39 mins ago05: 00 Rich Jones
Djokovic is OUT!Novak Djokovic is OUT of the US Open. Alexei Popyrin pulls of an almighty upset, less than 24 hours after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out.
The final score was 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 in favour of the Australian. Speaking immediately after the match, Popyrin said: “Third time lucky I guess. We had battles at Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had chances in those matches but didn’t take them.
“This match was different. I was able to take my chances when I had them. I played some good tennis.
“It’s unbelievable.. I’ve been in the third round about 15 times in my career But haven’t been able to get to the 4th round.
“To be able to do it against the greatest of all time is unbelievable. It’s a great feeling.”
1 hour ago04: 21 Rich Jones
Fourth set dramaHuge drama in the fourth set. Popyrin eventually breaks Djokovic after a colossal fifth game of the set.
A sumptuous forehand winner got the job done.
But then Djokovic ends up with two break point, only for Popyrin to get back to deuce and eventually hold.
He’s 4-2 up and just two games away from an enormous upset.
2 hours ago04: 09 Rich Jones
Big saveNovak Djokovic saves a break point at 2-2 in the fourth set.
He points to his ears and encourages the crowd to make more noise. That felt like a big opportunity missed for Popyrin.
2 hours ago03: 44 Rich Jones
Djokovic wins third setDjokovic takes the third set 6-2.
The momentum is now all on his side. Popyrin will look for a response, can he get the job done?
2 hours ago03: 12 Rich Jones
Comeback time…Djokovic is on the comeback trail.
He’s broken Popyrin, who went for treatment after pulling up late in the second set, in his first service game of the third set.
The Serbian leads 2-0 in the third set. Can he pull off the comeback?
3 hours ago03: 00 Rich Jones
Two sets up!Alexei Popyrin is two sets up on Novak Djokovic. An almighty upset is brewing on Arthur Ashe.
Can the Serbian find a response?
3 hours ago02: 40 Rich Jones
From bad to worseIt’s going from bad to worse for Novak Djokovic.
After losing the first set 6-4, Alexei Popyrin has just broken his serve in the second set.
It’s 3-2 with Popyrin serving. The Serbian superstar is in real trouble…
3 hours ago02: 19 Rich Jones
Upset alert…Novak Djokovic has lost the first set 6-4 to Alexei Popyrin.
Less than 24 hours after Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out…We couldn’t have another upset, could we?
4 hours ago01: 56 Rich Jones
Djokovic underwayNovak Djokovic is underway at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
He’s just missed a chance to break Alexei Popyrin and go 4-2 up in the opening set. After Carlos Alcarez was knocked out last night, Djokovic is out to avoid another upset.
4 hours ago01: 10 Rich Jones
Djokovic delayOf course, the impact of Coco Gauff going three sets and the five-set, four-hour thriller between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton has meant a delay for Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian superstar was due to begin the night session at 7pm local time against Alexei Popyrin.
But they’re still not out on court after the Tiafoe-Shelton match did not finish until just before 7pm, and the day session crowd needed to be allowed out of the stadium before it was cleared for the evening crowd.
6 hours ago00: 02 Rich Jones
Tiafoe beats SheltonWhat a win for Frances Tiafoe!
He prevails over Ben Shelton in their rematch of last year’s epic quarterfinal, 6-4 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 3-6.
Novak Djokovic is likely to await him next up…
6 hours ago23: 38 Rich Jones
Advantage TiafoeFrances Tiafoe has now taken control. He’s just broken Ben Shelton and leads 3-1 in the deciding set.
He’s closing in on victory – can he do it or will Shelton have something else up his sleeve?
6 hours ago23: 13 Rich Jones
Tiafoe and Shelton in thrillerBen Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are currently contesting a thriller on Arthur Ashe.
It’s an all-American rematch of last year’s quarterfinal – which was won by Shelton – and there’s currently very little between them.
Shelton was leading but Tiafoe has just broken to take the fourth set. It’s 6-4 5-7 7-6 4-6 and we’re into a deciding set after over three hours of action.
7 hours ago22: 45 Yasmin Syed
Navarro heaps praise on Gauff before rematchEmma Navarro is through to the second week of the US Open for the first time in her career. Her reward? A rematch with compatriot and defending champion Coco Gauff.
Navarro beat Gauff at the same stage of Wimbledon a few weeks ago. But since then, the pair have grown closer, living together in the Olympic village.
And the world No. 12 was full of praise for her next opponent after watching her deal with the attention at the Olympics.
Navarro said: “Getting to know her was awesome. She gets a ton of attention. Just walking around the Village with her was pretty crazy. You know, people constantly coming up to her and wanting to trade pins, wanting to take a picture with her. Especially for her age, to be able to handle it as well as she does is really impressive.
“Yeah, I have a ton of respect for her. It was really cool to be able to spend time together and grow our relationship. Yeah, it’s cool to have a friend on tour. Playing each other I think will be a great experience for both of us.”
Emma Navarro is through to the last 16 (Image: Getty)
7 hours ago22: 12 Yasmin Syed
Tsitsipas tells Badosa he “almost had a heart attack” watching herPaula Badosa beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse in a nailbiter on Friday.
The Spaniard saved a match point before serving for the win. But she was broken and dragged into a match tiebreak, eventually coming through 4-6 6-1 7-6(8).
During the first-to-10-point shootout, Badosa said she felt like she was having a heart attack. And her boyfriend later revealed that he was living those emotions with her.
“He came running to me, and he is, like, I almost had a heart attack. Also, when I was playing, I don’t know when, it was 6-All, it came to my mind. I was, like, Stef for sure is having a heart attack right now,” she laughed.
8 hours ago21: 47 Yasmin Syed
Sinner gives verdict on Kyrgios reunionNick Kyrgios has been a busy man at this year’s US Open. While he’s not playing, he has been commentating for host broadcaster ESPN and conducting on-court interviews on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
But the Aussie has yet to interview Jannik Sinner after voicing his strong opinions when the world No. 1 avoided a drugs ban after an independent tribunal ruled that he “bore no fault of negligence” for two anti-doping violations.
Sinner was asked whether he’d be up for an interview with Kyrgios given his comments on social media. The Australian Open champion said: “I don’t want to respond to what he said. Everyone is free to say everything, so it’s okay. If that is the case, let’s see. It’s going to be different, for sure.
“Maybe I say something now, and then the reaction is going to be something else because you live in this moment. But, no, I’m always quite relaxed. I’m someone who forgets quite fast. Everyone is quite free to say everything, so it is what it is.”
9 hours ago20: 57 Yasmin Syed
Another rematch set as Gauff eyes revengeMoments after Donna Vekic advanced to set up a rematch of the Olympics final against Qinwen Zheng, another grudge match has been set.
Emma Navarro is through to the last 16 where she faces fellow American Coco Gauff.
Navarro beat Gauff at the same stage of Wimbledon last month, winning 6-4 6-3 as the 20-year-old was left in tears.
But the reigning US Open champion will have a shot at revenge on Sunday.
Emma Navarro beat Coco Gauff at Wimbledon (Image: Getty)
9 hours ago20: 49 Yasmin Syed
Olympics final rematch setDonna Vekic is through to the second week of the US Open where Qinwen Zheng awaits.
The pair will face off in the fourth round less than a month after they met in the gold medal match at the Olympics.
Zheng breezed past the Croatian to win the gold medal 6-2 6-3. But Vekic has a shot at revenge just four weeks later.
After the Chinese star won earlier in the day, she addressed the potential rematch. “She’s good at changing directions. If you give the ball soft to her hand, she will make you move,” Zheng said of Vekic.
“Yeah, because in that match we play on clay, so it’s different games, different tactic style. Right now we come back to hard court. I’m sure it will be more difficult because I consider she’s more hard court player instead of clay court player. She did a really good job in Wimbledon, so I consider her as a tough opponent. I have to be ready, play 100 per cent.”
10 hours ago20: 09 Yasmin Syed
Gauff survives scareCoco Gauff’s title defence hung in the balance when she dropped the first set of her third-round match to Elina Svitolina and faced a break point in the second.
But she stormed back to earn a 3-6 6-3 6-3 victory, keeping herself alive and avoiding a massive upset.
Afterwards, she told Sky Sports: “I’m really proud especially I think it was 4-3 game in the second set that I broke. I set one big forehand return and one forehand cross. I’m overall very happy with how I played, Elina is not an easy opponent at all, especially so early in the tournament.”
Coco Gauff kept her title defence alive (Image: Getty)
10 hours ago19: 23 Yasmin Syed
Badosa resurgence continuesPaula Badosa is through to the second week of the US Open after a gruelling battle with qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
The Spaniard saved a match point in the third set and came through in a tiebreak, winning 4-6 6-1 7-6(8).
It’s the latest chapter in her epic comeback after her career was threatened by a back injury. Earlier this year, Badosa resorted to using cortisol injections when doctors said she may be forced to stop playing.
After dropping out of the world’s top 100, she won the title in Washington and reached the Cincinnati semi-final. And she now finds herself in the last 16 of the US Open.
After reaching the fourth round, she said: “I was mentally destroyed. You guys lifted me up and gave me so much strength. Thank you. It was unbelievable. It was a tough one.
“She played an insane level. I was even confused. I wasn’t expecting it. At the end it was a high-quality match. Congrats to her. She’s a great player. She’s proving it now. She has the level to be at the top.”
11 hours ago18: 53 Yasmin Syed
Medvedev was branded a ‘cheat’ by rivalDaniil Medvedev told an entertaining anecdote during his post-match press conference at the US Open.
The world No. 5 was asked if he had ever been cheated during a practice match with another player and revealed that Taylor Fritz thought he was the cheat during a session at Wimbledon a few years ago.
“So we’re playing, and I don’t remember exactly what it was, but I called some out where I thought the ball was out. Then my wife — I think at the time she was even maybe a girlfriend to me — talks to me after the practice and says that he was talking to his coach and was, like, Damn this guy, he cheats all the time,” he recalled.
“I was so shocked because I really, especially on practice, I honestly don’t really care if I win in practice set or lose. I always try to win, but whatever.”
Daniil Medvedev revealed that Taylor Fritz once called him a cheat (Image: YouTube US Open)
11 hours ago18: 26 Yasmin Syed
Olympic gold medallist avoids tears to reach second weekOlympic champion Qinwen Zheng is the first singles player into week two of the US Open.
The No. 7 seed needed just 81 minutes to beat Jule Niemeier 6-2 6-1.
Zheng lost to her German opponent at the same stage of the US Open back in 2022 and admitted that the loss left her in tears. But she got her revenge on Friday.
After advancing to the last 16, she said: “Yes I remember that match so clearly. I lost against her at midnight. That match was really painful. I sat for an hour at the US Open at three in the morning crying by myself alone. Today I was really focused because I didn’t want that feeling to happen again to me. I’m glad I’m the winner today so I don’t have to cry.”
Qinwen Zheng said she cried after losing to Jule Niemeier in 2022 (Image: Sky Sports)
12 hours ago17: 28 Yasmin Syed
Hurkacz splits with coach after shock early exitHubert Hurkacz has parted ways with long-time coach Craig Boynton less than 24 hours after crashing out in the second round of the US Open.
Hurkacz was the seventh seed in New York but lost to Jordan Thompson in straight sets on Thursday.
Boynton confirmed the news in an Instagram post. “What a special ride these past 5 years have been,” the American wrote.
“We have experienced so many unbelievable highs and have grown so much together, however, sometimes good things must come to an end. Hubi and I have mutually agreed to go our separate ways. So grateful for our time together. I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life and the opportunities that will come.”
Hurkacz shared Boynton’s post to his story and added: “One-of-a-kind ride! Grateful for all we have achieved as a team! Thank you CB!”
13 hours ago16: 30 Yasmin Syed
Alcaraz’s coach left red-facedCarlos Alcaraz’s coach showed what he thought of Botic van de Zandschulp while the world No. 3 was losing to the Dutchman on Thursday night.
Juan Carlos Ferrero pointed to Alcaraz’s opponent and mimicked a choking gesture, suggesting that he thought the world No. 74 would bottle his lead and ‘choke’ the match.
But he was quickly silenced by van de Zandschulp, who stunned the third seed 6-1 7-5 6-4.
Juan Carlos Ferrero gestured to Carlos Alcaraz (Image: Sky Sports)
14 hours ago15: 40 Yasmin Syed
Qualifier reacts to shock winGabriel Diallo is having a tournament to remember at the US Open.
The 6’8 Canadian came through qualifying and recorded his first-ever Grand Slam main draw win in the first round.
He backed it up in spectacular fashion, upsetting 24th seed Arthur Fils 7-5 6-7(3) 6-4 6-4 in round two.
The world No. 143 later said: “Obviously super happy, especially the way that I’ve been playing throughout the summer.
“I’ve been able to put up some good matches and continuously bring a very good level and giving myself some chances to win. Now it’s time to recover, try to analyse the match and get ready for Saturday.”
Gabriel Diallo stunned Arthur Fils (Image: Getty)
15 hours ago14: 56 Archie Griggs
Botic van de Zandschulp wanted to retireBotic van de Zandschulp has revealed that he seriously considered hanging up his racket a few months ago.
Speaking after his incredible victory over Carlos Alcaraz, he said: “At the time I said it, I was thinking about it. It was just more the way things were going.
“I got injured last year, still had some troubles with the injury from last year. It was like if I have to keep playing with the pain I had, then there was a chance maybe I would stop playing.
“I gave myself to the end of the year to see how everything was progressing. Of course, there was a serious thought.”
16 hours ago14: 02 Archie Griggs
Rinderknech drank 15 litres of water during matchArthur Rinderknech has admitted to drinking 15 litres of water during his defeat to Andrey Rublev in the sweltering New York heat.
He said: “We have a pipe that brings fresh air, it feels great, but it’s not enough.
“There was an ice pack in the tub next to it, as well as an ice towel that I put around my neck every time I changed sides.
“I drank, I think, 15 one-litre bottles, which means I drank 15 litres. I ate everything I could, but it’s so hard to eat in this heat. It was extreme.”
17 hours ago12: 30 Archie Griggs
Botic van de Zandschulp reveals secret to victoryBotic van de Zandschulp has attributed his victory over Carlos Alcaraz to playing in various Challenger events in the build-up to the US Open.
Speaking after last night’s match, he said: “I needed more self-confidence after Wimbledon. I played a few challengers in Europe and I think that boosted my self-confidence.
“The tour is tough. You can play well and still only have two matches a week.”
Botic van de Zandschulp defeated Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets (Image: GETTY)
18 hours ago11: 46 Archie Griggs
Holger Rune hits back at criticsHolger Rune took to social media to hit back at naysayers after exiting the US Open in the first round.
He was comfortably beaten by Brandon Nakashima, who got the job done in less than two hours.
Rune went on to issue a fiery response to his critics on X, formerly Twitter.
He wrote: “Sometimes the bumps on the road are painful and frustrating. But we all know there are no easy or fast ways to fulfil our dreams.
“Every experience is learning, that will make the foundation so strong that no one or nothing can break us in the end.
“I am not satisfied with my results, but still I have to remember I am 21. I am top 15 in the world, the highest ranked male ever in my country.
“So when media ‘experts’ and randoms call me st, I take it as a bizarre compliment.”
19 hours ago10: 47 Archie Griggs
Naomi Osaka reflects on US Open exitNaomi Osaka spoke candidly to the media after losing to Karolina Muchova in the second round at Flushing Meadows.
She said: “It’s a little rough because I do take these losses really personally. It’s like a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose.
“I’ve been trying to be more mature and learn and talk more about them. It’s been a little difficult because obviously I can only gauge how I’m doing by results.
“Like, I feel faster, I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So, it’s a little rough.”
20 hours ago09: 41 Archie Griggs
Carlos Alcaraz makes worrying admissionCarlos Alcaraz suggested that he was ‘not well mentally’ after crashing out of the US Open.
Speaking after his surprise defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp, he said: “Instead of taking steps forward, I’ve taken steps back in terms of my head and I don’t understand why.
“Because I came from a spectacular summer, from Roland Garros, from Wimbledon, coming out of there saying that mentally I had taken a step forward, like I had realised that to win big things or Grand Slams you had to be mentally tough.
“I come to this tour and it’s like I’ve taken steps back. It’s like I’m not well mentally. I’m not well, I’m not strong.
“Among the problems I have is that I don’t know how to control myself, I don’t know how to manage it and that’s a problem for me, really.”
Carlos Alcaraz spoke candidly after crashing out of the US Open (Image: GETTY)
21 hours ago08: 42 Archie Griggs
Elena Rybakina concerns raisedRennae Stubbs believes there is ‘something going on’ with Elena Rybakina following her surprise withdrawal from the US Open.
“There’s something obviously going on here. I don’t want to speculate, but this is a very unusual situation,” said Stubbs.
“Eight withdrawals this year, undisclosed injury now at US Open. I just think there’s something more going on here. This is not a normal situation.
“I’ve seen her over the last couple of days. She hasn’t looked great. I’ve seen her for years on the tour. I know what she looks like when she’s happy, when she’s healthy, when she’s playing well.
“When she’s playing well, on this surface, she’s one of if not the best player in the world. So what’s going on with her? I think it’s a lot more than we realise.”
22 hours ago08: 04 Archie Griggs
Carlos Alcaraz explains surprise defeatCarlos Alcaraz pointed to his packed summer schedule when asked to explain his surprise defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp.
“The tennis schedule is so tight, I’ve been playing a lot of matches lately,” he said.
“With Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Olympics… I took a little break after Olympics. I thought it was enough. It was really helpful for me. Probably it wasn’t enough.
“I came here without as much energy as I thought I was going to come with. But, I mean, I don’t want to put that as an excuse.
“Probably I’m a guy or I’m a player that needs more days or more break coming into the good tournaments or the important ones. So I have to think about it, and I have to learn about it.”
22 hours ago07: 35 Archie Griggs
Novak Djokovic discusses health issuesNovak Djokovic has revealed that he was dealing with some health issues during his second-round match against Laslo Djere.
Speaking afterwards, he confirmed that he was suffering from stomach problems as well as breathing difficulties.
“Yes, I had troubles with my stomach in the bigger part of the first two sets,” he said.
“It reflected on my recovery in between points. I was sweating a lot, I had difficulties breathing.”
Novak Djokovic struggled physically during his match against Laslo Djere (Image: GETTY)
22 hours ago07: 33 Archie Griggs
Good morningHello and welcome to Express Sport’s rolling coverage of the latest US Open news.
The big story from overnight is that Carlos Alcaraz is out after losing in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschlup.
The result was one of the biggest upsets in US Open history and has sent shockwaves around the tennis world.
We’ll be on hand to bring you all the best reaction throughout the day, as well as the latest updates from the rest of the action in New York.
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