
That is very poor from Norrie. He misses an overhead at 0-0, double faults and when facing break point again makes an error with a smash, sending it long. From set points on Rune’s serve we’re back to all square.
First set: Kvitova 5-5 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
Kvitova is not holding back, she is way ahead in winner count but Muguruza stays cool and fights back. The Spaniard is pegged back to deuce a couple of times but sees out her serve when Kvitova sends a return wide.
First set: Norrie 5-4 Rune* (* denotes server)
Norrie has a set point but a wonderfully angled forehand from Rune sends his opponent wide and sets up the overhead winner to get to deuce. Rune rattles off two quick points and Norrie will have to serve to earn the earn first set.
First set: *Norrie 5-3 Rune (* denotes server)
Norrie holds to love and forces Rune to serve to stay in the set.
First set: Norrie 4-3 Rune* (* denotes server)
From 40-0 up Rune might have started to get concerned at 40-30 but instead power a forehand inside out to end his slump.
First set: *Kvitova 5-4 Muguruza (* denotes server)
Kvitova has already service three double faults but at 40-15 up she finds an ace down the middle to halt any sense of a wobble in her game.
First set: Kvitova 4-4 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
Muguruza holds with a lovely winner down the line to level the scores again.
First set: *Norrie 4-2 Rune (* denotes server)
It looks like Norrie’s break is about to go the same way as Kvitova’s but the Brit powers up to come from 15-40 down to seal his advantage. Big game play from Norrie to up the intensity at a key moment.
First set: *Kvitova 4-3 Muguruza (* denotes server)
Well, well, well just as Kvitova looks like she’s about to pull away Muguruza stirs herself to get the break back chance at 30-40. Kvitova tamely surrenders with a double fault.
First set: Kvitova 4-2 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
From nowhere we have a break! A couple of sloppy shots from Muguruza are punished by Kvitova who again seals the game with a big winner into the open court and screams in celebration.
First set: Norrie 3-2 Rune* (* denotes server)
Norrie breaks! From 30-15 Rune appears to get in his own head. He misses a forehand wide then serves a double fault to give Norrie break point. From there it ruthless from the Brit, who powers a forehand at Rune at the net and the Dane is only able to get a racket on it to send it out.
First set: Kvitova* 3-2 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
Kvitova powers a forehand winner past her opponent to win her third service game.
First set: Norrie* 2-2 Rune (* denotes server)
No issues for Norrie this time. The Briton’s first serve proves too much for Rune who sees a few of his returns go long.
First set: Kvitova 2-2 Muguruza* (* denotes server)
Neither player is really able to land a blow on serve on at the moment.
First set: Norrie 2-1 Rune* (* denotes server)
Less issues for the young Dane with his serve.
First set: Kvitova* 2-1 Muguruza (* denotes server)
Another comfortable hold.
First set: Norrie* 1-1 Rune (* denotes server)
Rune earns the first break point of the match but Norrie battles back, digging in at the back of the court and finding the lines before closing out the hold with an ace.
First set: Kvitova 1-1 Muguruza (* denotes server)
It’s a similarly routine hold for Muguruza.
First set: Norrie 0-1 Rune* (* denotes server)
Norrie gets to 40-30 but then slaps a forehand into the net to let Rune off the hook.
First set: *Kvitova 1-0 Muguruza (* denotes server)
Kvitova rattles through her first service game without giving Muguruza much of a chance.
Right, who is ready for an afternoon of tennis? Norrie and Rune are both warming up, while play has started on Louis Armstrong where Kvitova is serving.
Preamble
Time was that when Andy Murray was knocked out of a grand slam that British interest would depart with him, but these day things are a little different. Cameron Norrie, the British number one, is the seventh seed at Flushing Meadows and takes on Holger Rune up first on the Grandstand. Dan Evans, seeded 20th, is also in action on the middle Saturday as he takes on Marin Cilic.
Should Evans win he will face either rising star Carlos Alcaraz or American youngster Jenson Brooksby in the fourth round. The third-seeded Spaniard’s match is second on the order play for Athur Ashe.
While there are no Brits left in the women’s draw there are plenty of eye-catching third-round matches. Garbiñe Muguruza and Petra Kvitová, who face off first up on Louis Armstrong, are both multiple major winners, while there will be a lot of home support on Arthur Ashe for eigth seeded Jessica Pegula as she faces Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue.
