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Third set: *Keys 6-0, 6-7, 4-4 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
A whisper of a chance for Keys after Sabalenka double-faults before falling behind 15-30, then 30-40. A golden break-point opportunity for the American veteran. And Sabalenka saves it with brio, stepping into the frontcourt to crush a backhand winner early in a rally, punctuating the winner with a resounding “Come on!” Keys earns a second break point and Sabalenka saves that, too, with a backhand volley winner. From there Sabalenka escapes with the hold thanks to a Keys unforced error followed by a huge backhand that her opponent can’t return. Danger averted thanks to a pair of very strong points at the net, which hasn’t always been a vicinity where Sabalenka has thrived.
Sabalenka breaks in seventh game of third set!
Third set: Keys 6-0, 6-7, 4-3 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
The twists and turns continue as a free-swinging Sabalenka rattles off four straight points from love-15 to break back immediately and level the score. As the players to their chairs for the changeover, the match has entered its third hour.
Aryna Sabalenka hits a forehand against Madison Keys during their US Open semi-final. Photograph: Geoff Burke/USA Today SportsKeys breaks in sixth game of third set!
Third set: *Keys 6-0, 6-7, 4-2 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Just when it looked as if Keys was ready to fade, Sabalenka makes back-to-back unforced errors off her forehand early in baseline rallies to go down love-30 on her serve. And now Sabalenka double-faults for the third time for love-40. Three break-point chances for Keys. Sabalenka erases the first with a 103mph ace down the center, but Keys converts the second with a cross-court forehand from the baseline that Sabalenka overcooks on the return. Keys has drawn first blood in the decider and finds herself, again, two games from the final.
Third set: Keys 6-0, 6-7, 3-2 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Keys answers with a straightforward hold of her own, winning four quick points from love-15 down. Still on serve in the deciding set at a quarter past midnight inside Arthur Ashe Stadium as the match creeps toward the two-hour mark.
Third set: *Keys 6-0, 6-7, 2-2 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka strolls to another hold. The second seed was broken in five of her first service games on the night but Keys hasn’t really gotten close since.
Third set: Keys 6-0, 6-7, 2-1 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
A touch of pressure on Keys after she makes another backhand error to go down love-15 on her serve, but she rattles off four quick points capped by a gorgeous backhand winner down the line to hold.
Madison Keys returns a shot against Aryna Sabalenka during their US Open semi-final. Photograph: Frank Franklin II/APThird set: *Keys 6-0, 6-7, 1-1 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
A commanding service game for Sabalenka, who follows a backhand winner early in the rally with a 114mph service winner then an ace down that middle that clocks at 120mph, her fastest serve of the night. After making a couple of errors, the Belarusian closes the show with a second-serve service winner at 106mph, her fastest second serve of the match. Statement made.
Third set: Keys 6-0, 6-7, 1-0 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Keys’ movement doesn’t look impaired coming out of the MTO, but the error-strewn play that’s gripped her tennis since midway through the second set has not subsided. She’s just gone down 15-30, then 30-40 on her serve after mixing in her 24th, 25th and 26th unforced errors. A break-point chance for Sabalenka and a huge moment for Keys. And Sabalenka squanders it, failing to capitalize on a 68mph second serve and misfiring on a backhand for deuce. From there Keys serves her way out of trouble to hold in the opening game of the third.
Madison Keys is taking a medical timeout. She’d called for the trainer immediately after the second set and it was determined she needed further treatment. It’s unclear whether it’s for a hip or thigh ailment. Sabalenka follows her off court, where the conditions have softened considerably from over the past few days but are still a touch uncomfortable at 80F (27C) with 70% humidity.
Madison Keys receives medical attention between the second and third sets of Thursday’s match. Photograph: Mike Segar/ReutersSabalenka wins second set, 7-6 (1)!Second-set tiebreaker: Keys 1-7 Sabalenka
After the change of ends Keys makes yet another unforced error on her serve. That gives Sabalenka a whole quiver of set points at 6-1. She needs only one of them, pounding a 113mph first serve down the middle that Keys can’t return. Second set to the No 2 seed and we’re headed to a third and deciding set!
Aryna Sabalenka is back in business in her US Open semi-final meeting with Madison Keys. Photograph: Elsa/Getty ImagesSecond-set tiebreaker: *Keys 1-5 Sabalenka
Keys blinks first in the breaker, double-faulting at 1-all to go behind a minibreak. Sabalenka holds both of her serves behind a pair of booming serves. Keys then goes behind a double minibreak with her 17th unforced error of the second set (after just five in the first).
Second set: Keys 6-0, 6-6 Sabalenka
Keys slots a forehand winner, but Sabalenka rattles off three quick points for love-40 and two set points. That’s 15 of the last 16 points for Sabalenka, who can’t miss right now. A stunning turnaround. Keys saves the first with a 99mph ace out wide, then the second with a 95mph ace out wide that her opponent can’t handle. From there she holds with her fourth ace and another unreturnable first serve. The American has blasted her way out of trouble and we’re headed to a tiebreaker!
Second set: *Keys 6-0, 5-6 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Uh-oh. Someone woke up Sabalenka. She steamrolls through a love hold: 108mph unreturnable to the body, 110mph ace down the middle, 91mph second-serve unreturnable, 108mph ace down the middle. The world No 1-in-waiting has won the last 12 points on the trot. Keys will now serve to try and force a second-set tiebreaker.
Sabalenka breaks in 10th game of second set!
Second set: Keys 6-0, 5-5 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
The nerves creep up as Keys misfires on a pair of backhands from the baseline for love-30. And oh dear! Keys has just double-faulted for only the second time tonight! That’s three break-point chances for Sabalenka at love-40. And she needs only one! Keys sends a forehand into the net to be broken at love! Back on serve in the second with new balls in play for the 5-all game ahead.
Second set: *Keys 6-0, 5-4 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka rattles off four quick points to hold from love-15 down. Now it’s all up to Keys, who will step to the line after the changeover to serve for a match and a place in the final.
Second set: Keys 6-0, 5-3 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
A huge moment for Keys, who is assured a trip to the US Open final if she can hold her serve twice. She opens with a forehand winner, then hits an extraordinary angled backhand from outside the court that Sabalenka can’t return. She then pounds another big serve that Sabalenka can’t handle for 40-love, before coming to net early in the rally on the next point and dumping a backhand volley into the net for 40-15. No problem. Keys promptly fires in a 107mph first serve that Sabalenka fails to return to close out the hold. One game from the final.
Second set: *Keys 6-0, 4-3 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka, who’s struggled on her serve tonight (clearly), breezes through her service game to hold at love for only the second time.
Aryna Sabalenka lunges for a shot against Madison Keys during their US Open semi-final. Photograph: Manu Fernández/APSecond set: Keys 6-0, 4-2 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
It’s hardly a must-hold for Keys according to the scoreline but it sure feels like one. After three straight breaks it would be quite a relief for the American to hold and keep the pressure on Sabalenka by maintaining her lead. Sabalenka doesn’t make it easy, hitting one forehand winner for love-15, then another for 15-30. Keys wins the next two for game point but follows with an unforced error for deuce. From there Keys digs in and escapes with the hold. She’s two wins away from her second major final and first in six years.
Keys breaks in fifth game of third set!
Second set: *Keys 6-0, 3-2 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Keys wins a furious 16-shot exchange, the longest rally of the match, with a running cross-court forehand winner that brings the crowd to its feet. She follows it with a backhand passing winner for love-30. Sabalenka responds with a 111mph service winner to the body, but then makes yet another unforced error for 15-40. Two break-point chances for Keys but she needs only one of them, ripping a forehand return winner that paints the baseline for the third straight break of serve to re-take the lead!
Sabalenka breaks in fourth game of third set!
Second set: Keys 6-0, 2-2 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka takes advantage of a loose service game from Keys, winning three quick points from 15-love to earn a pair of break-point chances. Keys saves the first with a 102mph serve to the body that Sabalenka can’t return into the court, then the second with a forehand winner early in the rally. Keys then misses a forehand from the baseline to give Sabalenka a third look at a break and this time she converts with a backhand that Keys can’t handle. Back on level terms in the second set.
Keys breaks in third game of third set!
Second set: *Keys 6-0, 2-1 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka looks more comfortable out there, winning three straight points from love-15 for a game point. But she follows it with her 15th and 16th unforced errors for deuce. Keys follows with a crisp forehand winner into the corner for another look at a break point … and she converts it when Sabalenka sends a forehand sailing past the baseline! Keys takes the upper hand in the second set and a furious Sabalenka picks up a code violation from the chair umpire in the form of a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Second set: Keys 6-0, 1-1 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Keys holds comfortably from love-15 down, crunching her first and second aces of the night along the way.
Second set: *Keys 6-0, 0-1 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka has entered the chat. The second seed makes a statement with her opening service game of the second set: 89mph second-serve ace out wide, 108mph first-serve ace down the middle, 89mph second-serve unreturnable, 109mph first-serve ace down the middle. She’s on the board.
Keys wins first set, 6-0!First set: Keys 6-0 Sabalenka
Keys goes down love-15 with her fifth unforced error of the night, but holds comfortably from there, pounding her 11th and 12th winners to serve out the first set in 32 dizzying minutes. Sabalenka makes a beeline for the tunnel and a between-sets bathroom break.
Madison Keys is locked in, having broken Aryna Sabalenka three times in the first set of their US Open semi-final. Photograph: Robert Deutsch/USA Today SportsKeys breaks in fifth game of first set!
First set: *Keys 5-0 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Another disastrous service game for Sabalenka. Keys hits a pair of winners for 15-30, then rips off two more quick points for a break. She will serve for the bagel set after the change of ends. An extraordinary set of tennis so far for the underdog in this major semi-final.
First set: Keys 4-0 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Keys falls behind 15-40 on her serve, but fends off a pair of break points before closing out a hard-fought hold.
Keys breaks in third game of first set!
First set: *Keys 3-0 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Keys is locked in! Sabalenka goes unreturnable, backhand winner and 112mph ace for 40-love. But the American rattles off five straight points, including two blistering return winners and a Sabalenka double fault, for the double-break lead. That’s seven winners against two unforced errors for Keys. Dream start!
Aryna Sabalenka is off to a rocky start in her US Open final against Madison Keys, Photograph: Elsa/Getty ImagesFirst set: Keys 2-0 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Keys holds from love-15 and 30-all to confidently back up the break. That’s five winners for the 17th seed over the first two games with just two unforced errors. Good start.
Keys breaks in first game of first set!
First set: *Keys 1-0 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
A shaky start for the soon-to-be-world No 1. She wins the opening point, but watches as Keys strikes a return winner, volley winner and baseline winner – all with the forehand – for 15-40. Two early looks at a break point for the American. Sabalenka saves the first with a 93mph second-serve ace out wide, then the second when Keys nets a backhand from the baseline at the end of a muscular nine-shot rally. Deuce. Sabalenka then misfires again from the baseline for a third break-point chance … and she double-faults! Oh dear. It’s a gift-wrapped break for Keys to start this second US Open semi-final.
Keys and Sabalenka have taken the court for tonight’s second semi-final. This is the fourth meeting betwen the two with Sabalenka having taken two of the previous three, most recently a 6-2, 6-4 win in this year’s Wimbledon quarter-finals.
The players meet at the net for the coin toss. Keys chooses heads. It’s tails and Sabalenka elects to serve. We should be under way in the next few minutes.
As we wait, the USTA has released the following statement on the stadium protesters that caused the earlier delay:
Following the first game of the second set in the Gauff-Muchova match, play was halted due to a protest conducted by four spectators.
Three of the four protesters were escorted out of the stadium without further incident. The fourth protester affixed their bare feet to the floor of the seating bowl. Due to the nature of this action, NYPD and medical personnel were needed in order to safely remove this individual from the stadium.
The four protesters were taken into NYPD custody.
In total, 49 minutes elapsed before play resumed.
“Some of those points it was so loud and I don’t know if my ears are going to be OK,” Gauff says. “This is crazy. I grew up watching this tournament so much, so it means a lot to be in the final. A lot to celebrate. But the job is not done, so hopefully you guys can back me on Saturday.”
Gauff is asked what she will be doing for the second match between Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka.
“Press, treatment, watch some anime,” she says. “No, literally today I watched four or five episodes of My Hero Academia before I played. I may watch some of the match, maybe not. I haven’t even thought that far ahead to be honest.”
Gauff wins 6-4, 7-5 to reach US Open final!Gauff breaks in 12th game of second set!
Second set: Gauff 6-4, 7-5 Muchova
Muchova double-faults for only the second time all night to go down love-15. She wins the next point for 15-all, but Gauff follows with a blistering forehand early in the rally that Muchova can only get a frame on for 15-30. Then Muchova sends a forehand well past the baseline for 15-40. Two more match points for Gauff. And Muchova erases the first with a forehand winner on the run down the line for 30-40. A third match point for the American … and Gauff goes for the win on a cross-court forehand on the 13th shot off a grueling baseline rally but just misses the line. Deuce! Another lengthy baseline exchange follows and this time Muchova blinks, missing on a backhand. A fourth match point for Gauff and Muchova saves that one, too, with a vicious forehand return winner. Gauff earns a fifth match point and Muchova saves it again!
The next point? One for the ages. Gauff and Muchova trade 40 shots before Gauff closes it with a forehand winner on the approach for a sixth match point. And this time she converts when Muchova sends a forehand past the baseline. She pumps both fists and screams skyward! Coco Gauff is through to her first US Open final!
Coco Gauff celebrates after match point. Photograph: Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesSecond set: Gauff 6-4, 6-5 Muchova* (*denotes next server)
Muchova wins the first point on Gauff’s serve, ripping a forehand at the end of a lengthy baseline rally that Gauff can’t handle. The Czech has won nine of the last 11 points. But Gauff is able to rattle off four quick points to hold from there. Muchova will serve to force a second-set tiebreaker after the changeover.
Second set: *Gauff 6-4, 5-5 Muchova (*denotes next server)
Muchova holds in stress-free fashion, though Gauff’s lone point at 30-love is one for the highlight reel with both players covering every inch of the court. Muchova has won six of the last seven points. It’s getting tight!