And I’m going to strut (or more accurately stumble) away from my keyboard too, my fingers throbbing probably as much as Michelsen’s head is right now. So Tiafoe awaits the winner of Alcaraz v Shelton – which was expected to be the match of day 10, but will now be going some to beat Tiafoe’s win – but before that we’ve got another all-American battle, between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro. We’ll have a live blog on the site shortly for those two quarter-finals, but it’s goodbye from me, on a day when there have also been doubles wins so far for Britain’s Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski – Salisbury with Rajeev Ram and Skupski with another American partner, Christian Harrison – along with Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, the five-time champions, in the wheelchair event. Bye!

“He’s a helluva player,” says a triumphant Tiafoe, “he easily could have won today. Shout out to Alex Michelsen. Everyone [in the crowd] was asleep in the first couple of hours; I was too. As it went along the energy was incredible. You guys were rooting for me and I appreciate that. For sure I’ll watch [Alcaraz v Shelton in the night session], but I’m going to enjoy this win. LET’S GO!” And with that he struts away from the microphone, ready to do exactly that.

… and now 7-6, but Tiafoe has the next two points on his serve, and, having turned into an ace machine in set five, he makes it 8-6!

Having not led since the first game of the match, Tiafoe now has a little bit of daylight between him and Michelsen, but at the second change of ends his advantage has been reduced to 7-5 …

Michelsen’s feet don’t move quick enough on the next point either, and Tiafoe is on top at 6-4, make that 7-4, as he flings the balls back to Michelsen’s side of the net, ready to receive …

4-3 Tiafoe becomes 4-4 … and Tiafoe resecures the mini-break with a forehand return winner that leaves Michelsen stumbling to his right in vain!

Tiafoe increases his lead to 4-2 at the change of ends .. with a pile of sweat-soaked shirts by his chair. He’s been pushed to the limit by his younger fellow American .. and they’re back on serve when Tiafoe nets his backhand …

As it’s the final set, this tie-break will be played to 10 points rather than seven, and the first four points are shared for 2-2. And Tiafoe takes the first point against serve with a rasping forehand winner down the line for 3-2!

Fifth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-6 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe, serving to stay in this fifth set for the second time, starts with an ace. He’s rammed down more of those in this set than he managed in the other four combined. And he doesn’t ease off from there, turning 15-0 into 40-15 and then game. This quarter-final has got the match tie-break it deserves – just as Sabalenka v Noskova did. There seemed something strangely inevitable about Tiafoe taking it to a decider when Michelsen blinked when serving for the match in the third set… but can Tiafoe, who’s not led in this match since the opening game (!) … get the job done?

Fifth set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 5-6 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

0-30. Michelsen, what have you got? Huge guts, that’s what, as he claims two must-win points to come back for 30-all, before winning a beautifully constructed point, finishing off a 19-shot rally with a fine volley! They’ve saved the best for last, after four hours and 20 minutes, and, lifted by that, Michelsen holds. He’s guaranteed himself at least a tie-break from 0-30 down. Empire State of Mind is played out at the changeover. This match has turned into a New York classic.

Fifth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 5-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe, serving with the added weight of knowing that this match is over if he concedes the game, opens confidently. Tiafoe is spinning and sliding on the second point, and that goes his way too, with Michelsen missing by a millimetre. Tiafoe should probably make it 40-0, but is too keen to finish the point, and he prods long. So instead it’s 30-15 … and then 30-all, when Tiafoe thwacks into the net. Michelsen is two points from victory, nearly two hours after he served for the match, but Tiafoe’s timely ace makes it 40-30 … before Michelsen comes back at him for deuce. Tiafoe’s fastest ace of the day brings up a second game point … and this time he doesn’t make any mistake! Big Foe secures a big hold and this. Match. Goes. On!

The night session is supposed to be starting in just over 15 minutes. Spoiler: it won’t be.

Fifth set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 4-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

It looks that way when Tiafoe wins the opening point, but two stinging serves from Michelsen make it 30-15. There are drop shots, lobs and attempted passes on the next point … and Michelsen secures it, before holding to 15. Pressure? Pah! What pressure. Given the way he froze when serving for the match, he’s performing admirably here.

Fifth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 4-4 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe takes matters into his own hands at 15-0, moving forward to the net, and he puts away an easy smash. He just beats the serve clock on the next point … before burying another smash, which had nearly as much pop as his serve. His serve has been transformed from the first two and a half sets … and a love hold means maybe he’ll have a little energy to burn (even though they’ve been playing for more than four hours) on Michelsen’s serve.

Fifth set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 3-4 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Michelsen, unwavering despite not having the majority of the support, replies with a straightforward hold of his own, to 15. A steely fist pump from the 22-year-old follows as he recovers from the disappointment of conceding the break to nudge ahead.

Fifth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 3-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe draws level for the first time in the fifth set with a no-fuss hold. And the Arthur Ashe crowd are SCREAMING. They’re clearly behind the older American and great entertainer now.

Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 2-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

And here it is, Tiafoe moving to 15-40 when Michelsen’s footwork is a little off and he cranks a forehand into the tramlines! A collective gasp as Tiafoe nets on break point No 1 … he’s won 7/16 BPs today, compared with 8/23 for Michelsen … make that 8/17, as Michelsen whacks long! It’s the 16th break of serve in this quarter-final that is defying logic. This may not have quite matched the quality of Sabalenka’s victory over Noskova earlier (which feels as if it was a day ago given how long Tiafoe and Michelsen have been going at each other), but it’s exceeded it for drama, that’s for sure.

Fifth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 1-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe’s in trouble at 15-30, at risk of falling a double break down. He gobbles up the short ball for 30-all, and Michelsen is a sitting target at the net on the next point. And Tiafoe sprints forward to Michelsen’s drop shot with speed that makes a mockery of the fact they’ve been playing for nearly four hours, as he holds to 30. There could be another plot twist yet.

Fifth set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 0-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

But no sooner does Michelsen break than he flops 0-30 down. A 131mph serve, followed by a backhand that clips the sideline, restores parity at 30-all. This is a big point. Will it be game point for 3-0 or break point? Game point … and Michelsen backs up the break with a gutsy inside-in forehand winner! And after all of Tiafoe’s hard work to get back into this quarter-final, from two sets and 5-3 behind, it’s Michelsen in the ascendancy in this decider.

Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 0-2 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Michelsen, remember, has never won a match in five sets, so he’ll be pleased to be serving first and able to put some scoreboard pressure on Tiafoe. Cue a Tiafoe dip to 0-30. And Tiafoe then opts to leave Michelsen’s shot, thinking it’s going to land out, but it drops in! 0-40. And just to add another twist to this psychodrama, Michelsen breaks to love! The initiative is back with the younger American for the first time since the third set!

Fifth set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 0-1 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Michelsen opens the decider with a love hold. Back to you, Frances …

Fourth set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 5-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Michelsen will want to hold serve here, not only to prolong this set, but also, if this match is to go to five sets, he’ll want to be serving first in the decider, to put some scoreboard pressure on Tiafoe. And after a pep talk from his team courtside, he holds with the minimum of fuss, to love, rounding things off with yet another ace.

Fourth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 5-2 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Now it’s Tiafoe’s turn to wobble on serve at 15-40. An ace – only his third of the day compared with Michelsen’s 17 – fends off the first break point … and Michelsen errs with his forehand on the second! Michelsen looks down on himself at deuce, kicking himself for those missed opportunities, and Tiafoe seizes on that frustration to hold. He’s a game away from forcing a decider.

Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 4-2 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

But the momentum shifts in the past hour have been sudden and jarring, and here’s another, as Michelsen, after all of his good work in the previous game, slumps 15-40 down on serve. Tiafoe can’t secure the first break point, but he does the second, when he outlasts Michelsen, who bashes into the net! Tiafoe wrests back control of this fourth set with the 14th break (!!) of this compelling quarter-final, even though it is rather up and down in quality.

Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 3-2 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Michelsen, buoyed by his mini-revival, magics up a ludicrous backhand winner on the run! It’s 15-40; he’s got two chances to break back. He pushes long on the first break point, leaps into an inviting second serve on the second, crushing and rushing to the net … and Tiafoe picks him off with the pass! Deuce. Advantage Michelsen. A third BP comes and goes, and now Michelsen is chuntering to himself. A game of cat and mouse ensues … and Michelsen is raising his arms repeatedly to the crowd, imploring them to cheer for him too, as he emerges victorious! As the game clock nears nine minutes, Michelsen secures a fourth BP … and a draining duel eventually ends in his favour!

Fourth set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 3-1 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Michelsen staunches the flow of seven games against him with a hold to 30, helped by a couple of aces. That’ll have felt good. The world No 46 gets a game by his name in this fourth set.

Fourth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 3-0 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. After all of his serving woes for most of the first three sets, Tiafoe’s serve is transformed. And he’s finally found the energy, focus and intensity that downed Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the previous round.

Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 2-0 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself here, but Tiafoe has won four out of nine fifth sets he has played at the US Open in his career, while Michelsen has lost five out of five fifth sets on the ATP Tour. And even though it’s early in the fourth, the smart money would be on this quarter-final going to a decider, when Michelsen thwacks a backhand into the net at 30-40! Michelsen’s mind is scrambled and Tiafoe is bouncing around the court like a man who knows this match may well now be his for the taking.

Fourth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 1-0 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

It’s the first set Michelsen has dropped this fortnight. And he’s rattled. He gives a celebrating Tiafoe a sarcastic thumps up – but Tiafoe doesn’t take the bait, just responding with a smile. Michelsen needs to refocus fast, which he does, getting to deuce on Tiafoe’s serve in the first game of the fourth set … and then break point when Tiafoe appears to trip on the court before hitting long. Tiafoe slams down a 135mph serve. Deuce. Advantage Tiafoe. Deuce. Advantage Tiafoe. And an attritional game is won by the man with the momentum. That’s five games on the spin now.

Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 6-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 30-15, 40-15, game Tiafoe. Every point won by him now is met by a determined clenched fist and a huge roar from the crowd. They’re desperate for a fourth set. And unless Michelsen holds serve here, they’ll get one. Can Michelsen rediscover his first serve, which went awol when he was serving for the match?

Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 5-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Perhaps, as he coughs up a double fault on the opening point! And another on the second!! A wry smile from Michelsen; his mum, meanwhile, is grimacing. She can hardly bear to watch. Michelsen scrambles to 15-30 with a deep forehand to Tiafoe’s backhand … but he can’t buy a first serve at the moment, and Tiafoe has 15-40! Michelsen looks as if his racket weighs about 100kg and his shoes are filled with stones. And, weighed down by the pressure once more, Michelsen surrenders the break! Tiafoe isn’t done yet, he’s right back in this third set!

Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 4-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe, knowing that if he drops serve here the match is over, puts those three missed break points out of his mind to hold to 15, forcing Michelsen to try to serve this out. Michelsen has passed every test against his more vaunted fellow American so far … will this be any different?

Third set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 3-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Look here! 0-15. 0-30. Two unforced errors from Michelsen, and Tiafoe could have a way back into this third set. And after some HUGE hitting from Tiafoe it’s 0-40! Is the comeback on? It’s not on the first break point … it’s not on the second, when Michelsen sends down a belligerent ace … and it’s not on the third, when a brave forehand from Michelsen is netted by Tiafoe! So from 0-40 it’s deuce and Michelsen makes Tiafoe pay for his profligacy, as he hammers a pass down the line which Tiafoe can only frame .. and then a stinging serve! C-L-U-T-C-H!

Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 3-4 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Michelsen did let slip a match point against Taylor Fritz before being beaten in the Washington quarter-finals in July, so perhaps not all hope is lost for Tiafoe, who lands a lob bang on the baseline for 40-15! He hasn’t had much to celebrate in this match, but he’s pumping his fist repeatedly after that shot. And from there he holds.

Third set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 2-4 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

It doesn’t look that way when Tiafoe tamely misses a second serve for 30-0, and despite getting on the board for 30-15, Tiafoe sees Michelsen move to 40-15 and game. Time is running out for Tiafoe.

Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 2-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 40-0. Tiafoe is on course for his most comfortable hold. Michelsen crunches a return winner on the fourth point, but can’t repeat the trick on the fifth, and Tiafoe, for once, comes through a swift service game … and he’ll be hoping it leaves him with extra energy to attack the Michelsen serve.

Third set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 1-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Michelsen would, it seems, become the first unseeded player to reach the US Open semi-finals without dropping a set. But will he tighten as the finish line moves into sight? He nets a volley for 15-all … and then he’s too cautious with his approach shot, allowing Tiafoe to produce the passing winner. 15-30. But he’s unflinching on the next three points, playing like a grand slam champion rather than a player appearing in his first major quarter-final, and victory is now a little closer.

Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 1-2 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe, for what feels like the 1053rd time today, slips behind on serve, before producing one of his best points of the match for 30-all. Michelsen reasserts his control on the next point, though, out-powering Tiafoe, and he has a point for a double break … which could well be the match. Tiafoe is let off the hook when he doesn’t bury his smash. Deuce. Advantage Tiafoe. Game Tiafoe. He’s still alive … just.

It seemed for some time that Aryna Sabalenka would be consumed by the rage and anxiety that has smothered her for so much of this year. At 2-2 in the final set of her brutal quarter-final against Linda Noskova, a second double fault of the game damned Sabalenka to a 0-40 deficit. She instantly fell to her knees, bowed her head and screamed. She soon trailed 2-4 in the set.

Over her past five arduous months, Sabalenka has reliably unravelled under pressure. However, at the final grand slam tournament of the year, with her US Open title and No 1 ranking on the line, this was her very last chance to salvage her season. Somehow, the top-seeded Sabalenka finally had a response as she recovered to win an astonishing match and reach the semi-finals with a 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (7) win over Noskova, the sixth seed.

Before the tournament, it was clear that the intense depth at the top of the women’s game, where each of the top 11 players currently hold a big title, meant there are so many worthy title candidates. The quarter-finals lineup reflects this embarrassment of riches. Each of the top six seeds reached the last eight, with five of them being grand slam champions along with the perennial top-five player Jessica Pegula and the Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen.

A meeting between the defending US Open champion and the new Wimbledon champion was top of the list of the highly anticipated tussles and it developed into one of the best matches of the year. This was a spectacular exhibition of unfiltered first-strike tennis. The quality of serving from both sides of the net was supreme, with Noskova firing down 18 aces and Sabalenka finishing with 46% unreturned serves, including a statement second-serve ace to close out a tight tie-break set. Both players fearlessly forced themselves inside the baseline, Sabalenka’s searing power contrasted with Noskova’s sweet timing and precise changes of direction.

You can read the rest of Tumaini’s match report here:

Third set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 0-2 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

A double fault gives Tiafoe a sniff at 30-all. Michelsen snuffs it out with an unreturned serve … but Tiafoe comes back at him for deuce with a thunderous forehand winner. The crowd are roaring … they want a comeback … but they’re sighing when he nets on the next point. And now Michelsen is roaring as he sends Tiafoe one way and then the other, drawing the error. Tiafoe right now looks like a man resigned to defeat.

Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 0-1 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe takes his leave, heading off court to regroup, and he will be buoyed, at least, by the knowledge that he has come from two sets to love down twice in his career before, including at the French Open this year. He also knows he can play much better than he has so far – but he can’t afford to keep giving Michelsen a head start when his opponent is receiving – but he does so again here, and it’s 15-40. He’s been behind in every service game bar two, which is inexplicable really after nearly one hour and 40 minutes. He pulls off the pass for 30-40 … but Michelsen strikes on the second break point, to extend Tiafoe’s misery – and his own lead to two sets and a break.

Second set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe, with his first-serve percentage now down at 38% as he attempts to stay in this second set, edges to 40-30, and gets over the line when Michelsen batters a backhand into the net. So Michelsen will be forced to serve this out.

Second set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 2-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Michelsen. That’s how you back up the break.

Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 5-7, 2-4 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe needs to find his serving mojo, though, if he’s to mount a serious comeback … and once more, he’s down, at 15-30. A quite ridiculous point follows, drawing ooohs and aaaaahs from the crowd, who’ve been rather quiet during this match because of their divided loyalties, and Michelsen eventually has Tiafoe on a piece of string, dragging him out wide to force the error! And that knocks the wind out of Tiafoe, who receives a slap on the wrists for ignoring the serve clock at 30-40, before being broken for the fifth time.

Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 5-7, 2-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

But Michelsen, perhaps suddenly playing like a man who knows he has something to lose, promptly falls break point down at 30-40. Michelsen rams down a first serve to save it, but is soon facing a second BP … and this time he cuts Tiafoe down with a slice. This could prove to be a crucial game, with Michelsen trying to extend his supremacy and Tiafoe battling to get back into this quarter-final. And Michelsen rather hands the break back with a double fault and netted forehand!

Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 5-7, 1-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe has been behind in every service game apart from one and this game is no different. 0-15. 0-30. 0-40. Tiafoe has described the support from the home crowd this tournament as like “an out-of-body experience … it’s like you’re not even touching the ground … the energy is so high” - but he’s not been bouncing around the court today. He does, however, show plenty of energy on the first break point, sprinting to his right to fire off a forehand cross-court winner. But Michelsen steps into the baseline on the third BP to punish Tiafoe’s tame serve. Michelsen leads by a set and a break and it’s no less than he deserves.

Second set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 1-2 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Both these men – as if they need reminding – are trying to break the much-talked-about 23-year grand slam singles drought for American men, and Ben Shelton is still in the running too, though he has the unenviable task of facing Carlos Alcaraz later, with the winner of each match to meet in the semi-finals. The perennially popular Alcaraz will turn out to be the villain for once if he were to take out Shelton and then Tiafoe or Michelsen to reach the final. But I’m getting ahead of myself … Michelsen holds to 30 despite a second double fault.

Second set: Tiafoe 5-7, 1-1 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Michelsen, now 13-0 for sets won this fortnight, opens the second set with a hold to 15, before applying more pressure on the Tiafoe serve at deuce. Tiafoe has landed only three serves into the ad box all match. He’s not going to reach a third US Open semi-final serving like that. But he advances to game point … and this time manages to ping a first serve down the T on the ad side, and Michelsen can’t get it back into play. Tiafoe’s on the board in set two.

Elsewhere: Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova, the top seeds in the women’s doubles, are just getting under way in their quarter-final, as are Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, the five-time men’s wheelchair doubles champions, in their opening match.

First set: Tiafoe* 5-6 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Michelsen hits his (very big 6ft 4in) stride to race to 40-0, with his seventh forehand winner of the day. And he secures a second successive love hold. He’s getting more easy points on serve than Tiafoe, who can perhaps consider himself a little lucky to still be in the running in this first set.

First set: Tiafoe 5-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

With Tiafoe serving to stay in the opener, Michelsen can’t capitalise on an inviting second serve on the first point, so it’s 15-0. And then 30-15. But Tiafoe, with his team sitting courtside wearing T-shirts emblazoned with BIG FOE, double faults for 30-all. Big Foe misses his next first serve, too, and goes on to lose the rally, to hand Michelsen a set point at 30-40. Michelsen misses it with an errant return and doesn’t recover from the disappointment, with Tiafoe taking the next two points to escape with the hold.

First set: Tiafoe* 4-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Michelsen sees Tiafoe’s hold to 15 and raises it with a love hold, the first of this quarter-final. After an error-strewn start, this first set is building to an intriguing finale.

First set: Tiafoe 4-4 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe is starting to show glimpses of the form he hit against Daniil Medvedev in the previous round, when he was so locked in and consistently showed the right shot selection to dismiss the 2021 champion in straight sets, but he can’t make any inroads on Michelsen’s serve – before bringing the fire on his own, with the new balls, holding to 15. After both had the serving jitters early on, they’ve found their range.

First set: Tiafoe 3-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe leads their head-to-head 2-0, by the way, beating Michelsen on the Houston clay last year and in Dallas indoors two years ago, both in straight sets. But Michelsen is riding a wave now, playing in his first grand-slam quarter-final having not dropped a set this tournament, so I’m not sure how much we can read into the h2h, though I do think over the best of five sets the 28-year-old Tiafoe will perhaps have too much athleticism and experience for the 22-year-old. But Tiafoe needs to start holding serve … and he’s in danger once more as a wild miss gives Michelsen 30-40. There’s a customary “C’MON” from Tiafoe as Michelsen nets on the break point … and Tiafoe takes the game from deuce, his first hold, sealing it with a first ace.

Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 2-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe is someone who loves to feed off the energy of the crowd but the atmosphere on Arthur Ashe is rather muted right now – probably because the spectators are still recovering from the drama of Sabalenka v Noskova and also perhaps they don’t know which American to get behind. They’re roaring, though, when Tiafoe charges down Michelsen’s improvised half-volley, hit from the baseline … and he executes the perfect drop shot! 30-40. And now it’s four breaks in five games, when Tiafoe, his bright pink shoes squeaking SO loudly (or perhaps it’s Michelsen’s – one of them needs to change their shoes), prevails in the longest rally of the match so far!

Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 1-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe is bashing his racket and wincing after falling 0-15 down; he’s yet to win a point on serve. And he’s shrugging his shoulders when he balloons a backhand long for 0-30. The 11th seed and two-time semi-finalist in New York finally gets a point on the board for 15-30 … but a mis-timed volley hands Michelsen break points at 15-40. Michelsen doesn’t make the first … but is the aggressor on the second, because of a stinging return … and Tiafoe tonks long! That’s the third break in four games … can Michelsen now consolidate it?

First set: Tiafoe* 1-2 Michelsen (*denotes next server)

The 6ft 5in Michelsen, who unsurprisingly given his height doesn’t have the greatest movement (once describing himself as a “giraffe on ice” on the tennis court) but has such a dangerous serve, settles in his second service game, holding to 15. It’s the first hold in this first of the men’s quarter-finals.

Tiafoe breaks … and Michelsen breaks straight back: Tiafoe 1-1 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe, in an eye-catching neon pink and grey outfit, his cycling shorts bringing back memories of Agassi circa 1989/1990, is already sprinting to his chair after seizing a break to 15 in the opening game, courtesy of four Michelsen errors. A nervy, nervy start from the 22-year-old in his first grand slam quarter-final, but he does take the first point on Tiafoe’s serve after an 18-shot rally. And now it’s Tiafoe’s turn to throw in some loose errors, before Michelsen drills a backhand winner down the line to break back to love! That’s his money shot. Eight of the first nine points have gone against the server.

Thanks Taha. So before we focus on Tiafoe v Michelsen, a word on Sabalenka, who answered a lot of questions about her form and state of mind with that clutch win, her toughest test of this tournament yet. She’ll lose her world No 1 ranking tomorrow if Elena Rybakina defeats Zheng Qinwen - but she clearly doesn’t want to give up her US Open title. It was a high-quality match – there have been so many in the women’s draw – and Noskova played brilliantly, her Wimbledon title clearly no fluke, but Sabalenka had the slightly bigger weapons and played the pressure points so well. The three-peat is still on and in the semi-finals she’ll meet the winner of Jessica Pegula v Emma Navarro, who play later in the night session.

Katy Murrells is back as Tiafoe and Michelsen prepare to kick-off.

And on to the next. Frances Tiafoe, the 11th seed, meets his compatriot Alex Michelsen. Tiafoe is targeting a third US Open semi-final; Michelsen, 22, is celebrating his longest run at a grand slam.

Sabalenka, the 2024 and 2025 champion, is still on course to triumph in 2026. It was some battle to get into the semis, though.

“I’m speechless right now,” says Sabalenka, “because I was pushing myself to the limit in this match, especially in the third set. I honestly thought that’s it, the match is over, and that’s probably what helped me feel loose and go after my shots.”

Noskova to serve … and it’s a terrible time for a double fault. 4-3 to Sabalenka, who keeps calm to wallop a forehand winner after some decent resistance by Noskova. Sabalenka goes to 6-3 … before Noskova bends in a backhand winner. Six-four, and then a Noskova ace to make it 6-5. Sabalenka sends down an ace in response. She leads 7-5.

Both players are up to the net immediately … and Noskova is the winner before sending a backhand down the line. She leads 2-0. Sabalenka kisses the baseline with a return. 2-1 to Noskova, who then goes long. Two-all. Both find the net and it’s 3-3 at the changeover.

Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 6-6 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Noskova overdoes a forehand to let Sabalenka go to 15-all. And then comes a piledriver of a forehand, the speed too much for Noskova … an ace is the perfect response. Thirty-all. And then a wide serve to set up a successful march to the net … Sabalenka goes long and we’re heading to a deciding tie-break.

Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 6-5* Noskova (*denotes next server)

There are big, vicious serves flying in from both sides – Sabalenka races through her hold without dropping a point. The pressure is quickly back on to Noskova.

Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 5-5 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Brilliant from Noskova, serving to stay in the match under the closing roof … and doing so with a love hold.

Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 5-4 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

The resurgent Sabalenka bangs down an ace, holding to 15 in quick time. This is authoritative stuff from the world No 1.

Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 4-4 Noskova (*denotes next server)

It’s been a while since Sabalenka won a point on Noskova’s serve … but the defending champion gets herself to 0-30 with a passing forehand, and a lengthy rally goes her way to make it 0-40! Three break points for Sabalenka, and she needs just one! Noskova overcooks a slice and this humdinger is still well and truly alive.

Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 3-4 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

A 15-shot rally closes with a Noskova backhand into the net, and Sabalenka lasers a forehand down to make it 30-15. Sabalenka, her composure regained, end things with an ace.

Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 2-4 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Noskova is sprinting through her service – and it’s another love hold! Noskova’s won 12 of the last 15 poins.

Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 2-3 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka double-faults before sending a backhand wide, with Noskova up to the net. The latter has an opening at 0-30 … and Sabalenka double-faults again! Three break points! A hyper-active rally follows, with Sabalenka whipping a forehand winner … but Noskova wins the next! Wow.

Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 2-2 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Noskova’s 14th ace – Sabalenka has eight – helps complete a love hold. Swift work.

Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 2-1 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka is moved back and forth by Noskova, but the former still manages to close the rally with a backhand winner. Another frankly ridiculous backhand winner, where she’s crouching low but still finding power and placement, completes the hold.

Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 1-1 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Noskova is up to the net for a slicing volley, and Sabalenka is deeply annoyed with her wayward backhand in response. A misjudgement from Noskova when trying to forehand a moon ball hands Sabalenka a break point … but Noskova rescues herself with a forehand winner. Sabalenka races forward to get to a drop shot and deliver an audacious winner … but Noskova eventually holds.

Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 1-0 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

Ridiculous from Sabalenka, crouching awkwardly on the baseline as she whips a backhand winner. She holds to 15, brushing off the frustrations of the previous set.

Second set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-5 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

Noskova hits the net cord, forcing Sabalenka to advance … and she responds with a lush backhand drop shot. But Noskova then marches forward herself, her backhand drop making it 30-all. And here we go: 30-40 and set point for Noskova … Sabalenka roars an ace down the middle. The defending US Open champion shows her resilience to take the game.

Second set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 2-5 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Noskova adds to her ace count, sending down her 11th of the match. She holds to 15 after Sabalenka nets a backhand … the second set is in touching distance.

Second set: Sabalenka 7-6, 2-4 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

Noskova tries to pummel Sabalenka’s serve – but can only find the net. Nonetheless, there’s an opening at 15-30 for the defending Wimbledon champion after an expert backhand drop. And then Sabalenka drags a forehand wide! It’s 15-40 … Sabalenka makes it 30-40 but a double fault hands Noskova the break!

Second set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 2-3 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka finds herself at 30-40, a chance to break … but Noskova recovers, sending a delicious backhand down the line on her way to a hold.

Second set: Sabalenka 7-6, 2-2 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

Hello, hello wonderful people. It’s an expert hold from Sabalenka, including a serve out wide to Noskova to set up a backhand winner, with wide open space to place it.

Second set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 1-2 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka, after pulling off a fine drop shot in the first game of this set, tries another with Noskova leading 30-15, but it doesn’t come off. And Noskova matches Sabalenka’s hold to 15 when Sabalenka cracks a return into the net. After a couple of breaks in the opening set, both players – two of the best servers in the business – appear to be in their serving groove right now, and Taha is here to take you through the next instalment. Over to you Taha …

Second set: Sabalenka 7-6, 1-1 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

There have been more winners than unforced errors for both players so far, a measure of the quality of this match, and one more apiece makes it 15-all on Sabalenka’s serve. The world No 1 (perhaps for not much longer, depending on Rybakina’s result tomorrow), is helped by being in the shady half of the court on the next point, as she’s able to send down an unreturned smash for 30-15. And she closes out the game from there.

Second set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 0-1 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Noskova does, at least, lead Sabalenka in the ace stakes, and her ninth of this match (to Sabalenka’s four), helps her scramble back from 0-30 to 30-all. But Noskova nets as she tries to thread a forehand winner down the line, handing Sabalenka a break point at 30-40 in the opening game of the second set. It’s a point Noskova surely can’t afford to lose … and the Czech doesn’t, as she fires off a forehand winner! Sabalenka soon has another BP at her advantage – but is glaring at the court when she can’t take it. Of course it was the court’s fault. And Noskova, from a fourth deuce, survives with the hold! She may be a set down, but for the first time in this quarter-final, she leads in a set.

Sabalenka has now won 22 of her past 23 tie-breaks at grand slam level.

Sabalenka has such a fine record in tie-breaks, though, and Sabalenka surges 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 ahead as she ups the ante with some heavy hitting. And then 4-0, when Noskova nets her return. And 5-0, when Noskova can’t deal with the body serve and hits beyond the baseline. So Noskova has two must-win points on serve … but she loses the first with an errant backhand, and they change ends at 6-0 …

First set: Sabalenka* 6-6 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Credit to Noskova for the way she’s come back at Sabalenka, after admitting her last-16 win over Marta Kostyuk, when she recovered from missing double match point in the second set to eventually prevail on her sixth MP in the third, took a lot out of her emotionally. But she looks sharp and focused here, pushing Sabalenka into a tie-break when she dismissively holds to love.

First set: Sabalenka 6-5 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

It’s one-way for Sabalenka at 40-0 … until Noskova hits an improbable backhand return winner at full stretch for 40-15! That’s one for the highlights reel, perhaps the shot of the match so far. But Sabalenka holds from there, stopping the run of games against her, and Noskova must serve to stay in the set for the third time.

First set: Sabalenka* 5-5 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Noskova, perhaps a little over-excited after winning two successive games, pushes a forehand long on the opening point. But she wins the next two, lashing down a fifth ace in the process (Sabalenka has hit three), and then turns 30-15 into 40-30 with another ace. And Noskova makes it three games on the spin when Sabalenka snatches at a backhand! The Czech’s comeback is very much on.

Noskova breaks: Sabalenka 5-4 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka has lost from several winning positions this summer – and will that be on her mind as she serves for the opener? She wobbles at 15-all with a double fault – cue a huge roar of disgust from the defending champion, it’s a rare blot on her service book in this first set – and then Noskova nails a forehand winner right into the corner! It’s 15-40, the first break points for Noskova .. and Sabalenka smacks a forehand into the net! Perhaps the ghosts of grand slams past this year are still on Sabalenka’s mind.

First set: Sabalenka* 5-3 Noskova (*denotes next server)

A straightforward hold to 15 for Sabalenka leaves Noskova serving to stay in the first set at 5-2 down. Perhaps she can take some inspiration from Zheng’s escape acts from 5-0 behind in the first set against Iga Swiatek in the last 16 – and in the final set against Madison Keys in the third round. But at 15-all, Noskova misses a makeable volley, and Sabalenka then moves within two points of the set at 30-all. Noskova nudges to 40-30, is dragged back to deuce, but lives to fight another game in this set when she takes the next two points.

First set: Sabalenka* 4-2 Noskova (*denotes next server)

The luck is with Sabalenka on the opening point as a mis-hit return makes it 0-15. Which becomes 15-30. So with Noskova 1-4 and 15-30 down, desperate times call for desperate measures … and Noskova opts for the serve-volley, but it doesn’t come off. Sabalenka’s return is too hot for Noskova to handle on the fourth point, creating two break chances for Sabalenka at 15-40 … but her return loses its range and Noskova gamely takes the next four points, sealing the hold with an ace.

First set: Sabalenka 4-1 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

A prolonged rally at 15-all – that’s a rarity in this battle of first-strike hitting – with Sabalenka staying patient, not going for too much, eventually forcing Noskova to go for broke, and the Czech clunks into the tramlines. Undeterred, Noskova manages to get to 30-all for the second successive Sabalenka service game … but doesn’t advance any further. Sabalenka retains her advantage.

First set: Sabalenka* 3-1 Noskova (*denotes next server)

At 30-all, Sabalenka is applying more pressure on Noskova’s serve, but Sabalenka smacks a backhand return into the net and Noskova can breathe a little at 40-30. And the Wimbledon champion gets her side of the scoreboard moving when Sabalenka again errs with her return. The Arthur Ashe crowd – perhaps only about a half full so far – cheer loudly. They’re not against Sabelenka – as they were in the previous round when she played the American Taylor Townsend – but of course they want a close match.

First set: Sabalenka 3-0 Noskova* (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka concedes her first point for 0-15, after a Noskova backhand winner (that’ll help shake off any nerves for the Czech), and it’s soon 15-30. Sabalenka takes a little more time before the next point, blowing on her hand before serving, and it does the job as she batters away a backhand winner, also from the middle of the court. Who needs angles when you’ve got that much pace. And an ace, already her third of the match, brings up 40-30. And after an aborted ball toss, she consolidates the break with an unreturned serve. Sabalenka looks every inch the two-time defending champion right now, rather than the possibly soon-to-be-deposed world No 1 who has had such a shaky summer.

Sabalenka breaks: Sabalenka* 2-0 Noskova (*denotes next server)

Both of these players are big hitters – but they aren’t afraid to come to the net either – and both will be vying to become the frontrunner in the points. Sabalenka does that successfully in a short, sharp opening service game, holding to love, before Noskova drops 0-40 down. It’s quite hard to follow the ball because of the confusing contrast – with Noskova’s half of the court baked in sun, Sabalenka’s entirely in the shade. But it’s Sabalenka who puts Noskova firmly in the shade with an inside-out forehand winner from virtually no angle in the middle of the court on the second break point. It’s been a flawless start from the defending champion.

These two have played each other twice before, with both matches taking place on hard courts, three years ago in Adelaide and this year in the Indian Wells semi-final. Sabalenka won both in straight sets. But Noskova is a grand slam champion now, on an 11-match winning run at majors.

Despite Sabalenka’s struggles this summer, you can’t discount her numbers either: this is her sixth successive US Open quarter-final (she’s emulated Serena with that), she’s the two-time defending champion, and she’son an 18-match winning streak in New York. So something will have to give today.

Walking out into the sunshine on Arthur Ashe is Noskova, closely followed by Sabalenka, who once again is wearing her basketball-inspired orange mesh dress, which is accessorised by several hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of bling. Noskova has opted for a more understated white number, with a blue and red trim.

With Rybakina v Zheng and Gauff v Andreeva to come in the quarter-finals tomorrow, the current holders of the four grand slam titles are all still in contention (Sabalenka, Rybakina, Andreeva and Noskova) - and just to add to the tournament’s finale, the four women who can leave Flushing Meadows with the world No 1 ranking are still in the mix too (Sabalenka, Rybakina, Gauff and Pegula - though if Rybakina defeats Zheng she’ll be guaranteed to become No 1 for the first time in her career). The strength at the top of the women’s game right now is seriously impressive.

Yesterday’s last-16 matches in the women’s draw were stacked with top match-ups, with Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff making statements of intent with clinical wins over Naomi Osaka and Iva Jovic respectively; Zheng Qinwen coming from 5-0 down for the second match in a row (has that ever happened before?!) to knock out Iga Swiatek in two absorbing sets; and Mirra Andreeva mounting her own comeback to defeat Anastasia Potapova in three.

On the men’s side, Alexander Zverev had a welcome pre-midnight finish for once, Alexander Blockx’s brilliant run continued despite injury and the rejuvenated Russian Karen Khachanov ended American hopes of having four home men in the quarter-finals after defeating Learner Tien from two sets to one down.

Simon Cambers has posted on social media that tickets for tonight’s Alcaraz v Shelton showdown are being sold on resale for a minimum of $500 up in the nosebleed seats to more than $11,0000 courtside. Yikes. Maybe we can blame the influencers for that too.