That’s all for now. Thanks as always for following along with us and do check back later for Kevin Mitchell’s full report.
“Frances fought well,” says Federer in an on-court interview. “When things connect for him, he’s a very good player.”
He adds: “I’m very happy with the match. It was exciting. It was why I came to New York as well, to go through these emotions.”
Federer breaks in 10th game of fifth set and wins match!
Fifth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 Tiafoe
Now Tiafoe must be very careful. He’s just lost the first point and can’t let the adrenaline get the best of him. Oh dear, now he’s netted a forehand and it’s love-30 and he’s two points from elimination. Federer sends a forehand into the net and it’s 15-30. Now a lengthy baseline rally and Tiafoe is there with him blow for blow until he overcooks a backhand and now Federer has double match point. Tiafoe saves the first when Federer floats a drop shot into the net, but then Tiafoe dumps a forehand into the net and that’s the match!
Updated
at 5.05am BST
Tiafoe breaks in ninth game of fifth set!
Fifth set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 5-4 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer nets a forehand from the baseline, then follows with a forehand winner for 15-all. Tiafoe flails at a Federer serve and can’t get it over the net and now Federer is two points from the win. Tiafoe challenges a Federer winner unsuccessfully and now Federer has match point at 40-30. Tiafoe saves it, forcing Federer to miss on a tightly angled volley. Deuce. Federer than misses on a backhand and now Tiafoe has a break-point chance! Wow! The crowd swells. Big-time point here. And an even bigger-time response from Federer, who uncorks an ace down the middle that catches the line. Tiafoe burns his last challenge on it. Deuce. And Tiafoe reponds with a running forehand that catches the line and it’s another break-point chance … and he converts it with a forehand passing shot down the line. Wow! Crowd goes nuts and Tiafoe will serve at 4-5.
Fifth set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 5-1, 1-6, 5-3 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe is serving to stay in the match and off to an ominous star, falling behind love-15 after making an error deep in a rally. Tiafoe then crushes a winner into a corner for 15-all and Federer makes a couple of errors for 40-15. Federer then sprays a backhand wide of the court and Federer will look to serve out the match. Last-chance saloon for our man Frances.
Fifth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 5-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Three quick points for Federer, capped by a 120mph ace down the middle, for 40-love. Then Tiafoe slices a backhand into the net and Federer has yet another hold at love. He’s lost just one point on his serve in the fifth set.
Fifth set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 4-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe needs an easy hold and that’s what he gets winning two quick points before outlasting Federer in a long rally for 40-love. Then Federer returns a second serve into the net for a love hold, but he’s still down a break and running out of time.
Updated
at 4.39am BST
Fifth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 5-1, 1-6, 4-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Easy hold to back up the break for Federer, who’s dropped just one point on his serve in the fifth.
Federer breaks in fourth game of fifth set!
Fifth set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 3-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Lengthy rally to open the game but Tiafoe blinks first, netting a backhand from the corner. Federer answers with a backhand unforced error, then Tiafoe rips a forehand winner for 30-15. But from there Tiafoe makes a pair of errors to give Federer a break-point chance and he makes the most of it by pouncing on a drop shot for a backhand winner. Crowd goes nuts. Say what you want about Tiafoe being a future American star or the underdog on the night, but this is a Federer crowd through and through. Awesome.
Updated
at 4.39am BST
Fifth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 2-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
A second straight love hold for Federer to open the fifth. You’d have to tip Federer on experience, but it’s otherwise impossible to tell which way this one is headed.
Updated
at 4.39am BST
Fifth set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 1-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe matches Federer’s opening game with a stress-free hold of his own. The crowd, already louder than usual beneath the closed room, is making for an electric environment here.
Updated
at 4.39am BST
Fifth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 1-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer looks like he means business: four quick points and love hold in just over one minute.
Updated
at 4.39am BST
Fourth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6 Tiafoe
It’s an easy hold for Tiafoe and we’re headed to decider! Four sets played in exactly two hours.
Updated
at 4.39am BST
Tiafoe breaks in sixth game of fourth set!
Fourth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-5* Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Federer opens with a service winner, but then blinks first at the end of a lengthy rally for 15-all. Now a volley winner by Tiafoe makes it 15-30 – and a badly mishit forehand (badly!) makes it 15-40. Two break-point chances for Tiafoe forthcoming. He only needs one! Tiafoe, now three-for-three on break points, will look to serve out the fourth set.
Updated
at 4.17am BST
Fourth set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-4 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Oh dear. At 15-all, Tiafoe double-faults. Not the best time. But Federer misses a pair of forehands and Tiafoe caps the game with a volley winner, pumping his fist to the roar of the crowd! A crucial consolidation of the break for Tiafoe, who is two games from forcing a fifth and deciding set!
Updated
at 4.16am BST
Tiafoe breaks in fourth game of fourth set!
Fourth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-3 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe fights his way into a Federer service game for the first time in a while, forcing it to deuce. Federer suddenly missing a lot of first serves. Tiafoe then gets the best of Federer on a long rally and he’ll have a break-point opportunity to show for it. And there’s the break! Consecutive backhand errors did Federer in and Tiafoe has been given new life!
Updated
at 4.16am BST
Fourth set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe responds with a drama-free service game. And thank goodness: those have been too few and far between for the teenager lately.
Updated
at 4.16am BST
Fourth set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer booms his 10th ace of the night and cruises to an easy hold.
Updated
at 4.16am BST
Fourth set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 0-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe wins the first point when Federer tries a sharply angled volley winner and nets it. Federer responds with a winner but Tiafoe wins the next three points, including aces of 121mph and 127mph to seal the game.
Updated
at 4.16am BST
Federer wins third set!
Third set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
At 30-all, Tiafoe hangs in a long rally before netting a forehand, giving Federer a set point. Federer then blasts a winner from the center of the baseline and he’s one set from the second round.
Federer breaks in sixth game of third set!
Third set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 5-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe continuing to labor in this service games. At 40-30, he nets an inside-out forehand for deuce. They trade a few points before a Tiafoe error gives Federer another break-point chance. That’s when Tiafor sprays another running forehand and Federer will look to serve out the set.
Third set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 4-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
A love hold for Federer in less than a minute. Tiafoe will serve to stay within touching distance in the third.
Third set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 3-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Just when Tiafoe looked like he was going to finally get an easy service game, Federer rattles off a pair of points for deuce. Now an outrageous backhand return winner for Federer and he’s got a look at a break point once more.
He can’t capitalize, making an error on a running backhand, setting up the much-needed hold for Tiafoe.
Updated
at 3.47am BST
Third set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 3-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Federer comes to net for a beautiful volley winner: his ninth point on 10 net approaches on the night. Tiafoe then mixes in a pair of errors including an overcooked forehand from the baseline to gift Federer the game.
Federer breaks in second game of third set!
Third set: *Federer 4-6, 6-2, 2-0 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
After falling behind 15-30, Tiafoe takes his time between points, no longer playing as quickly as he was earlier in the match. Another mishit forehand makes it 15-40 and Federer will have two break-point chance. Tiafoe saves the first, hitting an approach forehand down the line that Federer can’t return in the court. But a Tiafoe error on the next point gives Federer the early break.
Updated
at 3.36am BST
Third set: Federer 4-6, 6-2, 1-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer races to 40-love before mixing in yet another backhand unforced error, but an error by Tiafoe on the next point gives him the easy hold.
Updated
at 3.37am BST
Federer breaks in eighth game and wins second set!
Second set: Federer 4-6, 6-2 Tiafoe
Tiafoe falls behind love-15, then nets a backhand at the end of a lengthy rally for love-30. Federer now two points from leveling the match at a set apiece. A volley winner makes it love-40 and now Federer will have three chances at the break and the set. Tiafoe saves the first, but then misses on a backhand and Federer has taken the second set.
Second set: Federer 4-6, 5-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
It’s a clinical hold for Federer, who’s finally dialed in on his serve, and now Tiafoe will serve to stay in the second set.
Second set: *Federer 4-6, 4-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Another tricky service game for Tiafoe as Federer wins a few points for 30-all. Then another Tiafoe error gives Federer a look at a break point for a second straight return game. Tiafoe saves it for deuce before escaping with the hold.
Second set: Federer 4-6, 4-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer backs up the break with an easy service game, punctuating matters with a thudding ace. Can Tiafoe fight his way back into the set?
Federer breaks in fourth game of second set!
Second set: *Federer 4-6, 3-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe wins the first two points but then mixes in a pair of mishits for 30-all. Another loose point sets up break-point chance of Federer, only his second of the match. And he saves it for deuce when Federer nets an easy backhand sitter off a netcord. Another Tiafoe error gives Federer another chance at a break and this time he capitalizes when Tiafoe makes an unforced error on a backhand volley.
Updated
at 3.12am BST
Second set: Federer 4-6, 2-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
A stress-free hold for Federer and they go to the changeover on serve in the second.
Updated
at 3.09am BST
Second set: *Federer 4-6, 1-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Another hard-fought hold for Tiafoe, who seals it with a sizzling service winner. I must say, the noise in the stadium is incredibly distracting.
Second set: Federer 4-6, 1-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer holds from 15-30 down. Serve speed is down and he still doesn’t look totally right. It’s not just the noise in Ashe.
Tiafoe wins first set!
First set: Federer 4-6 Tiafoe
Federer makes yet another unforced error off the backhand side. Then Tiafoe moves ahead 30-love and within two points of the set with a vicious forehand winner. Another unforced error by Federer gives Tiafoe three looks at a set point, but he needs only the first of them: crushing yet another forehand winner for the love hold and the first set.
First set: Federer 4-5 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer holds at love in the blink of an eye and now the pressure falls on Tiafoe. Can he serve out the set?
First set: *Federer 3-5 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe falls behind love-15, then rattles off three straight points capped by a blistering cross-court winner clocked at 97mph off the ground. An unforced error by Federer off the forehand side gives Tiafoe the game and now Federer will serve to stay in the first set.
First set: Federer 3-4 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Federer cracks a 116mph ace. He sends another backhand long for 30-all, thanks to an excellent return by Tiafoe, but rattles off two quick points for the hold. Tiafoe still up a break, though. Can the youngster hold his nerve?
First set: *Federer 2-4 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe holds at love, including a 120mph service winner, and he’s looking incredibly poised and comfortable out there. You’d hardly know the opponent across the net has one grand slam title for every year Tiafoe’s been alive.
First set: Federer 2-3 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer races to 40-love, then survives a few more errors for his easiest hold of the day so far.
First set: *Federer 1-3 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Another hold for Tiafoe and Federer’s scratchy start continues with just four winners and 11 unforced errors (compared to two winners and seven unforced errors for the American). It should also be mentioned that it’s loud with the roof closed, something Rafael Nadal griped about earlier today – and for all Federer’s experience on Ashe, he’s yet to play a match on it with the roof closed.
First set: Federer 1-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Federer double-faults and a murmur comes over the crowd. But he rattles off three straight points, capped by a service winner, to get on the board. Oh, and Sean Connery is in the building tonight!
Updated
at 2.50am BST
First set: *Federer 0-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)
Federer cracks a forehand winner, but loses the next point on another unforced error on the backhand side. Now Tiafoe mixes in an error and falls behind 15-30. Would not be good to give the break right back. Federer makes an error for 30-all, but then Tiafoe double-faults and Federer will have a look at a break. Tiafoe saves it for deuce then booms an ace. Another double fault moves it back to deuce, but a few more errors for Federer and Tiafoe has consolidated the break. Well done, despite the double faults.
Tiafoe breaks in first game of first set!
First set: Federer 0-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)
Federer nets a backhand on the opening point after a lengthy rally. He wins the next point but mixes in a couple more unforced errors and very quickly Tiafoe has a pair of break-point chances at 15-40. He needs only one, sailing a backhand far past the baseline and just like that Tiafoe has the early break.
Tiafoe has won the toss and elects to receive. We’ll pick it up with game-by-game coverage from here.
The third-seeded Federer, a five-time champion at Flushing Meadows, is the betting favorite to win a sixth US Open title over the next fortnight. Tonight, he’ll tie Andre Agassi with his 33rd night-session match here, most among men since 1980. He can also pull even with Agassi for second-most victories at the US Open with 79, second only to fellow five-time champion Jimmy Connors’ 98.
Standing in his way in Tiafoe, who for years has been pegged as one of America’s next tennis stars. He’ll be looking for his second career top-10 win tonight after his scalp of Alexander Zverev earlier this month in Cincinnati. Federer is one of the most popular players on the circuit, but there’s no question Tiafoe will have much of the crowd in his corner tonight – particularly if he’s able to push the 19-time major champion.
Hello and welcome to Arthur Ashe Stadium for tonight’s first-round between Roger Federer and the young American up-and-comer Frances Tiafoe. Madison Keys has just wrapped up a 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory over Elise Mertens in the night-session opener, meaning tonight’s nightcap between Federer and Tiafoe should be under way in the next 20 minutes or so. More to come!
Bryan will be here shortly. Only seven matches have been completed so far on a rain-soaked day two at Flushing Meadows, but one of those seven with a biggie. Read all about it right here.