“I had don’t know how many break points I had before I convert the first one,” Nadal says in an on-court interview, referencing his 0-for-14 start in that category. “From that moment I think I played better.”
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He’s asked about a potential semi-final meeting with Roger Federer at the lone grand slam where they’ve never met but he doesn’t take the bait: “I am in the fourth round right now, I don’t think much about that. It’s a long way.”
Big cheers for Nadal as he steps to the baseline to try and serve it out. A service winner moves him to within three points of the finish line. A missed forehand by Mayer that caroms backward off the netcord moves it to two. Nadal then puts too much on a baseline forehand for 30-15 before Mayer benefits from a netcord winner upheld on a challenge by the narrowest of margins. Thirty-all. But Mayer follows with an unforced error for match point and makes another to send Nadal leaping into the night. The world No1 is through to the second week!
Mayer falls behind love-15 but rips a forehand winner for 15-all. He dials up the serve-and-volley once more but nets the volley for 15-30, but Nadal sends a forehand long again for 30-all. A 121mph service winner gives Mayer game point and he doesn’t waste it, uncorking another service winner to back up the break. Nadal will try for a second time to serve out the match.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 5-3 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Nadal pounds a forehand winner after a short rally before missing on a forehand for 15-all. Now he’s sent another forehand sailing past the baseline and it’s 15-30. Nadal answers with a forehand winner on the approach for 30-all and he’s two points from the result. But he’s just found the net again with a backhand and now Mayer has a break-point chance … and Nadal misses a forehand on the approach to give Mayer the break – the Argentine’s first break of the match after 3hr 6min.
Mayer double-faults then misses on a forehand from the baseline and suddenly it’s love-30, but Nadal dumps a backhand into the net then overcooks a running forehand for 30-all. Mayer than sends a forehand wide and Nadal will have another break-point chance. And the break is his after Mayer misses a running forehand long. Nadal to serve for a place in the last 16 after the changeover.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 4-2 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Nadal thuds a 110mph service winner, but Nadal makes back-to-back unforced errors on forehands and there’s an opening for Mayer for the first time in what feels like ages. Nadal answers with a physical forehand winner for 30-all, then a 108mph ace for game point. A service winner caps it and Nadal is two games from the second week.
Mayer gets the easy love hold he needed to get on the board in the third set, but he’s a break down and will need to make it up somehow if he hopes to force it to a decider. Big cheers for Hamilton creator and Federer fan Lin Manuel Miranda as he’s shown on the JumboTrons during the changeover.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 2-0 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
A taxing rally ends with Mayer depositing a one-handed backhand into the corner of the court. A fantastic point but at what cost?. Nadal hits a winner for 15-all, then an overhand smash for 30-15. Another forehand winner by Nadal moves him to within a point of the hold. He misses on a cross-court backhand for 40-30, but Mayer’s forehand hits the netcord and caroms back to his side and Nadal has consolidated his early break.
It’s all gone pear-shaped for our man Leonardo, who looks exhausted and has quickly fallen behind love-30 on a forehand error of the unforced variety followed by a Nadal forehand winner. The Argentine responds with an ace and an overhand smash for 30-all, but Nadal hits a forehand winner for break point. He squanders it by putting a backhand into the net, but hits a blistering forehand winner up the line that brings the crowd to their feet. This time he converts as Mayer botches a backhand volley and he’s off to the races in the fourth.
Third set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-3, 5-1 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Mayer’s legs are starting to get heavy, the workload clearly starting to take his toll. He falls behind 15-30 before Nadal rips a cross-court backhand winner from behind the baseline for double break point. The Argentine saves the first when Nadal mishits a return, but then Mayer – oh dear! – he double-faults! An awful way to surrender the break and Nadal will try to serve out the set.
Third set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-3, 3-1 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Mayer holds at love in about a minute and a half. He desperately needed an easy hold after Nadal had taken seven games in succession from 2-3 in the second set.
Third set: Nadal 6-7, 6-3, 3-0 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
After trading errors, Nadal dials in another ace for 30-15. He then crushes a forehand winner followed by an overhand smash for another comfortable hold. What was a highly tense match less than a half hour ago has now taken on the feel of one-way traffic.
Third set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-3, 2-0 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Now Mayer finds himself in trouble on his serve. A couple of loose backhands put him behind 15-40 and Nadal will have a pair of break-point chances. He saves the first when Nadal sends a return past the baseline, but capitalizes on the second by pushing Mayer back with deep, powerful groundstrokes until Mayer blinks and sends a forehand long.
Third set: Nadal 6-7, 6-3, 1-0 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
A pair of scratchy forehands by Nadal and he’s quickly down love-30. But the Spaniard rattles off four quick points including three winners for the hold.
What a difference a break makes. Mayer comes apart in a blur of errors and falls behind love-40. Three set points for Nadal. He saves the first two but Nadal uncorks a blistering cross-court winner for the break and the set, punctuating it with a quadruple fist pump as the crowd erupts. Best of three from here on out!
Second set: Nadal 6-7, 5-3 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Nadal would do well to back up the break with authority and that’s exactly what he does, holding at love and capping it with a 120mph ace. Mayer has been working a lot harder on his serve throughout this match and you have to wonder if the body blows will start to catch up with him. Sixty-one points have been played on Nadal’s serve compared to 98 on Mayer’s, nearly 50% more.
Second set: *Nadal 6-7, 4-3 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Mayer opens with another ace. The players trade errors, then Nadal rips a forehand cross-court winner with such velocity it finds its way into the stands. Now an unforced error on the forehand sice by Mayer and Nadal will have a 10th look at a break point. And he wastes it once more, sending a backhand into the net for deuce. A 131mph ace out wide, Mayer’s eighth (and fastest) of the day. He comes to net on the next point but can’t put the volley in the court and they’re back to deuce. Now Mayer makes another backhand unforced error and Nadal will have another break chance, his second of the game and 11th overall. But Nadal is frustrated yet again, sending a second-serve backhand into the net. Five of Nadal’s missed break-point chances have come on second serves. Deuce. Now Nadal runs Mayer from corner to corner on a baseline rally before closing out the point with an casual volley winner. Another break chance, Nadal’s 12th, and he botches the return again. Unbelievable! Nadal sends a return long on the next point, but digs out a highlight-reel backhand winner for deuce. Now Meyer misses another backhand and Nadal will have a 13th look at a break. And Mayer saves it yet again! Nadal framed the return setting up an easy point for the Argentine. Quite amazing, this. Deuce again. Now Nadal catches Mayer coming in too close to net on a backhand volley and responds with a perfect lob winner that prompts an emphatic fist pump from the Spaniard and brings the crowd to its feet. A fifth break chance of the game and 14th of the match overall follows … and this time Mayer misses wide on a forehand and Nadal has the elusive break of serve!
Second set: Nadal 6-7, 3-3 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Nadal falls behind love-15 on a Mayer forehand winner that whips the crowd into a frenzy. But Nadal answers with an overhand smash then races to the hold with an assist from a handful of Mayer errors.
Second set: *Nadal 6-7, 2-3 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Nadal talking to himself, talking to his camp. Three quick points for Mayer. The third is a 130mph ace that Nadal challenges – and it’s overruled by the narrowest of margins for 30-love. A pair of unforced errors by Mayer for 30-all. Opportunity for Nadal? Then someone yells out “Come on, Rafa!” right during Mayer’s service motion, drawing consternation from the crowd. Another cheap point for Mayer on a serve-and-volley, which he’s used judiciously and with success. But he follows with a double fault, his third of the afternoon (which is quickly turning into evening), for deuce. Now a 127mph ace for game point, but Nadal moves it back to deuce when he comes to net and forces Mayer to attempt a pass that he can’t quick deliver on. Another game point for Meyer after a forehand winner, but he follows with a misfire on a forehand for deuce once more. Pascal Maria issues a time violation warning for Mayer before the next point. Nadal responds with a winner for another break-point opporunity, then Mayer approaches the chair umpire to see what’s what. Nadal misses a return and falls to 0-for-7 on break points. Deuce for a fourth time. Now a third unforced error by Mayer in this game alone and Nadal has another break point. Will the eighth time be the charm? It will not, Mayer’s 106mph service winner returning it to deuce. A 112mph ace out wide sets up game point, but Nadal answers with a blistering cross-court backhand winner for deuce. A forehand winner by Nadal and he’ll have a third break chance this game and a ninth overall for the match. And he comes up empty again, mishitting a return on Mayer’s second serve. Another missed return gives Mayer a game point and this time he pulls through when Nadal misses a backhand. Whew!
Second set: Nadal 6-7, 2-2 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
A crowd-pleasing rally ends with a Mayer dragging Nadal to net with a drop shot before fully extending for a half-volley winner, then Nadal nets a forehand from the baseline for love-30. The crowd swells, most trying to rally the world No1 but a vociferous contingent backing the Argentine underdog. A lengthy rally ensues with Mayer blinks first, but Nadal misses on another backhand and Mayer will have his first break-point chance of the match at 15-40. He squanders the first, dumping a 97mph second serve into the net for 30-40. Same with the second, as he frames a backhand return that sails harmlessly out for deuce. Nadal then hits a forehand winner from the baseline, drawing a round of applause from the nearly full stadium. Two break points saved, now a game point. And Nadal escapes with the hold after Mayer sends a forehand into the net. Four good points to close it out. Nadal switching rackets before hustling back to the baseline.
Second set: *Nadal 6-7, 1-2 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Mayer sprays a forehand to again fall behind love-15, but levels when Nadal badly mishits a second-serve return that sails over the lower bowl into one of the luxury boxes. Finally, the fat cats get a break. Nadal then comes to net for a volley winner and more pressure for Mayer, whose first-serve percentage is sinking by the minute. Great hitting by both men on the next point and the rally ends with a Mayer forehand winner for 30-all. Nadal then misses a backhand return. Mayer pounds in an apparent ace but it’s overruled by chair umpire Pascal Maria. No matter. Nadal nets a shot on the next point and the Argentine rallies for the hold.
Second set: Nadal 6-7, 1-1 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Mayer falls behind love-15 and then 15-30 on a pair of unforced errors off the forehand side. A forehand error by Nadal makes it 30-all and a bit of pressure falls on the Spaniard. Mayer then goes for a forehand winner that just misses the line and nets a return, giving Nadal the hold.
Second set: *Nadal 6-7, 0-1 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Mayer opens with an ace and follows with a winner. Nadal pulls one back on a return winner, but Mayer hangs strong in a backhand-to-backhand rally to move within a point of the hold. A clincial overhand smash on the next point seals it. Mayer’s aggressive tennis, with 20 winner’s to Nadal’s nine, continues to yield dividends.
The night session is scheduled to begin in 27 minutes with a large crowd gathering outside. We’re guessing they may be in for a long wait and we’re only just getting started on Ashe. Another long night at the tennis could be in store.
Nadal serves first and wins the point on his opponent’s error. A Mayer second-serve handcuffs Nadal on the backhand side for 1-all, then Mayer dials in a titanic 128mph ace, his fourth of the day. Mayer is left with an excellent chance to go up a mini-break when Nadal leaves him a shot at the net, but he botches the volley for 2-all. Then Nadal nets a forehand and all of a sudden Mayer does get the mini-break and will serve at 3-2. Nadal then nets a backhand and the players change ends as the clock turns past the first hour. Now a 129mph ace by Mayer makes it 5-2 with two serves from Nadal forthcoming. Nadal follows with a netted backhand from the baseline and Mayer will have a handful of set points. The “Olé, Olé” chant is now ringing down from the Argentine fans in the promenade between points. Mayer misses a backhand for 6-3, but he forces Nadal into an error on the next point to take the set!
Mayer hits another forehand winner followed by a service winner for 30-love. Then he pushes Nadal so far wide on a second serve that Mayer is left with an easy forehand winner. Nadal nets a backhand and they’re headed for a tiebreaker. Bear in mind: not only has Mayer never taken a set in their three previous meetings, the Argentine has never so much as forced a tiebreak until now.
First set: Nadal 6-5 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Mayer makes an unforced error from the backhand side and Nadal follows with a 122mph ace. Mayer is forced into a mistake on the next point but pulls one back with a forehand winner. He then follows with a backhand winner for 40-30 and the crowd is buzzing, shouts of “Come on, Rafa!” peppering the atmosphere. He complies, closing out the hold with a smash winner. Now Mayer will serve to try and force a tiebreaker.
First set: *Nadal 5-5 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Mayer makes an unforced error off the forehand to fall behind love-15. But Nadal misses a second-serve return, then sends a cross-court backhand wide. Mayer hits a forehand volley winner for 40-15, but makes an unforced error followed by a double fault for deuce. Nadal then misses a forehand from the baseline before Mayer closes out the hold with a forehand winner.
Nadal returns a shot during the opening set. Photograph: Jason Decrow/AP
First set: Nadal 5-4 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
A couple of shaky forehands by Nadal and he’s quickly behind love-30. Mayer then misses on a return and leaves Nadal a sitter on the next point for 30-all. Another missed backhand by Mayer moves Nadal within a point of the game and he closes it out with an overhand smash for the hold from love-30 down.
First set: *Nadal 4-4 Mayer (*denotes next server)
A quick point for Mayer on a serve-and-volley, first time he’s employed that tactic today. Nadal responds with a winner for 15-all, but followed with an unforced error for 30-15. Mayer survives another baseline rally, ending it with a winner. Then Nadal conjures an outrageous backhand return winner from way outside the court. Wow! But on the next point the Spaniard misses on a return and Mayer has his first comfortable hold of the day.
First set: Nadal 4-3 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Mayer steals the first point on Nadal’s serve when the Spaniard sends a forehand long, but he gives it right back with an unforced error and drops the next two points for 40-15. Another double fault for Nadal, his third of the afternoon. But he gets out with the hold after crushing an inside-out forehand winner well out of Mayer’s reach. And now for some commentary from loyal reader John:
John McEnerney (@MackerOnTheMed)
@BryanAGraham Narky Nadal couldn’t hear the ball when he hit it in Rd1 but we could hear him grunting louder than ever. Shut up & play!
First set: *Nadal 3-3 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Mayer takes a long look at some spectators behind him that are apparently a bit too chatty for his liking. Turns to serve and then looks back again. No warning from the chair umpire and the Argentine promptly loses a pair of quick points to fall behind love-30. Nadal then frames a forehand off at the end of a long rally, but Mayer misses a forehand from the baseline on the next point for 15-40, gifting Nadal a pair of break-point looks. He saves the first when Nadal blinks in a rally and then a second when he misses on a second-serve return. Nadal is now 0-for-6 on break points with three misses on second serves. Deuce. Mayer then crushes a 126mph ace and follows with a nifty cross-court forehand winner for the hard-won hold from 15-40 down.
First set: Nadal 3-2 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Nadal takes an awfully long time making his way to the baseline and finally turning to face Mayer before resuming play. Mayer then misses a pair of forehands, the latter upheld by an unsuccessful challenge, for love-30. He pulls one back on a forehand winner, but errs on another backhand for 15-40. Two match-point chances ahead. Mayer brushes aside the first with a 124mph ace, then another on a Nadal unforced error for deuce. Another error gives Nadal a third break chance and this time he squanders it with an inside-out forehand that misses the line. Nadal then uncorks a passing shot off a poorly delivered drop shot for a fourth break chance, but Mayer saves it with a service winner. Another service winner moves him within a point of the game and a 118mph ace sees him through.
First set: *Nadal 2-2 Mayer (*denotes next server)
Nadal takes an awful long time making his way to the baseline and finally turning to face Mayer before resuming play. Mayer then misses a pair of forehands, the latter upheld by an unsuccessful challenge, for love-30. He pulls one back on a forehand winner, but errs on another backhand for 15-40. Two match-point chances ahead. Mayer brushes aside the first with a 124mph ace, then another on a Nadal unforced error for deuce. Another error gives Nadal a third break chance and this time he squanders it with an inside-out forehand that misses the line. Nadal then uncorks a passing shot off a poorly delivered drop shot for a fourth break chance, but Mayer saves it with a service winner. Another service winner moves him within a point of the game and a 118mph ace sees him through.
First set: Nadal 2-1 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Mayer comes to the net for the first time and Nadal rips a clinical forehand passing shot for the point. They trade unforced errors for 30-15, but Mayer then mishits a one-handed backhand and Nadal is one point from the hold. Another backhand into the net by Mayer seals it. Comedian Wanda Sykes is shown on the JumboTrons during the changeover. Loved her in Snatched.
First set: *Nadal 1-1 Mayer (*denotes next server)
A good start by Mayer, who races to 40-love without even leaving the baseline. He mixes in a pair of unforced errors for 40-30, but Nadal puts too much on a forehand and the Argentine holds in his opening service game.
First set: Nadal 1-0 Mayer* (*denotes next server)
Nadal opens with a double fault. Mayer then overcooks a forehand from the baseline off a Nadal second serve for 15-all. Nadal then double-faults again. And Mayer sends another forehand long. Are we sensing a pattern here? Nadal finally gets a first serve in and a long rally ensues which ends on a Mayer unforced error from the baseline. A 121mph service winner then gives Nadal the hold.
Nadal won the toss and has elected to serve. A big swell of applause from the crowd as he steps to the baseline to start the match. We’ll pick it up with game-by-game coverage from here.
Nadal has won all three of his career meetings with Mayer, a lucky loser in the original field of 128. He leads the tour with 51 wins on the season and is trying to reach the round of 16 at Flushing Meadows for a ninth time.
Mayer, who won the Hamburg title in July as a lucky loser, is 1-24 lifetime against opponents ranked in the top 10, including 0-13 on hard courts and 0-8 at majors.
The players are on the court and going through their warm-ups. Also, the roof has closed, creating an atmosphere Nadal wasn’t too thrilled about during his first-round match on Tuesday. “Too much noise, no?” the world No1 said after a 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-2 win over Dusan Lajovic. “I was not able to hear the ball when you are hitting, no?”
Hello and welcome to Arthur Ashe Stadium for today’s day-session finale between Rafael Nadal and Leonardo Mayer. A cracker of a third-round match between Coco Vandeweghe and Aga Radwanska has just finished with the 20th-seeded American winning 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 over 2hr 56min. That means Nadal and Mayer should be under way in about 25 minutes or so.
But as I type this, a few very light drops of rain are falling into the stadium. Emphasis on light and maybe it will pass, but it’s possible the roof may come into play.
The current forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain from now until 9pm, when it goes up to 90%.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda
