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Live Coverage: US Open - Day Eight - Andy Murray vs. Kevin Anderson

Sports Mole provides live text coverage of the US Open on day eight at Flushing Meadows.
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Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole live text coverage of the US Open on day eight at Flushing Meadows in New York.

Andy Murray will continue his campaign for a third Grand-Slam title when he takes on Kevin Anderson in the fourth round on the Louis Armstrong court at around 8pm.

Also vying for a quarter-final spot is five-time champion Roger Federer and fifth seed Stanislas Wawrinka, while Johanna Konta will aim to keep British hopes alive when she takes on Petra Kvitova in the Arthur Ashe stadium later this evening.

Keep track of all of today's action in the updates below.


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Good afternoon everyone! We're into the final 16 of the US Open, and all of the tournament's quarter-finalists will be decided today. The biggest draw (for the Brits anyway) is Andy Murray's clash against Kevin Anderson. The Scotsman won this tournament in 2012, but is yet to add a second US Open title to his list of achievements. He is four wins away from getting his hands on the trophy, but he'll need to get past the tall South African first.

The other British contingent in this Grand Slam is on the women's side - Johanna Konta will face Petra Kvitova this evening and this is arguably the Brit's biggest test yet as her opponent is seeded fifth and is yet to drop a set in this tournament.

Today, New York will also see Roger Federer take to the court as he takes on John Isner, while his Swiss countryman Stanislas Wawrinka will go head to head with home favourite Donald Young at around 6pm.

Half of the quarter-final draw has already been made following yesterday's action, so let's give you a list of the match-ups so far.

Novak Djokovic vs. Feliciano Lopez
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Marin Cilic
Kristina Mladenovic vs. Roberta Vinci
Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams (the most exciting draw so far!!)


We will keep you updated with all of the scores on this blog, but you can also have one eye on our live scores page, which can be found here.

First up is the fourth-round tie between Varvara Lepchenko and two-time finalist Victoria Azarenka. Just to give you a bit of background - Azarenka leads the head to heads 3-1, so she enters this match on Arthur Ashe as favourite to win, but she is the 20th seed, which is the lowest that she has been since 2008.

Both players are just about to emerge onto court, but a TV reporter managed to grab a quick word with them. Understandably, neither seem to be very chatty! Lepchenko said: "I need to focus on myself and focus on my game." Azarenka perhaps a little more conversational... The Belarusian said: "All I want to do is fight hard and enjoy myself. I love the competition and I love the game - I'm here for the love of the game and I can't wait to be out there."

So, we will begin our first in-depth coverage of the day with Lepchenko vs. Azarenka. It's 11.15am in New York and it's already swelteringly hot. We've already seen a few players struggle with these conditions, but both players seem in the zone, so hopefully neither will be too affected by the heat.

As mentioned, Azarenka is the favourite to win today, but Lepchenko will be boosted by the fact that she has surpassed her best finish at the US Open. Prior to this tournament, the American had not got past the third round, so she is having a decent campaign, but this she is yet to meet a seed, until today.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates match point against Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium during their Women's Singles Second Round match on Day Four of the 2015 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2015© Getty Images


Right, here we go. Lepchenko to serve first...

Lepchenko had an early test having to serve with the sun in her eyes, but she managed to force Azarenka to hit long to go 15-0. After clattering the ball into the net twice, Lepchenko relinquished her lead, but with a perfect double-handed backhand up the line, the American equalled on 30-30. A strong forehand resulted in a good hold for Lepchenko.

It's Azarenka's turn to serve with the bright sun facing her, but it doesn't look like it bothers her as she races to a 30-0 lead. Lepchenko's strong backhand return down the line keeps her in the match, and Azarenka struggles to impose herself as she hits long, but a swinging volley forces Lepchenko to knock the ball wide. The American drives to the net looking for a smash, but she hits the ball into the net off her opponent's return.

BREAK! A lovely strike from Azarenka sends the ball down the line, leaving Lepchenko off balance, and takes a 30-15 lead on the American's serve. Lepchenko seems to be affected as she serves into the net to give her opponent break point. The America responds with a powerful serve, which forces Azarenka to smash the ball into the net, and Lepchenko follows it up with a heavy forehand from the net to move the game into deuce. However, after hitting the net and sending the ball long, Azarenka is able to break.

Playing deep behind the baseline, Azarenka hits long and she challenges an out-call, but hawk-eye proves that the ball was nowhere near inside the line. A wasted challenge from the Belarusian, and she's damaged further when Lepchenko whips a backhand return to go 30-15 up. Azarenka responds though, as she forces her opponent to smash into the net and moves into a 40-30 lead with her first ace of the match before wrapping up the game.

Lepchenko takes the aggressive approach as she leads Azarenka back and forth across the court to take a 30-0 lead, but the Belarusian steps up as she moves towards the net and gains a point with a left-handed forehand. Lepchenko is able to hold though, as her serve forces Azarenka to hit the ball into the net.

Lepchenko drives to the net early with a volley, but Azarenka tracks her movements and is able to strike the ball past her opponent to gain the first point. Lepchenko challenges an out-call, but it's proven that it was the right call and she fails to get a point. Azarenka yells "come on!" to the crowd as she extends her lead.

A huge second serve from Lepchenko gives the American a 30-0 lead, with Azarenka struggling to see the back of the court with the sun in her eyes. Lepchenko makes the most of it as she drives to the net and sends a double-handed backhand down the line, which her opponent fails to reach. Azarenka responds with a similar shot of her own to get a point on the board, but Lepchenko is able to see out the game.

Azarenka kicks off the game with a strong first serve, and follows that up with another as Lepchenko fails to respond. The Belarusian races to a 40-0 lead, but Lepchenko manages to frustrate Azarenka by sending two shots down the line before snatching a point. The two-time finalist is able to hold though, as she grabs a winner down the line.

SET! It's a poor start to the game as Lepchenko commits her second double fault of the match, and she hits long on the next point to give Azarenka a 30-0 lead. Azarenka looks to have won the next point with a swift backhand, but Lepchenko hooks the ball up the line with a terrific shot, which Azarenka applauds. The Belarusian is on set point and she manages to claim it with a forehand shot to the corner of the court.

So, 20th seed Azarenka takes a one-set lead on Arthur Ashe with two breaks and 29 points overall. She's avoided double faults so far, whereas her opponent made two in the first set.

BREAK! Lepchenko sends a lovely backhand up the line before forcing Azarenka to hit long. With a 30-15 lead on Azarenka's serve, Lepchenko tries to answer a well-disguised drop shot from her opponent, but she hits the ball out. After a short rally, Lepchenko goes long, but she responds to win the next point and take the game to deuce. A fantastic backhand from Lepchenko leaves Azarenka chasing the ball, and the American is able to grab her first break of the match.

BREAK! A great start for Lepchenko as she forces Azarenka to return the ball straight into the net, but the Belarusian hits back with a tight shot up the line. Azarenka comes to the net with a powerful forehand, which Lepchenko can only send the ball out in response. The former US Open finalist uses her aggression to give herself a break-point chance, which she is able to take. You feel as though Lepchenko will have to find another gear to cause an upset today.

Azarenka makes her first double fault of the match, but she responds with a forehand drive to give herself a 30-15 lead. She allows Lepchenko back into the game by sending the ball long and she just hits the ball wide on the next point to give the American another chance to break. Lepchenko is unable to take advantage as her shot down the line falls out and Azarenka eventually holds.

After taking 20 minutes to play the first three games of the second set, Lepchenko moves quickly as she drives to the net and sends a decent forehand across. Great placement on the next serve from Lepchenko results in a 30-0 lead, but she is maybe too aggressive as she goes for another shot down the line and misses. Lepchenko challenges an in-call, but hawk-eye shows that the call was good. Despite allowing Azarenka back into the game at deuce, the American is able to hold.

Another challenge from Lepchenko as she believes that Azarenka's serve was wrongfully called in, but it goes against her. With just one challenge remaining, the American decides to take it after the umpire called out her shot, and she was right to do so. Azarenka gets an ace, but Lepchenko challenges AGAIN, and hawk-eye shows that the Belarusian's shot was actually out. With the game at 30-15 in Azarenka's favour, Lepchenko fails with a backhand stroke as she clatters the ball into the net, and Azarenka responds with a powerful shot down the line.

Lepchenko has displayed some decent movement and aggression today, and while she has earned a break in this set, she seems to be struggling to see it through when opportunities come her way.

It's a challenge from Azarenka this time as her shot was called out, but it was the right call as the ball was nowhere near the line. After a decent second serve, Lepchenko lets herself down by sending an across-court shot long. With the game nicely poised at 30-30, the American gets the fans on her side with an ace and then picks up another point to hold serve.

A great serve from Azarenka forces Lepchenko to whack the ball straight into the net, and she eases to a 40-0 lead with two more well-placed first serves, which the American cannot respond to. Lepchenko's return goes long and the Belarusian moves into the lead.

BREAK! Lepchenko, serving with the new balls, loses the first point, but responds by whipping a forehand across the court. She drives to the net, but Azarenka sweeps the ball past her opponent to take a 30-15 lead. Lepchenko pulls it back to 30-30 and a frustrated Azarenka gets another challenge wrong as the American takes a 40-30 lead. The Belarusian desperately tries to get the break as she sends Lepchenko running from the left side to the right side of the court with swift shots. After taking it to deuce, Azarenka calmly strokes the ball into the open court with Lepchenko nowhere near to return, but the American is able to bring the game back down to deuce. Lepchenko then goes long twice to gift Azarenka a break point. The Belarusian will serve for the match...

BREAK! Azarenka is in sight of glory, but Lepchenko gets back into the game at 30-30. A strong forehand return from Lepchenko forces Azarenka to send the ball clattering into the net, giving the American break point. Azarenka gets some luck though as Lepchenko's shot clips the net and bounces back onto her side of the court. After whacking a double-handed backhand into the net, Azarenka opens the door for her opponent to break, and she is able to do so as the Belarusian hits the net again.

GAME, SET & MATCH! Victoria Azarenka is through to the quarter-finals of the US Open with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Varvara Lepchenko!

A fantastic forehand point from Azarenka gives her the edge in Lepchenko's service game, and the American struggles to respond as she fails to send the ball over the net. Lepchenko pulls a point back to put the game at 30-15 and she receives a roar from the crowd with a cross-court forehand. Azarenka powers into match point as Lepchenko hits the ball long and the Belarusian is able to wrap up the match with terrific forehand.


So, there we have it. Azarenka will fight for a place in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, and she will take on either Sabine Lisicki or Simona Halep, who will go head to head later on today.

Next up on Arthur Ashe is Stanislas Wawrinka vs. Donald Young! This match is evenly poised given that the pair have only played each other twice before and they have one victory apiece. Interestingly, Young defeated Wawrinka at the US Open in 2011, but in the same year, the Swiss pro executed a win over the American in the Shanghai Masters.

Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland reacts during his Men's Singles Second Round match against Hyeon Chung of Korea on Day Four of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2015© Getty Images


In the lead up to this fourth-round match, Wawrinka has secured straight-set wins over Albert Ramos, Hyeon Chung and Ruben Bemelmans. On paper, you would assume that the victories were rather routine, but Wawrinka has been made to work hard for these results. He has played five tie-breaks in nine sets, so Young will probably feel that he can cause an upset, particularly with the home crowd behind him.

It was an eventful opening week for Young as he was forced to come from two sets down twice. The first was against Gilles Simon and the second was in his third-round contest against Viktor Troicki. In between those matches, Young managed to see off Britain's Aljaz Bedene in four sets.

Donald Young of the US reacts to winning a point against Gilles Simon of France during their Men's Singles round 1 match at the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 1, 2015© Getty Images


If you want to catch up on how Azarenka sealed a straight-sets victory over Lepchenko, click here for our match report.

Both Wawrinka and Young are out on the Arthur Ashe court with the sun beaming down. They'll go through their warm-ups and then they'll be ready to play!

Just to let you know, that should Wawrinka and Young still be playing when Andy Murray's fourth-round match against Kevin Anderson begins, we will be switching to an in-depth coverage of the Brit's contest. Don't worry though, we will let you know how the match on Arthur Ashe is getting on.

Right, we're ready to go! FYI, the winner of this match will face Murray or Anderson. Young to serve...

Wawrinka fails with a backhand slice as the ball crashes into the net, resulting in Young taking a 30-15 lead on serve. The American forces his opponent to hit the ball into the net again, and he's off the mark.

The Swiss gets his first ace of the game to take a 30-0 lead, but Young sends Wawrinka out wide and drives to the net to secure a decent volley. It doesn't trouble Wawrinka though as he flicks the ball past Young to hold serve.

BREAK! While standing deep behind the baseline, Wawrinka beats Young with a great backhand shot, and then mirrors the shot to earn a 30-0 lead. The two-time Grand-Slam champion eases to break point and converts when Young hits his shot long. Perfect start for Wawrinka.

Young gets some early encouragement from the crowd to help prevent the American falling away in these early stages. He gets some luck when Wawrinka makes a couple of unforced errors to give his opponent a 30-15 lead, but the Swiss responds with a left-handed forehand. He struggles to progress as Young moves into break point, but once again, Wawrinka grabs a vital point to bring the game to deuce. A shot down the line doesn't come off for the Swiss, but he gets a second chance to get it right, and he does to gain the advantage. After dropping to deuce again, Wawrinka eventually sees out the match.

The crowd cheer for Young as he opens his service game with an ace. The American doubles his lead, but then fails to get the ball over the net, giving Wawrinka some hope of another break. However, Young is able to hold after Wawrinka's shot down the line falls just out.

Young gets the edge early on Wawrinka's serve as the Swiss sends the ball long, but he responds by driving to the line and sending an overhead shot hammering onto the court. Young moves ahead 30-15 when Wawrinka's right-handed stroke fails to get over the net. The French Open champion uses his first challenge when he ball is called out, but it was the right call. Despite that, Wawrinka is eventually able to hold.

An ace and strong first serve gives Young a swift 30-0 lead, and after a decent rally, Wawrinka hits the ball long, pushing the American into a 40-0 lead. It ends up being a positive game for Young as he holds serve without conceding a point.

Wawrinka looks comfortable as he grabs two swift points and then two aces to hold serve on Arthur Ashe. Young has so far struggled to knock the ball low enough to put Wawrinka off balance.

Young goes on the attack as he attempts a low shot, but the ball clatters into the net and as Wawrinka returns, the American cannot control the ball and he loses the point. Young relinquishes his 30-15 lead by overhitting the ball, but he is able to respond to Wawrinka's slice with a back-swinging drop shot. Young thinks he's taken the game with an ace, but Wawrinka's challenge goes in the Swiss pro's favour. It doesn't so much to change the game though as Young holds on the next point.

SET! It's easy for Wawrinka as he races into a 40-0 lead after Young's backhand return fails to handle the first serve of the Swiss. The power on his serve troubles the American again as the 2013 semi-finalist grabs a comfortable one-set lead.

Young needs to step up in order to pose a challenge, and the American is able to start the first set with a 30-0 lead as Wawrinka hits the ball long on two occasions. Young eventually holds with a perfect ace.

Wawrinka seems to be very much in his stride as he eases to an opening point, but Young shows good awareness as he sends the ball past Wawrinka once the Swiss comes to the net. Wawrinka bounces back with a powerful forehand and an ace before wrapping up the match.

Young does well on his first serve as he gains a 30-0 advantage, and a shot down the line doesn't come off for Wawrinka on the next point. The American holds to love after his opponent's attempt fails to get over the net. Young may be a set down, but Wawrinka has only created one break-point against his competitor.

BREAK! A wayward right-handed backhand from Wawrinka gives Young the first point on the Swiss' serve. The American attempts to send the ball down the line, but he fails to get composure on the ball following Wawrinka's power and it goes long. Young gets some hope as Wawrinka misses his shot, and the cheers ring around the stadium as the American favourite gets a break point, which he is able to convert.

The momentum is with Young as he moves up to the net and earns a point with an overhead shot, but there's a brief delay as Wawrinka replaces his racquet after smashing it on the ground. Young loses his lead as he whacks the ball into the net, but Wawrinka's backhand goes wide and the American is able to consolidate his lead. What a turnaround!

BREAK! Wawrinka seems a little shaken as he knocks his backhand shot out, but he does better on the next point as Young gets nowhere near the ball to return. The American gets another break-point chance when Wawrinka sends the ball into the net, and he manages to convert as the Swiss' backhand clips the net and bounces back onto his side of the court. Young will serve for the second set...

SET! Wawrinka makes a 28th unforced error to gift Young a 30-0 lead. The Swiss is fading fast as he hits another backhand long, but he's given a slice of hope when the American misses his attempted forehand down the line. The hope is dashed quickly though, as Young holds to level on sets.

What a turnaround for Young! Wawrinka was dominating in the first set, but the Swiss only managed to get one game on the board in the second set. As we mentioned earlier, Wawrinka has been forced to battle through these games at Flushing Meadows, so can he respond?

It's not the greatest of starts for Wawrinka in this third set as he makes another unforced error, but he relies on his serve to move into a 40-15 lead. His left-handed backhand fails to get over the net, but he eventually holds by whipping a forehand across court.

BREAK! Young drives towards the net and gets his opening point with a smash, but Wawrinka responds with a smash of his own after sending Young back and forth across court. Wawrinka tries to gee himself up when he manages to sends his backhand shot past Young, and he eventually creates a break-point opportunity, which he takes when his American opponent hits the ball into the net.

Wawrinka regains composure as he gains two quick points on serve. He goes for a serve and volley, and his low shot is blocked by the net. Wawrinka goes for the same approach, but Young gets the better of him to pull the game back to 30-30. The Swiss pro responds with a smash and he eventually holds as his opponent cannot get his attempt over the net.

BREAK! Young tries to get himself back into the set, but his touch at the net lets him down and Wawrinka goes 30-0 up on the American's serve. Young tries to match Wawrinka's power, but he overhits the shot and Wawrinka seals the break when the home favourite hits the ball into the net.

Wawrinka is fully in control of this set as he sends a great strike down the line to give himself a 30-0 lead. Young gets some luck when his opponent hits the ball long, but the American is unable to turn this game around as an ace and powerful forehand from Wawrinka seals the game.

After going 30-0 up on serve, Young failed to return a powerful backhand from Wawrinka, but that was the only joy that the Swiss got from the game as he missed his backhand down the line and Young gets a game on the board. Wawrinka will serve for the set...

BREAK! An overhead strike at the net earns a decent point for Wawrinka, but Young manages to move ahead to 30-15 when the Swiss sends the ball wide in an attempt to hit it down the line. A competitive rally results in Young earning a break-point chance when Wawrinka fails to return his backhand at the net, and he converts when his opponent's shot goes long. Is there a comeback on the cards?

He's been full of unforced errors today, but Wawrinka administers a terrific backhand that Young can only watch whizz past him. Despite that, the games goes to Young as Wawrinka lets himself down when his shot goes long.

SET! Wawrinka takes a 2-1 lead on Arthur Ashe. It's a frustrating game for Young as as Wawrinka eases to a 30-0 lead and the American's wayward return goes out, leaving the Swiss with set point. The two-time sees it home with a trademark backhand that Young gets nowhere near.

Right, it's time for me to leave you in the hands of my colleague Christopher Dodd, who will take you through today's play, including Murray's clash against Anderson. Enjoy!

BREAK! Thank you, Danielle... Wawrinka is starting to bully this game a little and he comes up strong in the first game of the fourth. A perfect volley moves Big Stan 30-15 ahead, before he wraps things up with a standout return game to take make the break at the first time of asking.

Pure power now from Wawrinka who responds to going a point down by throwing the biggest of forehands down the line with no reply from Young. It's soon 30-15 following more strength on the attack, leaving an ace to put Stan in total control on his own hold. He wraps it up with yet another ace to make it 2-0. He's breezing now...

Young really does not seem to have much of a reply, this time as Wawrinka forces an error on his return. Perfect storming of the net from Young gives him a chance at 15-15, but Stan comes back once more with good placement to see his opponent cut poorly wide. Shouts ring around the ground from Young after he pulls level by forcing Wawrinka into the net at 30-30. Stan looks to take control again, but his strong backhand flies long, leaving Young to hold when Wawrinka plants another return beyond the baseline.

Formidable striking and placement from Wawrinka allows him to power into a 15-0, but his next return is poor and finds the mesh to level the scores. Young gets his feet a little wrong next up, leaving his return to spoon wide of the lines. Wawrinka capitalises on the slip up to eventually finish off the game with a cheeky backhand volley over the net.

Back on his own game, Young serves well before striking a clever forehand across the court to cut Wawrinka cold at 30-0. Young pushes Stan back into deep territory, and the Swiss cannot find his range with a long error. A forehand forced error completes the game and Young holds again, although he has still got a lot of work to do in order to save this game.

Not the start Wawrinka had planned as he spoons his third ball long to give Young a lead, but he responds with the most brutal of smashes to counter a lobbed return. Stan moves ahead with an adroit forehand, before rushing too early and allowing Young to send a winner down the line. A service winner moves the big man back ahead, and he finally completes the hold when Young is unable to return on the forehand from deep. Great serve and volley work there!

Errors from both men move the scores to 15-15 on Young's service, before some generous backhand work from Wawrinka gives Young another point. Another backhand error puts the American in a controlling position. Wawrinka throws another return long to allow Young to close out another hold. He's still a break down, though.

Stan opens the game up with a wonderful winner on the forehand that leaves Young scrambling to make ground in the corner, but the American responds to do exactly the same to his Swiss opponent by forcing him into an error in the corner. Wawrinka is unmoved, however, and delivers a beautiful ace to go in front. Some neat work at the net sets up an easy hold, which Wawrinka completes when Young is unable to return on the service with his backhand.

Not the best of returns from Wawrinka, who slips 40-0 behind after a trio of dodgy shots on the forehand. Young completes the hold after a double fault with a memorable ace to seal the game. Wawrinka is now serving for the match!

GAME, SET & MATCH! Young gets a little lucky early on with some help from the net, only for Wawrinka's class to shine through with a bullet of a forehand followed by a charge at the net to level the scores. Next up is a destructive forehand down the line, which is then followed up by a Young error to move Stan to within a point of victory. Wawrinka finally seals the game after a wide error by producing the deftest of backhand volley winners over the net.

Young showed glimpses of class in that game, but Stan was ultimately too powerful for the American. You can read our full report from that contest right here.

With that win, Wawrinka now moves into the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows. The number five seed will face either Andy Murray or Kevin Anderson, who are due to do battle a little later this evening.

Before that game gets underway, a conclusion will need to have been reached between Sabine Lisicki and Simona Halep. The world number two originally went a set down to her opponent, but the Romanian has just battled back to take the game into a final set despite seemingly suffering from an injury. We will bring you all the news from that contest as we get it.

Feliciano Lopez secured progress into his first ever quarter-final game at the Open with victory over Fabio Fognini in the fourth round. Lopez will be facing world number one Novak Djokovic in that last-eight fixture, and the Spaniard has insisted that he is planning to play an aggressive game against the Serbian superstar.

Victoria Azarenka established a place in the quarter-finals a little earlier today as she battled her to brush past American Varvara Lepchenko in the fourth round. Azarenka has since stated that she felt that she had to remain forceful in order to secure progression.

Australian former US Open winner Sam Stosur will be in action later on this evening. The 31-year-old, who won her title back in 2011, has revealed that her victory at Flushing Meadows that year has given her confidence going into the contest this time around. You can read what she has had to say about her looming clash with Flavia Pennetta here.

We will all be looking forward to that much talked about quarter-final clash between Serena and Venus Williams. Serena has today been casting some more light on the sisters' special rivalry.

Over at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, a really painful game between Lisicki and Halep continues to roll on. Both of the players are finding it hard to move around the court, let alone deliver much on their service games. As it stands, they have both held over the course of the final set, with Halep currently leading 3-2.

There has been some positive news for Great Britain in the girls' draw, where Emily Arbuthnott has beaten Ingrid Neel over three sets to reach the second round of the singles. You can read a full report from that game here.

Both women competing on Louis have had to dig deep, but it looks Halep might just win out. The world number two has broken and held to take a 5-2 lead in the final set. The Romanian is now looking to break again to take the game, or concede and close out victory back on her own service.

RESULT! So Halep does it at the first time of asking by taking her second break in the third and decisive set. The Romanian will now compete in her first quarter-final at the US Open. Both players have to be applauded for that mammoth game in intense heat, with each of the competitors evidently having to deal with fatigue and injury in the latter stages of the contest.

Following her victory, Halep will now be taking on Victoria Azarenka in the quarters. Next up for us is Murray's clash with Anderson, which we will be giving you a full game-by-game commentary of just as soon as it gets started...

If you would like to catch up on our full match report of Halep's gruelling victory, you can find it right here.

Djokovic has also beens speaking about his coming quarter-final clash with underdog Lopez. The Serbian star has talked up his opponent's strength ahead of their contest.

So Murray and Anderson are now out at the Louis Armstrong as they prepare to begin their warmups. This pair are going to have to deal with some heat tonight, but Murray might also be helped out by a bit of breeze that could cause problems for Anderson's big serve.

Murray will be hoping that he can progress into the quarter-finals today, where he was eventually knocked out last year. Andy won this tournament back in 2012 and will be chomping at the bit to add to his silverware at Flushing Meadows.

Murray had to battle with illness earlier in the tournament, but reinstated his mark on the competition following a comfortable win over Thomaz Bellucci in the third round.

Just as a reminder while we wait the start of this game, the winner of this clash will meet Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarters. Here we go then, Murray to serve first!

Murray opens up with a pinpoint ace to take the lead, but cannot follow it up when Anderson smashes his winner over the net. More strong ace work sees Murray go 30-15 in front, before Anderson drags wide to put the Scot in control. Murray eventually completes an opening hold with his third ace of the game.

Anderson shows his muscle first up with an opening ace of his own, and Murray is second best to the next service as he returns into the net. Andy comes back strong by opening up an error from the South African. Clever cutting from Murray then sees him pull level at 30-30, but Anderson's service is too good again as Murray slips back in behind. Anderson holds when Murray pushes his forehand into the mesh.

Murray opens back up again with ace, before a couple of errors give the Scot a commanding lead at 40-15. Murray seals the game with a service winner that sees Anderson scrambling before splicing into the crowd at full stretch.

Anderson goes for the rush and chip over the net, only to send his shot wide of the lines. His next third-ball shot goes long out the back to give Murray a 30-0 lead, with the world number three then succumbing to a pump down the line at 30-15. Anderson soon advances towards the net to smash a bruising forehand across the court to pull level, but then tries the same shot again before failing to give Murray break point. The Scot cannot take it as Anderson's service is far too strong. The big man follows up with an ace to move into advantage only for Murray to battle back to deuce. After continued bouts at deuce, Anderson eventually holds as Murray comes up short into the net.

Pure brilliance on the forehand sees Murray pull the ball across the court to move in front at 15-0. Anderson responds with a cross-court backhand winner that has Murray looking perplexed. Strong tennis on the backhand soon sees Murray march ahead into a 40-30 lead, with an ace completing the hold.

Anderson looks as strong as ever on his own service game, taking a 40-0 lead with three continuous aces. The South African completes his hold unchallenged when Murray returns a backhand into the net from deep.

Murray plays on the defence by instigating a rally, which Anderson loses before coming back to win with a smash at the net. Level at 15-15, Murray goes out ahead with a service winner and follows it up with a stunning ace to make it 40-15. Memorable backhand work from the baseline brings Anderson back into contention, but his opponent comes up with the hold as the South African pings long.

Pure power from Anderson who delivers an ace first ball. Murray gets a little unlucky with a shot into the net, and Anderson soon cuts through him again with another ace. The game passes in a flash when Anderson concludes with a punishing forehand down into the corner.

Two forced errors see the players level off Murray's serve, but the Scot comes good next up when Anderson chops into the net on his backhand. Murray then pulls off a smart shot to catch Anderson out as he looks to advance. The world number three holds when Anderson chips long down the line.

Adroit placement allows Anderson to find the corner at 15-0 and a big ace follows at 30-0. Murray hits back with a deep shot that sees Anderson's return hit the net. The South African is unmoved, however, and takes the game with a forehand and service winner.

Murray falters for the first time in the game off his own service as Anderson returns with brains to take a 30-0 advantage. Murray hits back with a booming backhand down the line to wrong-foot Anderson and eventually draws level with a smash winner. The Scot moves out in front and holds when Anderson fires two shots out of bounds.

Not the start that Anderson had hoped for as his third ball is sent wide, although he comes straight back into it by scooping over the net to reach parity at 15-15. Murray comes up short to give his opponent a smash winner over the net, before Anderson shows some great pickup work to move 40-15 in front with a pump down the line. Anderson holds when Murray's backhand fails. Tiebreak time!

Murray opens with service and his deep planning sees Anderson unable to return. Anderson comes straight back at his opponent with a bruising effort across the court. 1-1...

Murray shows a wonderful return down the line to see Anderson fail with his double-handed return. The Scot then double faults to make it 2-2.

Murray moves back to serve again without complaining and he forces Anderson into a forehand forced error. Murray's next return is long and out. We are level at 3-3 as the players change ends.

Anderson goes ahead this time with a forehand winner, but Murray bounces straight back with a standout backhand winner across the court after a length rally to make it 4-4. 29 shots played in that little standoff!

Murray moves back to serve only for his third shot to pop far too long. Anderson cannot capitalise as he sends his forehand return into the net. 5-5.

Huge half volley sees Anderson go ahead at 6-5, and Murray surrenders to his crushing forehand that sees the South African earn victory in the first set.

SET! Anderson takes the first major move forward in the game as the 29-year-old produces a perfect tiebreak game to stick close to Murray before pouncing at the vital moment. The pressure is hugely on Murray now...

Anderson goes straight back into his rhythm to open up with a telling shot to force a poor backhand from Murray. Britain's hopeful draws level when Anderson fails, but Murray comes up short once more to give the game back to his opponent. Anderson holds following two forced errors from Andy.

BREAK! Hmm, not the best start from Murray who finds himself 30-15 down following a poor scoop into the net. The Scot then double faults to hand Anderson break point, which he takes at the second time of asking when Murray whips a forehand long on the spin from the baseline.

Anderson is killing his service game at the moment, and he continues with dominant work to make it 30-15. An ace moves the scoreboard to 40-15 and he quickly concludes play when Murray throws another return into the net. Anderson is three up in the second set having taken the first in a tiebreak!

Anderson is seeing this like a football! He crunches a return back into the feet of Murray who has no answer at 15-0. Murray comes up short again at 30-0, but serves well next up to pull a point back in his favour. It's now Anderson's turn to fail leaving the scores to move back level. Murray looks to rush early and Anderson blips to fire long and give his man the chance to hold. Murray takes the game with a service winner.

Unstoppable tennis from Anderson... who moves to 40-15 with telling service and forehand work. Murray comes back into things with a smart return at 40-30, before his lowered-ranked opponent chokes his next one to bring parity. Deuce continues for a few plays with Anderson's first serve faltering, but he is able to hold following a volley winner and a Murray error. Andy is in a spot of bother in New York...

BREAK! Murray opens the scoring with a bullet down the line using his backhand, and it's soon 30-0 when he completes a service winner. Anderson seeks to go on the front foot, although he can only find the net at 40-0. Anderson comes back into the contest with some good reading of the game and he takes deuce with a huge forehand winner that travels deep into the corner. Wonderful net play from Anderson as he goes into the lead after a mammoth rally of the highest quality. The number 15-ranked player takes his second break with an unstoppable forehand. Wow...

BREAK! Murray can only react to this at the moment as Anderson continues with haymaker after haymaker on the attack. The Scot does not have a reply as it stands. A service winner moves the South African to 30-15, but Murray shows some slight signs of fight at 30-30. A pounding ace sets up set point, only for Andy to claw back to deuce. Murray then goes ahead with a backhand overhead drop shot at the net, but cannot quite take the game thanks to strong service from Anderson. Another break point is offered, which is accepted when Anderson sends one long. Britain's number one is doing all he can to hang on in there at the moment.

Despite his lead, Anderson takes up an argument with the umpire over the swapping of balls. You get the sense that he is still very tense despite the scoreboard being in his favour. Murray advances to 40-30 ahead off his own serve, and takes the eighth game when Anderson crunches into the middle.

SET! Ouch... Powerfull stuff from Anderson sees him reach a 30-0 lead off two strong serves as Murray has no response to his dominance from deep. Murray counters with a classy wrapped forehand that finds the back of the court, and he continues to pounce on some nervy shots to draw level at 40-40. Anderson takes the advantage when Murray is unable to return over the net, but back comes the Scot with clever return placements to bring about deuce. The game moves back in Anderson's favour when Murray goes beyond the baseline, and the set is over when the South African takes the game with his 12th ace.

BREAK! Anderson keeps Murray waiting for what seems like yonks during the break after the second set. Murray is seething, but can't make his aggression count as Anderson moves in front unchallenged at 40-0. Murray comes back into it at the net to make it 40-30. However, Anderson continues to produce shots from outer space to seal an early break. Murray is now swearing out loud in relation to having been made to wait. On that note, I'll now be handing you over to the venerable Shane Callaghan.

BREAK! Thanks Christopher. Good evening folks. There's no time for formalities because Murray breaks back straight back! Murray wins the first point, but Anderson comes back and a couple of aces take him 40-15 again. The Scot brings it back to deuce. Murray then forces a break point due to the South Afrian's double fault, and eventually levels up the third with his second break point. He needed that big style.

Don't go to bed yet folks because Murray is making a match of this. Is he ever. Anderson leads 30-15 at one point against the serve, but the Scot summons plenty of spirit again, serving two successive aces to move 40-30 ahead, before Anderson's over-hit return gave him the game.

BREAK! Massive from Murray, who had three break points there because Anderson's serving is gone a bit wayward. Just a bit. The Scot is being roared on by the fans here and it'll be difficult for Anderson. He's battling an angry Scotsman and a few thousand partisan Americans. Best of luck to him but this set already seems a like a write off.

BREAK! This set has had more breaks than Darren Anderton's football career and Rachel and Ross's relationship. An exhilerating rally sees Anderson hit the net, prompting a Murray fist-pump as he moves 30-15 up. The South Africa's brilliant winner just then saw Murray fail to return. The Scot is furious with himself now as he lets Anderson move 40-30 ahead, with break point, following an over-hit return. Another fine rally then saw Anderson edge it as Murray flung his racket away. Like a depressed man at a music festival, he's not a happy camper.

Anderson's ace, coupled with Murray's unforced error, see the big South African move 30-0 ahead. Another ace brings him to game point and Murray - who has no challenges left - is getting angrier and angrier. However, he's given a glimmer of hope when Anderson shanks a return, but Anderson takes the game point next. He's halfway to victory now. Murray needs a pep talk from the Dalai Lama or somebody because his temperament isn't the best right now.

Murray must be regretting those challenges - although he won on two of them - because Anderson has had a few dodgy shots there to move 30-15 ahead. An over-hit return from the big man restored parity. Murray serves an ace to move one point from a one-game lead, and follows it up with another! That'll settle him down a little.

An ace straight off the bat - his 16th of the match - helps Anderson into a 15-0 lead. Make that 17 actually as the big man serves up another stunner. Does Murray respond? We know he does! An excellent rally sees Murray win to reduce the deficit to 30-15, but a smash from Anderson takes him to within a point of the game. And it's easy from there. Good tennis.

Three dodgy returns from Anderson help Murray into a 40-0 lead, with three game points, but a double fault - his third of the match - gives Anderson a glimmer of hope, but that's all it is because the big man makes a hash of his return and it's Murray's game. Now he serves to stay in the set. Let's face it - being 2-1 up against a resurgent Murray, who has the crowd on his side, is NOT ideal for big Kev. I think he needs to wrap it up in three sets. Murray's a nuisance. Just ask Mannarino.

Nineteen big aces for Anderson now as he cruises 30-0 ahead on his serve. Murray, who changed his shirt from white to black, because the white one was drenched, comes back into the game with a superb winner. Anderson then mishits a return, but it luckily stays in play, and Murray lobs it out to concede the game. What a fine set so far.

Brilliant. Just brilliant from Murray, who executes a perfect forehand across the court to stupify Anderson and move 30-15 ahead. He's so unlucky here as he tries to lob Anderson, who was reminiscent of Peter Schmeichel when Philippe Albert lobbed him way back when, but it's called out! He makes amends then to move 40-30 ahead, and he serves out from there. Over to you Mr Anderson. I went all Hugo Weaving there.

Murray wins the first of four points needed to break and reduce the arrears in sets - and he's got thousands upon thousands people behind him; literally and emotionally. But Anderson serves another ace - his 103rd so far I think - and then goes 30-15 ahead when Murray loses a challenge. And what a rally here! Anderson's smash looks like going into the crowd, but Murray somehow returns, and then again with a cheeky lob, but Anderson's winner is just sublime. Top class and we've got a tiebreak!

Murray 1-0 Anderson: The Scot holds serve to draw first blood. This is tense. So tense.

Murray 1-1 Anderson: Fantastic ace from the big man to level up, and his capacity to hit ace after ace is such an advantage here.

Murray 2-1 Anderson: Murray breaks to go 2-1 ahead. Potentially huge moment in this tiebreak.

Murray 3-1 Anderson: Anderson's return is called out - he challenges, but it is out and Murray serves to go 4-1 up now!

Murray 4-1 Anderson: Brilliant from Murray and Anderson needs to sort himself out. Big time.

Murray 5-1 Anderson: You need a bit of luck in any sport, and Murray gets a huge slice of it as his return clips the top of the net and bounces into Anderson's half.

Murray 6-2 Anderson: Here we go. He'll wrap up the third set here.

SET! Murray reduces the deficit at 2-1 with an ace to win a very one-sided tiebreaker 7-2. You have to take your hat off to him.

The erratic Anderson serves his 19th ace, but then his sixth double fault to leave it at 15-15 in the first game of the fourth set, but a fabulous winner as a riposte to Murray's excellent drop shot restores the lead. Suddenly it's deuce as Anderson's serve deserts him again. Murray's unforced error then gives Anderson game point, and he makes no mistake.

These two aren't the only sporting heroes in the attendance. There's Frank Lampard, who is situated with Murray's camp, but we've also got Shooter McGavin in the house. The best golfer never to win a gold jacket?


Murray levels up instantly, pulling out a few aces en route to parity in a set he simply must win. And you wouldn't back against him. I'd liken him to that one zombie in Resident Evil who simply will not die.

Anderson barely breaks suit as he levels up, serving his 20th ace in the process and Murray needs a break somewhere down the line because, on that form, it's hard to see the big South African losing on his own serve.

Serious question: why do tennis players wear caps even when it's pitch black?

Sloppy from Murray, whose return is just right of the baseline and Anderson moves 15-0 up. Anderson then crushes a brilliant winner past Murray to go 30-15 ahead. He then eventually earns a break point, but another wild return takes us to deuce. Somehow the Scot then moves into the advantage when Anderson inexplicably left it in the belief that it was going out, but he salvages it in the next point with a superb drop shot. Who knew he had that in his locker? He then earns his second break point after a few deuces but it goes begging again after hitting the net. But Murray finally wins two on the spin and get over the line. That game was exhausting.

Couple of good points from Anderson has Murray running all over the course en route to a 30-15 lead. He closes out the game with a really good rally, giving Murray the eyes before putting it the other way. Good tennis from the big man.

Hard Days Night now echoes around the arena. Quite apt, considering this match is rapidly approaching the four-hour mark - and we'll probably need a fifth set.

Murray opens up by winning a decent rally with a smash and Anderson isn't bothered trying to reach it. And he's not bothering trying to reach this Murray drop shot either. He's clearly preserving his energy. Probably smart considering we're probably going to a fifth set as I said. Murray then moves 40-15 ahead when Anderson's return is too far and it's easy from there, winning the sixth game with an ace.

The big South African brings his aces total to, hmm, 23 by breezing through that seventh game. In the words of that scary-looking bloke from No Country for Old Men - call it! I can't. It's too close. I can see a fifth set.

Murray levels up the set with four successive points. Again, it's just too close.

Excellent work rate from Murray but Anderson has him running all over the place. He was halfway to New Jersey returning that - and for nothing as the big man casually taps over the net from close range en route to a 40-0 lead. An unforced error from Murray then gives the game to Anderson. The Scot now serving to stay in the competition!

The crowd is fully behind the Scot in his bid to save the match, and it works as Murray's excellent forehand makes it 15-0. Quite a lazy unforced error there from Anderson, coupled with an ace from Murray, helps the crowd favourite to the brink of the game and he makes no mistake.

Massive ace from Anderson opens up a 15-0 lead in a game he cannot lose. He then executes a slick volley, after Murray just wouldn't give up a shot that most would, to go 30-0 up. Murray wins one point back, but Anderson is too strong on his own serve and he easily moves 40-15 ahead. Then a nice little volley helps him move 6-5 ahead. Murray now serving to stay in the match. Again. Can he force and win a tiebreak? Again. Time will tell.

We asked why Anderson insists on wearing his cap at night time - and it's not even a nice cap. It's white and Lotto! He looks like he's just jumped out of the 90s.

Two abysmal returns from Murray's serve by Anderson allows the Scot move 30-0 ahead. But a fierce return then gives Anderson a glimmer of hope as the third seed strikes the net. And again! Wait a minute. All of a sudden it's 30-30. Murray then edges a pulsating rally and we're one point away from a tiebreak. Anderson needs three on the spin to win the match. And the Scot serves out an ace to take us into a tiebreak! Again. Huge.

Murray 0-1 Anderson. Big Anderson serve forces Murray to hit the net with his return. Plenty of tennis left to be played.

Murray 0-2 Anderson: Murray loses on his serve this time and Anderson definitely in the driving seat, with extra leg room. You know, because he's about eight foot tall.

Murray 0-3 Anderson: Murray has been superb but are we seeing the end of him in this US Open? It seems that way.

Murray 0-4 Anderson: This has been anti-climactic to say the least. Poor return from Murray, although he gets unlucky by hitting the top of the net.

Murray 0-5 Anderson: Wow. Just wow. A 25th ace from Anderson and, Murray's good, but he can't possibly come back from this, can he?

Murray 0-6 Anderson: Oh my word. This is a brilliant rally and Anderson has the midas touch at the moment, with Murray succumbing to an unforced error.

GAME, SET & MATCH! Anderson wins 7-0 in the fourth-set tiebreak to finally down Andy Murray and progress into the quarter-finals with a 6-7 3-6 7-6 6-7 Anderson victory. Brilliant performance from the big man.

It's double bad news for Britain, with Johanna Konta losing her fourth-round match to Petra Kvitova just moments ago. Find the report here!

If you don't particularly want to read over four hours and 18 minute's worth of updates then find our update here!

We don't have much of a layover because we're going straight into Roger Federer's fourth-round clash with big John Isner now. It's impossible not to like Rog, isn't it? I have a friend called Roger and I don't even refer to him as Rog. That's how much time I have for Federer. But he'll have to play well this morning because Isner, as we know, is no mug.

Tomas Berdych will also clash with Richard Gasquet, but we'll be focusing primarily on the other game.

It's 1-0 to Federer in the fashion stakes already. The Swiss emerges wearing white with pink trimming. It looks well.

Didn't take long, did it? Federer wins four successive points in quick succession to sweep aside his American counterpart in the very first game. Winning his own serve will be important this morning, because Isner is another monster of a man, with a sledgehammer of a serve and, well, Federer can't expect to break often.

As expected, Isner opens with a couple of ferocious serves to stun Federer, with another ace to move 40-15 ahead after Federer briefly got back in the game. He then hits an excellent winner, which the Swiss doesn't even bother trying to reach. We've got the makings of a very decent game.

Isner gets a bit of luck after his return clips the net and skims off Federer's half of the court to move 30-15 behind, but Federer comes back to restore the two-point lead. He got a bit cocky then with a needless volley that rippled the net, but Isner's poor return ensures that the Swiss holds.

Would you believe, Federer is probably the crowd favourite despite the fact that Isner is indeed an American. Federer levels up at 30-30 against the serve here with a superb backhand, but Isner wins two points on the spin to level up.

Against the serve, Isner hits a ferocious winner to stupify the Swiss, who wins the next two points to wrestle the impetus back in this fifth game, but a rare double fault brings us to deuce. After earning the advantage, though, Isner fires into the net and Federer just about holds. The Swiss was given a full demo of Isner's sheer power there. It's frightening.

What a brilliant winner this is from Federer, who has the crowd applauding with a fine return to level up at 15-15. Soon enough, Federer moves 40-15 ahead, with two break serves. Isner does well to save one, before serving an ace to save the other and bring us to deuce. A terrific backhand from Rog then gives him the advantage, but another break point goes to waste when Isner gets a ridiculous amount of spin on his close-range return; so much so that it lands on Federer's side and spins back over the net! From there, Isner does well to hold. Excellent game.

Excellent description of what we saw in that previous game.


We're still on serve as Federer rattles off four points like it's nobody's business to move 4-3 ahead. Cracking match so far. If anybody's going to break it seems like it's going to be Federer. He's come close - especially in the second last game - but Isner dug really deep.



Isner whips out another couple of aces to level up the first set at four games apiece. Not a bother to him. Ben Stiller and Ron Howard are in attendance here incidentally, but we had Frank Lampard and Shooter McGavin in the previous game. They can't compete.

No breaks as of yet and it's ridiculously easy for both to hold serve now. Federer rattles off four points in rapid-fire time to move 5-4 ahead and now Isner needs to maintain the stellar standard of servicing to save the first set. You don't particularly want to be trailing to Federer early on, do you? Me neither.

Isner challenges the call of out on Federer's return, and he's vindicated as he levels up with five games apiece. This is a cracker. So little to choose between them.

Federer's excellent return is hit long by Isner as the Swiss moves 40-15 ahead. A slip-up by Federer allows him back into the game, but a fine ace by the 17-time Grand Slam winner is enough. Still no break of serve.

Brilliant backhand by Isner has Federer sprinting at a pace to belie his 33 years, but his return ripples the net. The American then serves up a scintillating ace en route to a 30-0 lead as a tiebreak looks on the cards. However, Isner tried to be too clever in return and made a mess of it. And then again a moment later as showboating saw the American let Federer back into the game. But another big ace from Isner gives him game point, and it's easy from there. Well done Isner.

Isner 0-1 Federer: Fed holds serve to draw first blood.

Isner 0-2 Federer: Rog takes a 2-0 lead when Isner's ferocious return is too long. Well too long.

Isner 0-3 Federer: What a winner this is from Federer and the cream appears to be rising to the top.

Isner 0-5 Federer: The Swiss wins the last two to move within two points of a first-set lead. We saw Anderson beat Murray 7-0 in a tiebreak a little earlier. Could we see another whitewash?

Isner 0-6 Federer: One point from the whitewash. Federer has been superb in this tiebreaker. That's experience for you!

SET! Wow. Federer makes mince meat of the big American with a 7-0 win in the tiebreak to draw first blood in the match. Still, don't write off Isner just yet. We saw enough of him in that first set to suggest he can trouble the Swiss this morning.

How do you like those apples, says Isner. He didn't literally say that, but he did cruise into a 40-0 lead, before an excellent return saw Federer throw himself a lifeline, but it wouldn't stop Isner.

Still no break of serve in this one as Federer holds serve with consumate ease. We said how important a retained service game would be in this match, and neither player giving one another an inch as of yet.

Classy game here. More deuces than a smoothie bar. We had deuce on FIVE occasions after both player spurned a host of game and break points respectively, but Isner finally wins it, after about 10 minutes! Excellent, and he digs deep again. Federer has had about six break points in this match and won zero of them. That should put into context how much Isner is clinging on to his serve at times, but he's done well.

Incidentally, Tomas Berdych is a set up against Gasquet in the other game, having won the opener 6-2.

Now then. We look on course to see the first break of the match as Isner goes 30-0 up against the serve, before lashing a brilliant winner to earn THREE break points. Federer saves one of them. Make that two, with an excellent ace. Make that three! Isner returns Federer's into the net and we're back at deuce again. Ugh, but Federer holds brilliantly in the end. Huge bottle that.

We're getting closer to the first break a Federer goes 30-15 ahead, with Isner getting increasingly frustrated, but the American comes back brilliantly with two points on the spin, before serving out an ace to hold. Superb.

It would appear as if a man just proposed to his girlfriend during the break! Did she say yes? No? I'll put you out of your misery and confirm that she did indeed say yes. That's nice.

But on to more pressing issues now as Federer holds serve AGAIN to bring the set level at 3-3. Somebody is going to break but who? My money's on Isner. He doesn't seem to have the temperament. He's a ticking timebomb this morning.

Isner's serve really is something else. Federer just can't deal with at times and big pressure on the Swiss now. Failure to hold would see Isner go into the ninth game serving to level up the set - and you certainly would not back against him. First he has to break, and that's proving rather difficult so far.

Federer holds the first point in the game in superb fashion following a slick rally. Isner's drive is then too long as Rog moves 30-0 ahead and seemingly on course to level up the set at four games each. However, he lets Isner back in with a really poor return, but an ace restores the lead. Within about 30 seconds it's deuce, before Isner fluffs a break point, and it's key as Federer wins the next two points. Neither player is being given an inch.

Federer brings us back to 15-15 against the serve, but Isner cruises to the game from there and Fed now serving to save the second set. What a time this would be to break the Swiss.

SET! It's 1-1 in sets between Gasquet and Berdych now. Might we be 1-1 here too? I reckon so, but time will tell.

Isner's return is ridiculously long here as Federer moves 15-0 ahead, before serving a fine ace to double the lead. Isner then fires against the net and it seems like we're moments away from 5-5? Yep, Isner powers against the net once more. This is a brilliant match it really is.

A stupendous rally sees Federer win the first point against the serve. Some of Isner's returns have been horrendous, and another one here is way too long as Federer goes 30-0 ahead. He stops the rot with an excellent forearm smash across the cross, which Federer challenges and loses, before a 15th ace of the match pegs it back 30-30. He then digs deep to win the next, but then it's deuce as Federer threatens a break. Again. And fails. Again. Isner moves 6-5 ahead and Fed serving for the tiebreak now.

Isner moves 15-0 ahead but, true to form, Federers hit back in style, leading 30-15, but his forearm return is then too long as it offers Isner a route back into the game. However, two very slick points then bring us into another tiebreak! Incase you forgotten, Isner lost the first tiebreak 7-0!

Isner 1-0 Federer: Isner finally wins a point and that'll do him the world of good.

Isner 1-1 Federer: Brilliant from Federer, who tricks Isner with a slick ace.

Isner 2-2 Federer: Two more aces apiece bring us to 2-2. Call it! I can't. Too close.

Isner 3-2 Federer: Huge from Isner again and he's four points away from parity now.

Isner 4-2 Federer: Huge moment as Isner wins a challenge from his ace to close in on the set.

Isner 5-3 Federer: He's closing in on the set with a cool volley.

Isner 5-4 Federer: Excellent from Federer to throw himself a lifeline with a low drive.

Isner 5-5 Federer: All square as Isner slices out of bounds! Call it again folks.

Isner 5-6 Federer: He moves within one of the set! Where did this come from?

Isner 6-6 Federer: All square again. Just a reminder that the players must win by two.

Isner 6-7 Federer: Second set point by Federer - and now he has the serve!

SET! Isner cannot quite believe it! He was 5-3 up but Federer wins 8-6 and that, my friends, is why he has won 17 of these Grand Slams. Incredible.

You can't help but feel for Isner. He's playing his heart out this morning and it could quite easily be him leading 2-0 in sets, but Federer has a way of grinding out these sets. It's incredible it really is. Incidentally, we haven't seen Isner since the end of the second set. Federer's been waiting a good five minutes.

Federer looks angry over that wait and an angry Federer is a dangerous Federer. He pulls out some fine shots to lead 30-15, after Isner opened with a fine shot as well, before clinching the game with a sublime drop shot. It's exhibition stuff from the Swiss who isn't happy in the slightest.

Federer wins the opening point but Isner hits back as Federer strikes the net, and again just now to give the American a 30-15 lead en route to parity in the third set. And we're STILL waiting to see a break of serve. Incredible.

Fabulous cut return by Isner now to bring it back 15-15. An over-hit effort from Rog and there's a chance of a break finally, but Federer takes it back to 40-30 - and that's game! Federer holds and still no break. It's not going to happen, is it?

Brilliant rally - easily the best of the match - sees Federer running toward his own baseline as a hotdog looks in contetion, but he goes for a backward shot instead and Isner is on hand to tap it over the net from close range to move 40-15 up. Thrilling stuff as Isner levels.

Excellent backhand as Federer deceives Isner to win the first point of the fifth game, but Isner levels immediately. Two more points go the way of Federer - including an ace - and it's easy from there. 3-2 Rog. How he'd love to break here and then serve to go 5-2 up.

Gasquet 2-1 up in the other game now. The winner of that clash will face the winner of this in the quarters, by the way.

The big man kicks us off with a 17th ace to open the sixth game, before striking the net to leave it at 15-15. Federer's superb backhand causes the American to strike the net again, but it's 30-30 now as Isner approaches the net and catches Federer's return before it can do any real damage. 40-30 now, and that's enough as Federer's return is wide.

Brilliant from Federer, rattling off some four straight points to befuddle the American, who has no response. Still no break, which is incredible. There's between chances, with both earning five break points apiece at one stage, but it hasn't been enough.

Uh oh. Isner hits it long, with Federer pulling off a fine shot to then move 30-0 up. Could it be now? The elusive break of serve? It could be. Isner hits it long AGAIN and Federer has three break points. Isner saves one. Isner saves two. Isner saves three! That's EIGHT break points that he has saved in total. Incredible by Isner, who wins the next two as well and it's 4-4.

Isner now serving to save the match now. It couldn't be another tiebreak, could it? Well, three more games with serve and yep! If Federer is going to break at all, he'd love it to be now, wouldn't he?

Isner needs to stop trying to put too much power into his winners. He's done it again and Federer leads 15-0. Make that 30-0. Two points from victory. Isner pulls a point back. Make that three points back as he leads 40-30, before smashing home a winner and this one has the perfect trajectory. 5-5. Madness.

Meanwhile, Gasquet has just secured a 3-1 win in sets. We'll have that report shortly.

Federer is different class on his own serve. Isner just can't compete as the Swiss pulls out another ace to clinch the 11th game and lead 6-5. Tiebreak? Anyone?

BREAK AND GAME SET MATCH Is Isner finished in this? He's 30-0 behind in a game he needs to win? Make that 40-0 behind! But we've seen the big American claw back these break points before - but they're match points now! There's one. It's 40-15. But there's not a second one as Federer FINALLY breaks the Isner serve after the American's return was long and that's it!

The Swiss digs deep to pull a 7-6(0) 7-6(6) 7-5 win out of the bag and book a quarter-final spot with Richard Gasquet, who defeated Tomas Berdych in four sets a matter of minutes ago. Click HERE for our report on that baby. And click HERE for the report on Federer's triumph against Big John Isner.

Are we all tennis'd out? Good because that's your lot for day eight - but we're, like, 11 hours away from our day nine coverage so be sure to check back in with us then. Until then...

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Johanna Konta of Great Britain reacts against Louisa Chirico of the United States during their Women's Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 1, 2015
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