Nadal jumped on a second service at 75 km / h and then tears a winner who passes on the first point of the match. Then Schwartzman double-faults for love-30. Nadal then hits a forehand for a triple set point. Schwartzman records first, then survives Nadal at a rally of 15 shots to clear the second. Now a third set point and Nadal converts this time when the Argentinean sends him to the net.
Rafael Nadal strikes a setback against Diego Schwartzman in Wednesday's match. Photo: TPN / Getty Images
Second series: * Schwartzman 4-6, 5-6 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
The undersized Argentinean is struggling in grueling rallies, but Nadal is able to stabilize the ship despite the apparent disappearance of his forehand, punctuating a significant wait with ace of 106 mph. Schwartzman will serve to force an equal break after the volley change.
Second series: * Schwartzman 4-6, 4-5 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
Can you believe that? Schwartzman pushes Nadal to 30-all, then watch the failed Spaniard on a forehand then to the net for a break from service! He is back tied after two breakdowns for the second consecutive set. Can he save the break?
Second set: Schwartzman 4-6, 3-5 Nadal * (* indicates the following server)
Schwartzman runs up to four points in a row to seize love, including a 98 mph ace. Argentina will now try to beat Nadal again to fill the deficit in doubles for the second consecutive set.
Second series: * Schwartzman 4-6, 2-5 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
Schwartzman put the crowd on the ball with a first win on the second point of the game and push Nadal to 30, 30 to 40 while Nadal commits his first double fault of the set. The Spaniard saves him by rushing to the net and Schwartzman misses the goal for deuce. Argentina wins another break point with a straight flight before, then it performs the conversion with a straight winner from the base! He has one of the breaks back and will now serve to stay in the set.
Second set: Schwartzman 4-6, 1-5 Nadal * (* indicates the following server)
Schwartzman's first service betrays him as he loses four consecutive points on 15 loves and is broken. Nadal will serve for two sets to nothing with new balls.
Second series: * Schwartzman 4-6, 1-4 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
Schwartzman showed a good fight by winning a rally of 18 shots with a setback in first place for a lead of 15 loves in the service of Nadal. Now the crowd is boiling while Nadal is behind the love-30. He wins a pair of quick points, seems to go 40-30 on an Ace who scored a let and removed from the board, then goes 30-40 after another forehand. But Nadal saves the break point with a center ace at 119 mph and follows with a forehand winner, then to 126 mph in the hold pipe. An answer, that.
Nadal breaks in the fourth game of the second set!
Second series: Schwartzman 4-6, 1-3 Nadal * (* indicates the following server)
A chance for Nadal while Schwartzman is behind the love-30 after an unforced error on the forehand and a double foul. Argentina scores three quick points from there, but Schwartman will miss a forehand with two points. A tense back-and-forth ensued until Nadal tore a decisive pointer to the winner of a setback, then converted with a winner in overhand to crown a base exchange of 14. shots.
Second series: * Schwartzman 4-6, 0-1 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
A complete gear change for Nadal during the setbreak. A little more late than it should have been, really. But we are operational again and Nadal easily holds to open the second.
First series: * Schwartzman 4-5 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
Nadal added a few points to his serve and he was 15-40 behind schedule, giving Schwartzman a few more chances for breaking points. He saves the first with a second service at 99 mph that Schwartzman can not return, then the second when the Argentine is a split second in pursuit of a goal shot lost after a wide service. Nadal follows with an overhand winner punctuated by a punch to score the point, but misses another forehand for Deuce. We are still in the first set and the No. 2 seed has committed 10 of his 12 unforced errors on the forehand side. Nadal wins the next point with another big second serve, but Schwartzman brings him close to two points with a lob winner in a 16-hit rally. From there, Nadal is able to hold with a pair of quick points and Schwartzman will serve to stay in the first set.
First series: Schwartzman 4-4 Nadal * (* indicates the following server)
Schwartzman holds comfortably and he won 13 of the last 15 points. Nadal begins to mix more mistakes but Argentina is swinging freely and playing hard.
Diego Schwartzman will be back with Rafael Nadal in the first set of Thursday. A photograph: Seth Wenig / AP
Schwartzman breaks the seventh game of the first set!
First series: * Schwartzman 3-4 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
Good now! Schwartzman tears up a pair of first-line winners in Nadal's service, sending the crowd in an Olé, Olé, Olé song between the points. He then hits his sixth winner of the evening to give himself three chances to score a break point. What a flip! Nadal scored the first goal when Argentina made an unforced error from the baseline, but Schwartzman made the most of the Spaniard thanks to an exchange of 22 shots in the next point. They are back in the early laps!
Schwartzman beats the fifth game of the first set!
First set: * Schwartzman 1-4 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
Schwartzman blazes a trail in Nadal's love-30 service, though perhaps not for nothing. The Spaniard responds with a cross-goal that draws the line, but he places a forehand in goal for 15-40 and Schwartzman has two chances to score a break-even point. Nadal saves first with a center ace at 121 mph (which his opponent challenges without success), then sprays a wide forehand and Schwartzman is back in the break.
Nadal breaks in the fourth match of the first set!
First series: Schwartzman 0-4 Nadal * (* indicates the following server)
A difficult climb for Schwartzman has just become a bit more difficult as he falls behind the love-30 then 30-40 before Nadal strikes him again with a forehand twisted into the corner as the # 30 Argentina throws in the goal.
First series: * Schwartzman 0-3 Nadal (* indicates the following server)
Nadal consolidates the break with another easy service game. He gained eight points out of nine with his racket and averaged over 120 mph on first serve. The Spaniard, second seed, looks lively.
First series: Schwartzman 0-2 Nadal * (* indicates the following server)
Well, if this is an imminent sign, the evening could be even harder for Schwartzman than we thought. Not only did Nadal break the Argentinian in his first offering, but he put pressure on him throughout the service match at 16, in which Schwartzman had to save three points before succumbing to the fourth after a hard shot of 16 shots. You are going to need a bigger boat.
"It's really so crazy," said Andreescu during his meeting with the court. "A year ago, I was in the qualifying round (US Open). I remember that I was suffering from a back injury. Now, what I have accomplished this year, I am honestly speechless. I need someone to pinch me now. Is this the reality? "
When she asked him where her calm had come from, the 19-year-old said: "I think it's just the experience of playing these huge tournaments over the course of the last year. I played in front of a huge crowd in Australia, Indian Wells and Toronto, and I think that all this experience is catching up.
Canada's Bianca Andreescu reacts after reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open. Photography: Johannes Eisele / AFP / Getty Images
Andreescu earns a point in the net and she has three points in the semifinals. She follows with a non-forced error but then hits a 103 mph ace to squeeze out even more. Another big serve that Mertens can not return gives Andreescu a match point … and she closes the show with a winner on the line to book a place in the last four!
Andreescu beats Mertens in the eighth game of the third set!
Third set: * Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 5-3 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu takes control of the first point in Mertens' service play and wins it when the Belgian sends a backhand over the baseline. Mertens then hits an ace but is removed from the board after a challenge – quickly followed by a double fault for love-30. Another error gives Andreescu three halts. Mertens records first when the Canadian sends a backhand into the alley, then another when a forehand sails past the baseline. But the third time is Andreescu's charm and she's tearing up a backhand winner going back for the break! The highest ranked teenager on the tour will serve for the match!
Third set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 4-3 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu showing the slightest signs of fatigue in these huge conditions, trying to shorten the points with faster play. But she's in love and it's Mertens' turn to keep up the pace.
Third set: * Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 3-3 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
An opportunity for Andreescu now that Mertens is 15-30 behind on his service. She then tears a forehand in a straight line for a double breaking point. Great moment. Mertens records first by winning a base swap when Andreescu sends a forehand into the net, then another with a beautifully constructed point ending with a winner in overhand. Andreescu missed another winning goal, then hit a fatal service for the crucial 15-40 save.
Elise Mertens serves in the quarterfinals of the US Open on Wednesday. Photography: Johannes Eisele / AFP / Getty Images
Third set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 3-2 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Mertens jumped on a speed of 92 km / h for a wide winner, but Andreescu answered with a point in the net for a total of 15. Andreescu then mixes his third double fault of the match for 15-30 (which she defies without success) , then tears a cross-court winner in a corner that Mertens can barely put on a racket at 30. Andreescu then crushes a service winner at 100 km / h – her best service of the night up to now – and follow with another point to the net to hold. Mertens to serve at 2-3 at the exit of the transition.
Third set: Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 2-1 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu finds herself in a difficult situation 15-30 after his 26th and 27th non-forced nighttime errors (versus 32 winners). But she follows with three quick points to remember and the players will change their heat.
Third set: * Andreescu 3-6, 6-2, 1-1 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu scores another point on Mertens' serve with a lost goal shot, then misses a net for a total of 15. The Canadian then rips a winner early in the point to apply more pressure to 15-30, but Mertens is able to defend himself for two. A crucial moment at the beginning of the third. Mertens follows by returning an Andreescu overcharge with a backhand winner, but Andreescu responds with a winner from the back of the baseline for a second shot. Mertens then blinks first in a base rally of 10 shots, but records the break point with a breakeven point at 106 mph. Mertens hits a 116 mph ace for an apparent point of play, but Andreescu manages to challenge him successfully. Devil. A non-forced mistake from Mertens on the backside gives Andreescu a new opportunity to score a point stop. The Belgian saves him too. Deuce number four. Andreescu then embarks on a winner tried to return after a second service at 77 mph by Mertens, but sends him to the tram lines … and Mertens follows with a winner of the back on the 14th point of the match to hold. Serve early in the decision maker.
Both players left the field for a gear change before the third set. Here's a promising statistic for Andreescu fans. The Canadian has played 42 road matches in her career so far. Nineteen of them have traveled the distance of three sets. Andreescu won 13 of those 19, including nine coming from a set down.
Double faults and watches Mertens Andreescu wins a forehand for 30 shots. The Belgian then takes a 15-40 delay, but records two break points (and set points) with two big services for two. An unmistaken Mertens error on the backhand gives Andreescu a third set point. This time, she performs the conversion with a perfect forehand in the corner. We are moving towards a decision maker!
Bianca Andreescu straightened the boat and imposed a decisive set in her quarterfinal US Open with Elise Mertens. Photography: Brian Hirschfeld / EPA
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 5-2 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Two quick points for Andreescu, including a forehand at the net, where she is 15 on 19 at night. Mertens narrowed the gap due to a forced mistake, but Andreescu tore up his 22nd winner followed by a winner for the service in order to consolidate the break. She has won 10 of the last 11 points and Mertens will now stay in the second set.
Andreescu breaks the sixth game of the second set!
Second set: * Andreescu 3-6, 4-2 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
A golden opportunity for Andreescu while Mertens plays a few points late to fall behind love-40. And the Canadian breaks with a love at first sight crossed against which her opponent can barely stab.
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 3-2 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu commits his second double fault of the night then falls behind love-30 with another unforced error. Dangerous zone. But the Canadian digs and wins four consecutive points, including a winning shot to remember.
Second set: * Andreescu 3-6, 2-2 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu showing a bit of fire while Mertens is relegated 15 to 40 on his serve, but the Belgian saves them both. Mertens then holds with a winning goal after Andreescu had a forehand at two points.
Elise Mertens is in control of her quarter-final with Bianca Andreescu in the middle of the second set. Photo: Don Emmert / AFP / Getty Images
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 2-1 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu started with a victory in overhand and she won the last six points. But Mertens takes the next three games away on a forehand and a pair of non-forced Andreescu errors and the Belgian will have two changes to recover the break. Another botched reverse of the Canadian at the next point and we are back tied for second.
Andreescu breaks the second set of the second set!
Second set: * Andreescu 3-6, 2-0 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
A chance here for Andreescu as Mertens is going to love-30 down. Then, a first double fault of the night for Belgian and Andreescu will have three occasions of rupture. She needs only the first goal when Mertens throws a forehand in the net from the center of the field and Andreescu is at the head of the pack.
Second set: Andreescu 3-6, 1-0 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu opens the second set with his first double foul of the night, then earns three points in a row and seems on the way to a stress-free take. But Mertens follows with a winner of the backhand to win a 12-yard spell, then Andreescu makes another mistake at the net for deuce. Before it gets too hairy, the Canadian hits her 13th and 14th winners of the night to hold.
Mertens is in love and she is halfway there after 38 minutes. Seed # 25 earned 21 of 27 points (77.7%) on his service in the opening game, including nine out of 11 (81.8%) on his second serve. His nine sets at this year's US Open include 6-2, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3.
First set: * Andreescu 2-5 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
This is another easy advantage for Mertens, who has won 12 of 15 points in his service after being pushed into his first service match. Andreescu will serve to stay in the first set after the pass.
First set: Andreescu 2-4 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Mertens, returning with aggression and precision, wins a pair of quick points, including a second return and Andreescu is in love with 30. The Belgian won 14 of the last 17 points and plays a much stronger tennis at first. She makes an untrammeled mistake on the next point, then hits a highlighted opposing pass winner after looking for a direct Andreescu shot for 15-40 and a pair of shutdown points. Andreescu registers the first with a service of 93 km / h at the first strike of Mertens, then another with a winner of the service at 100 km / h for the winner for two points punctuated with an enthusiasm "Come on!" . Back to Deuce when Andreescu cooks his backhand again. Mertens then removes a forehand in first position for a third chance of break in this match, but misses a volley from the next point and we are back tied. Andreescu records a fourth break point a few moments later with a 97 mph ace. Then win two quick points to escape the hold after a 14-point game. The battle was rough for the Canadian at first, Mertens having been fully integrated, but it is only a break.
First series: * Andreescu 1-4 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
Mertens takes a 15-30 lead after three runs and Andreescu may have a chance to go back. But the Belgians sign three consecutive defeats, including an eleventh error not taken from the Canadian at the point of play, to consolidate the break as the players change. The return of Andreescu back seems well, but there is still time to straighten the boat.
First series: Andreescu 1-3 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Mertens continues to return early. Andreescu commits his sixth and seventh non-forced mistakes in the night, as a result of a 15-30 setback. The Belgian then makes the best of a rally 10 shots and will have two breaking points in Andreescu's service. She needs only one ball while Andreescu throws a ball into the net on the approach to shoot the first blood in the first match.
First series: Andreescu 1-1 Mertens * (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu strikes a pair of forehands, but Mertens steps in and takes the ball early the next day to the next point and hits a forehand 30-30. Andreescu follows with a forehand winner from the baseline and then a winning service for a comfortable first shot.
First series: * Andreescu 0-1 Mertens (* indicates the following server)
Andreescu has an immediate opportunity as Mertens quickly loses the first two points to fall behind Love-30, his second serve on an 18-lap rally crowned by a Canadian forehand winner. Mertens then drops 15-40 and Andreescu has some breaking points. The Belgian saves first when Andreescu tries and fails for a big winner, then another when the Canadian makes an unforced error with the forehand. Mertens than scores two points in order to hold his first service match.
Players have moved from the tunnel to the field while Ashe continues to fill. It's another sultry night in the field: 82F (28C) with 64% humidity when the sun sets over the rooftops of Manhattan.
The quarter-finalists now meet at the net for the draw. Mertens calls the head, it goes up and Andreescu chooses to receive. We should be on the road soon from the biggest tennis stadium in the world.
Here's how Andreescu and Mertens face off tonight's first quarter-final. They have combined to lose only one set at this year's US Open, although Mertens has spent 20 minutes less on the field per game against a much better opponent class in function. of their WTA ranking. Tonight's winner wins Thursday's semi-final clash with Ashe against No. 13 seed Belinda Bencic, who won earlier in the day with a two-set victory over Donna Vekić.
A quick planning note while we wait for Ashe to open for the night session. Thursday's preliminary play order has expired and times for the doubles in the women's semifinal have been set. No. 5 Elina Svitolina will meet No. 8, Serena Williams, at 7 pm local time, on Ashe, followed by Belinda Bencic, No. 13, and Andreescu or Mertens.
Hello and welcome to Arthur Ashe stadium for tonight's quarterfinal double of the US Open. Canada's Bianca Andreescu will face Belgium's Elise Mertens and Spaniard Rafael Nadal against Argentina's Diego Schwartzman, both to advance to the semi-finals of the week.
We may have a slightly delayed start to tonight's women's opener, as the men's third quarter-final between Mattero Berrettini and Gael Monfils has just finished on Ashe with the 24th seed. Berrettini, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. , 3-6, 7-6 (5) in a thriller that lasted nearly four hours. The daytime crowd will have to leave the main stage of the show before the night mass is admitted and the players are called to the field.
Jonathan Scott
