Gauff’s victory means the women’s semi-finals – which will take place tomorrow – are set. And the top four seeds have all made it, for the first time at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2009 and the first time at the US Open since 1975:

Aryna Sabalenka (1) v Jessica Pegula (3)
Coco Gauff (4) v Elena Rybakina (2)

“I came out not feeling the ball, giving her too many free points,” says Gauff. “In the restroom I was thinking about Frances Tiafoe and how he came back yesterday. We all want to do well in front of this crowd and I wanted to leave the court without any regrets. Thanks to you guys for pulling me through.” When asked about facing Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals, she replies: “Elena’s the new world No 1, it’s going to be a tough match. Last time we played it was a tough three-setter for me. But I’m looking forward to the battle. These are the moments we live for.”

Of course we won’t get to hear from Andreeva yet – but after those two match points, she probably feels like Alex Michelsen did yesterday, even though she didn’t end up crying on Coco’s shoulder.

Gauff breaks: Andreeva 6-2, 6-7, 2-5 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

0-15. 0-30. 0-40. The errors are flying off Andreeva’s racket now. And a fourth flailing forehand in a row surrenders the double break! Gauff, having saved those two match points in the second set, will serve for a place in the US Open semi-finals! You just can’t ever count her out.

Third set: Andreeva* 6-2, 6-7, 2-4 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Re Zheng – she mainly needs to stay fit. She showed by winning the 2024 Olympic title that she’s got what it takes – though her serve didn’t quite stand up to the scrutiny today, she needed to land more first serves and her second didn’t have enough punch. As for Botic – I think now Zverev knows he won’t have to face an Alcaraz-sized obstacle in the final, he’ll be buzzing and will have too much for the Dutchman – and there hasn’t been any further word on Blockx’s injury. And Pegula, yes, she’s done so much to speak up for lower-ranked players and get them more prize money. As for the immediate matters at hand, Gauff checks off another service game as she edges closer to victory.

Third set: Andreeva 6-2, 6-7, 2-3 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Kudos to Andreeva, as she steadies herself to match Gauff’s love hold. And here’s an email from Kerrith Britland:

“Props to Zheng. Came through qualifiers so played three more matches than everyone else. Probably the best server bar Rybakina - seems like she’s a good day away from winning a major. Do you think there’s something missing from her game? What’s stopping her from reaching the top level?

“Love to see introvert Botic in the final 8. Do you see him winning a set? The only matchup I see him winning is vs Zverev’s forehand. But Botic has beaten Carlos so I’ve got my fingers crossed. Any injury news from Blockx? A Botic-Blockx final would be f*ING awesome. Also kinda wanna see Pegula win even though she’s disgustingly loaded. She’s just seems like a good egg.”

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

Remarkably this is the first time Gauff has led in this match and, with the wind in her sails, she secures a love hold. Martinez is trying to encourage her charge but Andreeva looks as if she could combust right now. From those two match points in the second-set tie-break, the French Open champion must now find a way to recover from a break down in the third if she’s to reach her first US Open semi-final.

Gauff breaks: Andreeva 6-2, 6-7, 1-2 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Gauff gets on the board too in the decider, holding to 30, despite a slightly unconvincing volley on game point. The quality of this match is so up and down, but I’ve been very impressed by how both players have handled their emotions. I’ve already spoken about Gauff’s courage and calmness, but the 19-year-old Andreeva, who’s still learning how to control herself on court and is prone to vent at her coach Conchita Martinez, has retained a reasonable level of emotional equilibrium, in the face of a partisan New York crowd. So of course just as I type that, Gauff breaks to 30 courtesy of some nerveless net play on break point … and Andreeva throws her racket at her chair, narrowly missing the cameraman.

Third set: Andreeva 6-2, 6-7, 1-0 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

This just had to go all the way, didn’t it? This is the sixth quarter-final to be played – men’s and women’s combined – and all of the previous five went the distance. With Alexander Blockx v Karen Khachanov to come after this match, followed by Alexander Zverev v Botic van de Zandschulp, I wonder when the last time was that all eight quarter-finals at a slam went to a decider. Anyway, Andreeva, who has the advantage of serving first in this third set, opens with a hold to 15, sealing things with an ace. That’ll shake off some of the frustrations of the previous set.

Then 5-5 and 6-5 Andreeva; the Russian has her first match point. Another lengthy, lengthy, heart-in-mouth exchange to add to the one on the eighth point … and Andreeva eventually blinks! The match point has gone and it’s 6-6 at the second change of ends …

… but just as you think Gauff is in the ascendancy, her forehand misfires, and the mini-break is surrendered for 4-3. Neither player is giving an inch on the next point – which turns into a 39-SHOT FOREHAND FACE-OFF … before Gauff decides she’s had enough and conjures up a perfect drop shot!!! 5-3 … but the next point is over in a fraction of that time and it goes Andreeva’s way for 5-4 …

A drive volley backed up by a smash gets Andreeva 2-1 ahead on serve … and Gauff gets to 3-2 when she’s a wall at the net on the fifth point, showing tremendous reflexes! The crowd liked that, as does Gauff, who’s fist-pumping and C’MONING. And buoyed by that, Gauff grabs the first mini-break, and they change ends at 4-2 …

Second set: Andreeva 6-2, 6-6 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

So Andreeva, who would be serving for the match if she’d put away that short ball, is now serving to stay in the set. At 15-all, the net gods rule in Gauff’s favour as the ball clips and tape and flies over … Andreeva is still able to get the ball back … but Gauff assumes control in the point and Andreeva is forced into making the error. 15-30. Andreeva recovers to 40-30 … and secures the game when Gauff’s forehand – which can sometimes be a bit brittle – malfunctions. It’s tie-break time!

Second set: Andreeva* 6-2, 5-6 Gauff (*denotes next server)

The biggest roar of the set as Gauff finishes off a lung-busting exchange with a deft drop shot and rasping winner for 15-all. Perhaps that’ll loosen Gauff up to play some free-flowing tennis. But quickly it’s 30-40 as Gauff’s wild forehand is long and wide. If Andreeva wins this break point she’ll be serving for the match … but nothing about this set has been remotely straightforward for either player and Andreeva, with a simple short ball to bury, clunks it into the net! Wow. This is tense, tight stuff. Deuce. Advantage Gauff. And Gauff wins a game that she really shouldn’t have.

Second set: Andreeva 6-2, 5-5 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Oooohs and aaaaaahs as Gauff is dragged right and left and right and left and right and left and right and left some more at 30-15. Andreeva emerges from the exchange victorious. And from there she holds, stopping the run of four games against the server. For the first time since 2-2, Andreeva hauls herself level.

Andreeva breaks: Andreeva* 6-2, 4-5 Gauff (*denotes next server)

It’s 30-all. Will it become set point or break point? Set point, when Gauff rams down an ace. But Andreeva hits deep to Gauff’s backhand and Gauff isn’t getting that back into play. And set point turns into break point when Gauff coughs up a double fault! Gauff’s forehand flops into the net and it’s a fourth successive break. This is a tough watch, and it hasn’t matched the quality of the first five quarter-finals, but it’s compelling in its own way.

Gauff breaks: Andreeva 6-2, 3-5 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

The longest rally of the match, at 22 shots, is won by Gauff for 15-all. And from there Andreeva suddenly waves the white flag, with back-to-back double faults and a messy volley into the net! Gauff did little to win that game – well apart from that protracted rally – but she’ll now serve for a set that is getting curious and curiouser!

Andreeva breaks: Andreeva* 6-2, 3-4 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Andreeva accelerates to Gauff’s drop shot and buries a winner for 30-all. Gauff snuffs out the danger with a one-two punch, but can’t wrap up the game when she flings a forehand into the tramlines. There’s a strange lack of rhythm in this match, and the crowd aren’t quite feeling it either, but Andreeva peels off a perfect winner to get herself a break point … and Gauff repels it by racing forward to punch away a volley. These two are such tremendous athletes, two of the finest in the women’s game. Another Andreeva break point comes and goes, and here’s a third … and Gauff sends a timid forehand wide. Gauff was one point from a 5-2 lead – but now they’re back on serve. A disappointing let-down. But we know that Gauff, ever the competitor, will not become dispirited.

Gauff breaks: Andreeva 6-2, 2-4 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

The errors on Andreeva’s side of the net are increasing, and Gauff has 30-all on the Russian’s serve for the second successive game. Gauff can’t turn that into a break point, when Andreeva edges to 40-30, but Gauff – the ultimate competitor in the women’s game, who can grind out results and find a way to win whatever her predicament – is undeterred and gets to deuce and then advantage, when Andreeva biffs a backhand long! So here is a break point. And Andreeva’s backhand breaks down again! Gauff has her first break of the match.

Second set: Andreeva* 6-2, 2-3 Gauff (*denotes next server)

What’s surprised me so far is that I thought Andreeva might struggle emotionally with most of the 24,000-strong crowd against her and rooting for Gauff, but Gauff just hasn’t given the home fans enough to cheer about so far. But Gauff does hold again, to 15 when Andreeva whacks into the tramlines, and the American nudges ahead in this second set once more. There’s a feeling that Gauff is starting to generate a bit of momentum.

Second set: Andreeva 6-2, 2-2 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

As Niall mentioned, Gauff has won all five of her previous matches against Andreeva, though she said before this quarter-final that the head-to-head didn’t really reflect how little there is between them, especially now that Andreeva is a grand slam champion, and the play so far is proving that. At 15-all on Andreeva’s serve, Gauff’s loopy forehand drops just in, after the longest rally of the match at 14 shots. Andreeva temporarily knocks Gauff off course with a body serve to get back to 30-all, Gauff grabs the next point for 30-40, but can’t convert the break point. And Andreeva doesn’t give Gauff another chance as she serves out from deuce.

Second set: *Andreeva 6-2, 1-2 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Gauff is in a tough spot, dealing with her own issues, a very solid opponent, and a crowd sat in anxious silence. There are groans after a second double fault brings up deuce – and another one means break point Andreeva.

Gauff rescues it with a serve out wide and charge in, with Andreeva netting the return. Then a 120mph ace which gets the crowd involved, and then she wins a net battle to hold. Is she back in this? Join Katy Murrells to see what happens next …

Second set: Andreeva 6-2, 1-1 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Gauff leads the head-to-head against Andreeva 5-0, but she looks second-best out here, with two more loose forehands and two mistimed backhands allowing Andreeva to hold without doing too much.

Second set: *Andreeva 6-2, 0-1 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Coco Gauff needs to start this set well, or this match could slip away fast. There’s another double fault here, but also an impressive overhead smash at 15-30 down. Another double, another smashed winner to rescue deuce – and she digs out the hold in gritty fashion.

Mirra Andreeva wins the first set 6-2!

Andreeva opens with an ace, then Gauff tries to attack her second serve but only finds the net. The American prevails in the next rally, solid defence drawing an error – and Andreeva double-faults! A bit of pressure, but Gauff can’t keep her next return in play. Set point, secured with a big serve down the line.

First set: *Andreeva 5-2 Gauff (*denotes next server)

At 30-15 up, Gauff serves up another dispiriting double fault – but Andreeva can’t quite keep her return in from a serve out wide. The next serve doesn’t come back, either. Still, Andreeva will have two chances to serve out the first set.

First set: Andreeva 5-1 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Andreeva holds in the blink of an eye to continue her domination of this first set. She’s never reached the quarter-finals here before, but looks much more comfortable than Gauff, the 2023 champion.

First set: *Andreeva 4-1 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Coco Gauff gets on the board with a hold to 15, and at least has a foothold after producing 10 unforced errors to Andreeva’s two so far.

First set: Andreeva 4-0 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

At 30-15, Gauff moves forward at the wrong moment and is beaten by a dipping, cross-court winner. Andreeva backs that up with an ace, and she’s in total control of this opening set.

First set: *Andreeva 3-0 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Coco Gauff’s slow start continues, as she slips from 30-0 up thanks to two double faults – before another forehand error allows Andreeva to move a double-break ahead.

First set: Andreeva 2-0 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

The No 5 seed makes it seven points without reply, and while Gauff offers some resistance by claiming the next two points, Andreeva backs up the break as Gauff sends a forehand into the net.

First set: *Andreeva 1-0 Gauff (*denotes next server)

A blistering start from Mirra Andreeva, rattling off four straight points to break the Gauff serve to love!

Andreeva and Gauff are out on court, warming up for their semi-final. Who will complete the final four?

Rybakina is also heading to the semi-finals, where she’ll face either Mirra Andreeva or Coco Gauff. They’re up next, so stay tuned.

So, Elena Rybakina ends Aryna Sabalenka’s run at the top of the rankings at 99 weeks. She also breaks the Swiatek-Sabalenka duopoly that has lasted since April 2022, when Ashleigh Barty retired as world No 1. There are only two other active players who have held the women’s No 1 ranking – Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova.

Elena Rybakina: “It’s tough to put into words, it was a really tough match, maybe not our best level but happy to make it through.” She adds that the bright sun and shadows were bothering her in the first set. “I didn’t start well, I’ve played all my matches at night so I had to adjust, and I was thinking very negative. I’m super happy.”

On being world No 1: “It’s just a number right now – my goal is to win this tournament and I’m in the semi-finals. [Being world No 1] is an amazing achievement for me but I’m focusing on my next game, relaxing and trying to recover tomorrow.”

Rybakina breaks! Third set: Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 4-5 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Having dug herself out of that hole, Zheng hits a wild effort out of court – and then a double fault as she is forced to be aggressive on second serve. It’s a real shame if Zheng goes out like that, but Rybakina will have new balls to serve this out.

Third set: Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 4-4 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Now it’s Zheng’s turn to wobble, Rybakina’s vicious returns claiming the first two points – and she has three break points when Zheng nets. But Zheng saves all three, the last with a forehand winner down the line! Deuce …

Third set: *Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 4-4 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

If Zheng can break here, she would get the opportunity to serve out in the next game – and she earns a break point with a looping, two-handed backhand winner down the line! Zheng gets a look at a similar shot with Rybakina up at the net – but it lands inches long. From deuce, Rybakina powers through and we’re level again.

Third set: Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 4-3 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

An easier hold for Zheng here, the first serve firing with more accuracy. She holds to 15 when Rybakina can’t keep a cross-court effort in bounds.

Third set: *Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 3-3 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Rybakina rattles through another quick hold to keep the pressure on Zheng; the No 2 seed is getting through her service games in this set at an average of two minutes.

Third set: Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 3-2 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

At 30-all, Zheng goes all-in with a ripping forehand that clips the baseline, but Rybakina hits back with a one-two punch, and Zheng offers up a break point as an overcooked shot drifts long. Rybakina gets her chance but misses the outside line with a floaty forehand. Zheng carves out the hold with a bit of serve-and-volley; she’s under more pressure on serve but is holding on.

Third set: *Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 2-2 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Rybakina is back to her calm, controlled default mode and rolls through this service hold with little fuss.

There are six women left in the US Open draw, and they are ranked world Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 … and 121. But Zheng is, of course, much better than her injury-affected ranking suggests. Rybakina will become the new world No 1 if she wins this match but if she loses, and Gauff beats Andreeva, she’ll be in the strange position of hoping Zheng goes all the way in New York, in order to keep Sabalenka, Pegula or Gauff from taking top spot.

Third set: Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 2-1 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Rybakina punishes a slightly mishit Zheng backhand with a ruthless winner down the line, but Zheng finds enough first-serve power to hold from 30-all.

Third set: *Zheng 6-3, 1-6, 1-1 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

An untimely double-fault at 30-0 up is the only blemish on Rybakina’s serve, as she holds with an ace.

Thanks, Katy. After Tuesday’s high drama, we’ve got another deciding set on our hands. Zheng needs to get a game on the board, and she does so by holding to 15.

Rybakina breaks: Zheng 6-3, 1-5 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

So Rybakina holds on to her break – and is pushing and probing for a double break at 15-30 on Zheng’s serve. The pair trade a few moon balls before Rybakina injects more power and elicits the error. 15-40. Zheng finds a big first serve when it matters to fend off the first break point – before Rybakina strikes on the second, dealing with a net cord well to drill an unreturned forehand deep to Zheng’s left!

Second set: Zheng* 6-3, 1-4 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Perhaps I am jumping the gun, because Zheng has a break-back point at 30-40 after Rybakina misses five first serves in a row … but Zheng doesn’t take it. Rybakina is back in a serving groove as she takes a short, sharp point at deuce and then crunches down a serve that Zheng can only frame towards the stands.

Second set: Zheng 6-3, 1-3 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Alas, we won’t see another comeback from 5-0 down, because Zheng holds to love. Not getting too ahead of ourselves, but these two have already played two three-setters against each other this year, with Rybakina triumphing in both, on the clay in Madrid and the hard courts in Doha. But those were when Zheng was earlier in her return from elbow surgery. The former world No 4 has far more momentum on her side this time … but how much energy does she have left having played seven matches already as a qualifier?

Second set: Zheng* 6-3, 0-3 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

After their almost flawness numbers for the first half of the opening set, both players’ first-serve percentages has dropped below 50%. But Rybakina still finds a way to 40-15 in this game, before coughing up a third double fault and then balancing that out with an ace. Rybakina consolidates the break to lead 3-0 … but Zheng is probably enjoying this, hoping it’ll become 5-0 so she can do what she does best.

Rybakina breaks: Zheng 6-3, 0-2 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

I wonder if the fact that the world No 1 ranking is on the line today added to Rybakina’s agitation in that first set. As I said, it’s so unusual for her to show so much frustration on court. Zheng looks comfortable in this game at 40-15, but Rybakina comes back at her for deuce. Zheng is yet to be broken, but she’s having to work harder and harder for the holds, and it seems only a matter of time before Rybakina does secure a breakthrough. And it comes with a flat forehand bullet down the line … followed by another forehand winner, as Rybakina rips away the short ball! Game on.

Second set: Zheng* 6-3, 0-1 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Zheng is in slightly unfamiliar territory here, having been the frontrunner throughout so far, rather than having to pull off any escape acts from 5-0 down. But Rybakina is serving first in the second set, and she doesn’t mess around, whizzing through to love and pinging away two aces in the process.

Zheng grabs an energy drink, munches on a banana, before taking her leave and walking off court. Rybakina, meanwhile, having lost her first set this tournament, is having a heated discussion with her coach. She doesn’t seem to agree with what he’s telling her to do. But she wasn’t far off in that set; she had five break points in that final game after all.

The break means Zheng is serving for the first set … but her first serve deserts her. At 0-30 down she slides a timely second-serve ace out wide, but Rybakina pulls off the pass for two break-back points at 15-40. The first is fought off with an ace … and the second with a backhand bullet down the line! That was clutch hitting from Zheng. Deuce. Advantage Zheng, a first set point. Deuce, advantage Rybakina, a third BP. Deuce, advantage Rybakina, a fourth BP. My computer clearly can’t handle the pressure because it briefly freezes. When it starts behaving again, it’s BP No 5 … which Rybakina doesn’t take either …

Zheng breaks: Zheng* 5-3 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Rybakina has won every point when she’s landed her first serve (Zheng has won all but one), and that record continues on the opening point, before Rybakina’s rhythm stutters, party because of a missed drive volley, and soon it’s 30-all. Zheng then zooms forward to the short ball, having worked so hard to wrest control in the rally after a serve that put her on the back foot, and it’s the first break point of this quarter-final at 30-40! Zheng inexplicably misses a backhand return off a second serve … but quickly puts aside that setback to create another break point … and this one she takes when Rybakina snatches at a forehand! Rybakina, so peerless on serve during this tournament, has been broken!

First set: Zheng 4-3 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. A second successive hold to love for Zheng, as the servers’ supremacy continues. Over on Court 12, Britain’s Andy Lapthorne has lost 6-2, 6-1 in the quad wheelchair singles after a tough first-round draw against the top seed and winner of all three grand slams so far this year, Niels Vink.

First set: Zheng* 3-3 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

The early proof in this match – if we needed it after Zheng’s wins over Keys and Swiatek in the previous two rounds – is that the 23-year-old is most definitely back in the mix, after her elbow surgery last year. So that’s great news for the women’s game - which is already so stacked at the top. And with Sabalenka, Rybakina, Pegula, Gauff and Andreeva remaining in the running for the title in New York, the world’s top five are still standing, in contrast to the men, with only Zverev and Shelton left from the top 10. Rybakina holds to 15 to level once more.

First set: Zheng 3-2 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Zheng, now in the sun, puts Rybakina firmly in the shade as she zooms to 40-0. Make that game. Five games and no break points so far. Both are locked in on serve and, the way this opening set is going, it could well come down to just the one break – or a tie-break. Though they’ll be going some to match the drama of all of yesterday’s breakers.

First set: Zheng* 2-2 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Rybakina won 90% of her first-serve points in her 6-1, 6-4 demolition of Osaka and she’s yet to drop a point on serve in this quarter-final, gliding to 30-0. A netted forehand in response to Zheng’s return, however, ends the Russian-born Kazakhstani’s perfect record … and perhaps that’s on her mind on the next point, because she throws in her first double fault. Zheng can’t capitalise on the 30-all opportunity, conceding the rally cheaply when she blinks on her backhand, and another errant strike beyond the baseline allows Rybakina to hold.

First set: Zheng 2-1 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Rybakina possesses the superior serve – it’s arguably the best in the business – but Zheng can match Rybakina’s easy power from the back of the court, which she does to get to 40-15. With Zheng’s half of the court entirely in the shade and Rybakina’s in the sun, it’s hard to follow the course of the ball on television, but no such problems for Zheng on court, as she asserts her authority from deuce for another hold.

First set: Zheng* 1-1 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Zheng shaded the support in the opening game; the Chinese player is so popular wherever she goes. So the crowd is a little quieter as Rybakina races through her first service game to love. Both these players are used to the big stage and they’ve settled in quickly here.

First set: Zheng 1-0 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

There are no signs of any early stage fright from Zheng – who’s appearing in her third consecutive US Open quarter-final (surprisingly it’s a first for Rybakina) – as she zips to 30-0 on serve. She’s then smart to Rybakina’s short, angled backhand on the third point … as she sprints forward and dispatches a backhand winner down the line. And she claims an assured opening hold to love when Rybakina rams a forehand just long.

Rybakina made quite a statement in the last 16 too, when she was virtually flawless against Naomi Osaka, and she has the double motivation today of wanting to break new ground by reaching the US Open semi-finals and securing the world No 1 ranking. Beat Zheng and Rybakina is guaranteed to knock Aryna Sabalenka off the summit and claim the top spot for the first time in her career.

Rybakina has won four of her five meetings with Zheng, including two three-set victories this year. But Zheng was earlier in her comeback from elbow surgery then, the 2024 Olympic champion is a totally different proposition now, carrying the momentum of seven successive match wins in New York having come through qualifying - and the belief she can turn around any deficit after coming from 5-0 down in sets against both Madison Keys in the third round and Iga Swiatek in the last 16.

Here come Zheng and Rybakina, Zheng stepping on to court wearing headphones, not that there’s much noise to drown out yet at 11.35am New York time. Both already look extremely focused with their game faces on.

Already today: Britain’s Gregory Slade and Andy Lapthorne are under way in the wheelchair quad singles first round, with Slade an early break down, 2-0, against Argentina’s Gonzalo Lazarte and Lapthorne on serve at 2-2 against the top seed Niels Vink. Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid play later, as do several Brits in the men’s doubles: Henry Patten with Finland’s Harri Heliovaara (the Wimbledon champs), Joe Salisbury with the American Rajeev Ram, and Neal Skupski with another American, Christian Harrison. And Skupski (last year’s runner-up) and Harrison get to close the schedule on Arthur Ashe tonight.

Plus yesterday’s other reports:

And Andrew Lawrence’s view from Flushing Meadows too:

Here’s Tumaini’s take on the match, which he probably wrote with matchsticks propping up his eyelids:

As for Shelton, the greatest win of his career leaves him with a semi-final against his friend/Big Foe. If he can recharge for Friday - and it’s a big if - he has the weapons to outgun Tiafoe, with an American finalist guaranteed. Come Sunday, perhaps we’ll even stop talking about Andy Roddick in 2003 and that Great American Drought for the men.

So where does Alcaraz’s dethroning leave him? Given it was his first tournament in four and a half months, and he was able to play without any pain in his right wrist, he’s still viewing it as a successful fortnight that he can build on. “As I said before the tournament, my expectation was to go there, compete, play in these kind of matches for me being healthy,” he said after his defeat. “It was close. So I’m not going to be disappointed about don’t getting the win at the end. I’m just happy, proud about myself, about how I fought. I leave the court with a smile, healthy, and this is what I needed.” And that’s good news for tennis - because it just hasn’t been the same without him this summer.