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[Music] [Music] get ready for the 2024 US Open tennis championships get ready for the next chapter of spectacular sensing the moment approaches the Baseline answers with a back in missing crosscourt we're going to a third set tie break and the crown is on their feet inside Ash get ready for the next highlight the next next Challenger the next to make history the greatest of all time turns back the clock and is moving on he winds up flat on his back he's turned over he's sobbing and he is the US Open Champion get ready to go all day all night and all the way up it's an eight and the dream has become a reality the US Open spectacular awaits night time at the US Open it is a quarterfinal day and evening at the USDA Billy Jan King national tennis center and welcome to US Open radio presented by American Express Russ Taylor and Sophie amak on the call tonight for our first match it's a women's singles quarterfinal between top ranked eish fanch the 2022 us open champion and the six seed American Jessica Pula and greetings Sophie we are looking forward to to this very much to this match it's the 10th meeting between EA and Jessica pula's won three of those but she's never made it past the quarterfinals in a major this is her seventh time in a quarter trying to get to that final four she's got a tall Hill to climb tonight in the world number one well she sure does and uh one of the time actually that she reached the quarters was right here also so in 2022 and that was against the same opponent who went on to win the tournament and uh it was a close match you know with a you know second set tie break so you know that she wants more tonight for sure Jessica Pula and the other times I think the one time that she's probably the one that she wished that she could have come true is really the Wimbledon one against vova who went on also to win the tournament by the way where she was up for one in the third so but other than that you know she played you know B in 2020 22 at the Australian Open Brady was a tough one three sets I think that she probably also is was missing out in that one B obviously in 2022 went on to win the tournament as well so well I think she's Crossing her finger that this is going to be the one well she comes in maybe in the best form she's ever come into a quarterfinal of a major she's won 13 of her last 14 matches she won the title in Canada and then got to the semi-finals in Cincinnati and hasn't lost a set yet here to the final so is it fair to say that her form is as good as we've seen well what I think also is that she's uh refreshed because she hasn't played probably as much tennis uh than IGA and I think that to me what's important right here is the mental the mental to just believe because you know one time two times three times six times that you can't come through it becomes like you know you're you're your biggest enemy is is only yourself you know to to think well can I will I can I will I ever so I think it's all going to be about you know mental toughness but I think the servant returns are going to be huge because the last time they played I believe that they were uh some incredible amount 13 breaks of serves in 20122 between the two of them okay uh which is meaning that they're both trying and have the same quality which is the return serve so it's going to be protecting your serve and being able to attack the second serve for both players because because they're both really great receivers all right let's listen in to what eish fianc had to say about facing Jessica Pula in the quarterfinals of the US Open this year against Jesse is never easy she has a pretty tricky game style uh so you have to really work low on your legs and be ready for longer rallies but also for some intense hitting so um yeah she's a great player so for sure it's going to be a changee and we're going to see some great Baseline battles between the two if there's one thing that people say EA might have as a weakness in her game it could be her forehand sometimes on this fast Court can Pula hit hard enough to hit through yeah I think you're totally right and and what happened when she played against samsonova the forehand was the one that went down 10 un forcers on the forehand in the exact same place for the first sets four in the second set she kind of like got better but some sonova also dropped level but igas forehand when she gets crowded especially when you get hit really hard down the middle to your right hip that's where the the problem comes because she's a little bit late she she kind of like hit it on the way back on the back foot and that's where the erors are coming so I'm sure Mark and mark the Bahamas girl boys sorry not girls the Bahamas boys which are the two coach of uh Mark marker are I'm sure they watch the tape and if they didn't mention that to her then I'm not sure if they should be in the coaching box but knowing what they've done so far I am 100% sure that this forehand is is going to be dissect tonight you know one of the most impressive things when we called that match Sam sonova and EA in the last round one of the most impressive things I thought was that I don't think EA played particularly well no especially in the first set when it was close and she still managed to hang around and hang around long enough for samsonova to really take a turn for the worst well remember at 4 all basically samsonova disappeared and she was like not even able to win one or two points the next phenomenal month playing such great tennis but take me back a couple months ago when you were injured has that helped you be a little bit fresher going into this uh summer series yeah I think in a little in a weird way it has um I think that I've you know haven't played that much at the beginning of the year so I think coming into the summer and post Olympics I've actually been pretty fresh so trying to use that to my advantage so therefore if you are fresher how do you turn things around you know this quarterfinal has been a bit of an issue for you but eager you know how to beat her how can you turn that around now yeah I mean I think it's it's always just having to execute it in big moments um and pressure moments and kind of keeping your mind clear and still thinking good out there I mean she's the best player in the world right now so obviously I know no matter what it's not going to be easy no matter the situation so I'm just going to have to go out there and um believe in my game best to luck at that tonight Jess thanks so there's Rene us J and now here comes fan EA it's been a great couple of U matches leading up to this one but I feel like you've served phenomenally well in the last few matches how much of a key is that for you tonight well for sure it's easier with a good serf so um for sure you know I'm going to do my best to focus on the right technique and just have my rhythm you know but I would say even um in any situation I can also Grind from the Baseline so I think I'm going to be good well speaking of Jess then your serve Jess has sometimes a shorter second serve how do you take advantage of that on return then for you tonight well for sure I'm going to try to push but uh it depends on the situation sometimes it's worth to take risk sometimes not so I guess I'll see best luck out there tonight thank you [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] and from Poland EOS fiant and here we go the world number one is taking the court igon techn fiber racket bag slung across her shoulders she's got the on gym bag with her as well wearing her on Alit and Jessica Pula in the Adidas and we're ready to go Sophie for a quarterfinal between eish fianc and Jessica Pula and I am wondering as the crowd begins to filter in here for the first two quarterfinal night matches we'll see danil meev in the number one seat on the men's side Yanik CER after this but how much of a factor will the crowd play in this tonight behind Jessica Pula well I think it's it's a huge advantage and and you know that they're going to be there to try to really push her to to come through a quarterfinal for the first time ever in a major but yes I think the crowd as as the aspect of uh you know bringing her up I think that she's somebody who can take it I think you know she's a very calm and composed and poised uh player which is uh maybe not given to some players to take that crowd in and and sometimes they feel a lot more pressure I think she going to be okay so but uh let's listen in to the uh VJ Arbitrage we can do International tennis two facing so ladies same conditions in your previous matches after and this is Al your previous matches if I can ask you Jessica if you can use the whites please and EA the Reds please okay shot clocks are in front of you and also on the boards do you have any questions you got any questions oh okay it's heads head heads receive receive okay perfect all right Jessica Pula chose heads it was heads she elected to receive they are taking the ceremonial pictures at the net just the two of them now trying to figure out which way to look it's always the Awkward start and then they'll take their places to the Baseline to begin the warm-up some kind words between them actually a good luck and a good luck from IGA and Jessica Pula as they make their way to the Baseline and the sun begins to set it's the golden hour here in New York City and we're getting ready for quarterfinal action in the women's singles draw the number one seed Gish Fon and the number six seed Jessica Pula Russ Taylor Sophie amak on the call the other three quarterfinal matches are done the winner of this match will take on Caroline mova a winner 6164 earlier today over batra sadad Maya andaru of the United States will face arena sabalenka in another semi-final and the winner of this match will round out the final fourth how incredible this has been for the American tennis just to see that uh we for sure going to have an American men in the final and uh God forbid this has been a a little bit of a drought since Andy rodic uh won here and uh now we have a chance maybe to have also two American women in the final pretty amazing uh Emma Navaro with her breakout season the young American and Jessica Pula looking to break out in her own way and raise her game to a new level she's never been to the final four in a major championship she's got her seventh opportunity to do that tonight you know what they say right seventh times a charm Lucky Seven Lucky Seven that's I'm sure Jessica Pula ising same difference that's what she's probably hoping right now and uh you know to do so I think tactically again it's to really uh protect your serve and that's that's valid for both players but I think for Jessica pigola tonight is really to try to hit through the court and to hit to that forehand on the returner serve during the rally just to push her and push eiga deep behind the Baseline and something that's coming fast to a little bit of a loop for him that takes a little time to get there if you run that forehand and if you really make her hit late you're going to get some unforced errors well here's one thing that we know these courts are playing medium fast not as fast as they were necessarily in Cincinnati but fast enough to put the ball through the court we know that Jessica pulv can hit a flat penetrating ball the other thing is the balls themselves they've gone back to the regular Duty balls this year they played with the extra Duty that the men play with that tend to fluff up these balls are lighter they have less felt on them and when they're used more they actually thin down instead of fluff up do you think that might favor Pula a little bit with the way she plays well let's put it this way um they used the extra Duty last last year EA lost and EA was actually for it which is very Inc wanted those balls she wanted those balls which I don't think it's really an advantage for her to play with those balls I think that these balls are actually better for both of these players okay on a on a medium you know medium to fastpac hardcourt uh and I was you know I was actually surprised that she actually was pushing for the extra Duty last year uh obviously didn't work out so I think she's very pleased to be back with the regular Duty uh so yeah bows are you know it's listen it's crucial some players obviously get a lot more uh Pace with the ball I mean depending of what they use and some rather play with some different you know and faster ball I'm thinking sabalenka probably didn't get bothered by obviously any balls doesn't matter for her but I can tell you that with the extra Duty last year uh that ball was flying and going much faster through the court for sabalenka and kocoa and look sometimes the numbers do tell the story eish fian by Miles actually is the most wins on tour this season 12 more than the person with the next most wins that's Emma Nar into the other seminal since the start of 2023 fiance gets the most wins on hardc in the WTA the second most Jessica Pula who's here in the quarterfinals against eish fiance creem is rising to the top here and boy we are expecting and hoping for for sure a an extremely high level quarterfinal match these are two terrific players playing near the top of their capabilities and it is a privilege for us to be calling it tonight from the Billy Jean King us national tennis center in Queens New York well one thing also that uh I watched a little bit uh back into Montreal where uh was one of the loss of IgA against uh Pula it's to find out that she pulla used a lot of Varity in the game and she hit one of the most amazing drop shot I have ever seen um in in Montreal and I hope that she's going to use the drop shot as well if she's able to push IGA further than the Baseline Little bit further the drop shot is very very efficient both of these players enjoyed being on the offensive so I would imagine there's going to be sort of a tussle at the beginning of rallies to see who takes control is that fair yeah for sure but the good thing about uh Jessica and she mentioned it in our press conference you know working with the the two marks you know in in our camp she has been working a lot more on the courts with her Fitness versus off Court she's not going as much to the gym she's more doing Fitness drills sprints on the court which I think and I love that idea and she's saying that she has been the quickest and the fastest on Court and she's showing it on the way that her defensive skills have been really upping all right we're just about ready for first ball before we do let's get out to Arthur as Stadium where our guy on the ground is Gil gross Gil what are you looking for as we start this match well first of all great conditions here very comfortable for the players crowd beginning to settle in for this ash night session and it'll take a little little a little bit of time I think for Jess to to really get a big push from this crowd a little bit late arriving but they will get here for sure I'm looking for E's forehand guys I think that's the key will Jess be able to rush it and will that side stay consistent for shant Tech all right that's Gil gross we'll be checking in with Gil from The Whisper position court side but here we go first ball quarterfinals US Open eish fian serving in the far Court first serve Sails Long second serve coming to Jessica pagul in the near Court Jessica Pula standing about one step inside the Baseline with her right foot left foot on the Baseline should be Onex second serve to the backhand Pula to the back end of IgA rips it crosscourt now Jessica Pula tries to go back Cross Court it's wide and it's 15 love eish fian bouncing the ball now getting ready it's 15 love first serve to Jessica Pula and it's into the tape and IGA will have a second serve Pula will have another look at a second serve here on the second Point second serve to the backand of Pula to the backhand of shanc deep to the corner now Jessica goes down the line to the forand E go rolls it Cross Court to the Pula forand back to the forand and long well let's actually take a tally on the forehand which we're going to have those stats anyway so that's one right here missed by uh shant Tech so I think that they did their [Laughter] homework all right 15 all Fon very deliberate in her service motion we'll see that all night and misses a third straight first serve to start this match second serve coming again to Pula Fon into the backhand of Jesse tries to go inside out to the forehand Clips the tape and it's 3015 well I can tell you that you know the choice of receiving when she won the toss was exactly for that is that she wanted to jump on the second serve of IgA and put the pressure right away and unfortunately just not very successful on that last return for sure all right so here comes eega at 315 trying to make her first first serve and she does to the back end of Pula now a forand to the forehand IGA goes back to the forehand of Pula now to the backhand of IgA and a shank from the world number one it's 30 all well you almost feel that maybe e guys is a little bit more nervous than uh Jessica right now Jessica not going for much just going around the down the middle area it work playing to Big margins in this first game of the first set of the last quarter final 30 all youa down the te and long second serve coming for eish fiant got a good crowd out here in the courtyard in front of us watching us do our work on US Open radio have a great time tonight Folks at Arthur Ash Stadium or along the grounds watching Everybody play EA's second serve into the Pula back and that's she rips it crosscourt Pula can only slice it back into the middle of the court but EA sends a backhand long and Jessica Pula has a break point in the opening game of the match just like that and that's when the crowd you know hopefully is going to get involved and uh really try to support her and help her out to try to break right away here big opportunity for the American break chance number one 3040 first game of the match Pula awaits the first serve from eish fiant Fant way wide trying to go down the te it was all the way in the almost the middle of a du service box and now Pula Works inside the Baseline trying to put pressure on the Shante second serve break point 340 Here Comes Fon second serve offering to Pula kicks it out wide and long a double fault from the world number one and the American Jessica Pula breaks to open up this quarterfinal match on Arthur Ash Stadium got to love the pressure and the as pressure is a privilege and normally uh obviously Champions adjusts no adjustments from uh she uh really get caught into seeing Jessica coming forward to return this she knew she was going to attack it try to do more and guess what here comes the unforce and the double fult guys IGA seems to be applying some cream to a blister on her right hand she did it before the match start and she just did it at this one love change of ends as well interesting definitely something to keep an eye on yep hard to avoid a blister if it's on your hand but she doesn't have a Band-Aid on it no I I don't see anything on the skin n it's a bare hand but she's applying this cream interesting all right here comes Jessica Pula serving now with the one Lov lead the first herb to the forehand of EGA to the forehand of Pula forand to forehand they go now Jessica goes down the middle of the Court EA with a rips it down the middle now Pula out wide to the forehand now a backhand to the backhand side of fiance Jess Pula steps up in the middle of the court and hits it into the top of the net looking to the open court of the pag the Shante forehand it's an unforced error from Jessica Pula and it's love 15 yeah the second one for pigula for four ready for Shante including that double fault perhaps be considered a good Miss he was inside the court trying to be aggressive in a first ser is long so Shon will have a look at a second serve here at love 15 on the Pula serve here we go to the forehand of EA down the middle to the forand of Pula crosscourt to the forehand of spant now crosscourt wide from Pula and it's love 30 just like that wondering what pigulla is not going back to the down the- middle shot I think this is a good tactic against shiant not to give her too many angles and to make her hit more balls especially on the forehand side right hip all right first serve at love 30 couple of unforced Errors from Jessica Pula after eish fiant had a bit of a shaky Opening Service game double faulting to complete the break and now Pula second Ser love 30 to the fian backhand now to the back end of Pula crosscourt backand and again down the middle of the Court eus forehand inside out to the back end of Pula crosscourt to the back end of Shian now Pula goes down the line to the forehand of Shian forehand down the middle of the Court forehand to forehand they go down the middle it's a backhand from fian and now straight down the middle of the Court EA opens it up across Court to the forehand Pula goes strong to the forehanded fan forcing the error it's 1530 that was much better because you know with that saying by going down the middle and eventually having the opportunity to really push IGA one side or the other especially on the forehand I think it's a great tactic but you've got to keep her right there down the middle for a while and eish fantic as we've seen some sometimes will hop around her forand and hit a backand if she's feeling uncomfortable down the middle of the Court we saw it once in the middle of that rally and here comes pula's first serve at 1530 it's off the top of the tape and it's a fault so second serve coming just's going to jump on that here you go 1530 Eagles foram return inside out to the back hand of Pula back Cross Court to the back hand of fante who Nets it and it's 30 all and it's again just those balls coming back down the middle where she's not dealing well with them neither on the forehand or in the back end so far all right from love 30 to 30 all second game of the match Jessica Pula broke to open up this quarterfinal matchup was in a bit of a hole losing the first two points of her service game and now a first serve to the chonch forand another forand to the forand side of Pula forand to four and deep forand from Pula now she pushes it to the back end of shant and EA sends a backhand long and from love 30 Jessica Pula has a point for two love that a great start just coming back in that game if she was able to consolidate that break a pretty amazing start double the amount of unforce forian six for three for Pula so far first serve at 4030 Pula looking for the backhanded fiance gets into the net second serve coming game point for two love after Pula broke to open up the match second serve to the backhand of Shian down the line to the forehand of Pula now to the middle of the court and Jessica's on on the run a little squash shot gets her back to neutral eag with another big forehand into the forehand side of Pula now Pula goes down the line to the backhand of fiant Jessica Pula crosscourt to EA's backand now down the line into the open court but it's long she had it but pushed it long and it's Deuce well the difficult part with pigula is that she hits a pretty flat ball and uh if you hit a flat ball and you take it just a slightly bit too late the wet face is a little bit open and it's going to float out when you go through your swing because the ret head is slightly open so you know that's what she tried to do down the line unfortunately went long so back to Deuce back to 40 all first serve down the T big first serve from Pula forces the backhand return into the net and Jessica Pula will have a second opportunity to take a two love lead we've seen unforced errors from both players but Jessica Pula appears the more solid at the start of this match it's early days now and it's a second serve for Pula at add in one love first set second serve now from Jessica Pula to the forehand of shanc into the forehand of Pula IGA from the middle of the court inside out has Pula on the run and just floats up a backand now pula's got to look at a pass but sends it long as EA moved forward and took control early in that rally and never relinquished control yeah but that was very smart of I think of IgA to go inside out with that forehand because the one that she's been missing especially against samova uh yesterday a couple days ago were were really the one that were going crosscourt where she's late behind and this time she went really and made contact in front of her with that ball first serve to the backand of fian now Pula forand to forehand again working forehand to forehand and the forehand is long there's the pattern that Jessica Pula wants to get into she found it and she takes another point and has another point for t love it's pretty pretty astonishing to see the exact same unforced error that we've seen against Sam sonova I mean it's it's the same replay it feels like it is a replay tell you the truth all right Pula another chance for t love down the T on the serve forand to the forehand side of Pula fan throws it up high to the back end of Jesse goes crosscourt to the back end now backand to backand and a forehand error from eish fian trying to hit it crosscourt again covers the ball with their Western grip and puts it into the middle of the net it's two love and where did J Jessica pigula hits deep down the middle to the forehand right on the right hip it works like a charm did they do their homework or did they do they own they did their homework yes they did Mark nolles and Mark Macklin doing their job and Jessica Pula more importantly executing the game plan yeah well it's one thing you're right you got to give credit where it's due one thing to get the tactic it's another thing if the player is able to execute it it's a beautiful teamwork all right so eish fiant now serving in the near court at love two first set to Jessica Pula first serve looking to slice it out wide to the Pula 4 end Clips the net she's only made one first serve in her first two service games has EA Shian and now Pula has a look at another eiga second serve second serve to the backhanded Pula hard down the middle to the backhand of shant and there's an error off the backhand wing of the world number one and it's love 15 yeah and it's pil up she's almost a double digits of uh unforced Terror for shant that means nine right now that's pretty unusual let's put it this way nine out of Jess's 11 points one correct thank you Gil who is the mathematician out there love 15ish fant's first serve again Clips the top of the tape and Sails Long she is one for eight on first serve attempts in this match so far second serve coming kick out wide to the backand and gets up high over the head of Jessica pagul tough second serve from IGA and she needed that one in the worst way it's 15 all yeah but she's sending the message she's sending the message I am going to attack your serve and your second Ser you better get ready and uh she going to put the pressure that she did on the first opening game where shant eventually had that double fult on the on the break point 15 all first serve from eish fiant let's see if can make a first serve and again now one for nine on first serves Sophie you talked about protecting their serves this is no a way to protect your serve again Pula is inside the Baseline to return the fianc second serve wide to the forehand and a huge forehand return that eiga cannot control and it's 1530 and Jessica pigula stepped all over that second serve look when the p won and won Montreal in 2023 and Beach VC in the semi-final they were 19 also 19 breaks of serves I mean that is huge there was actually a I think shant had 11 service game dropped in the highest in WTA match overall this is crazy that's telling about the quality of the return and also the lack of second surf quality from both players it goes together it goes hand in hand well pula's got another look at a second serve because EA missed her first serve at 1530 second serve to the backand of Pula who steps way inside the Baseline and crushes a clean backhand return winner and has two more break points coming her way yep that's huge tactic is very clear attack the second serve and if you have a chance you can also attack the first and on top of that play the forand of uh of shiant go down the middle it's just working like a charm right now 1540 Jessica Pula looking to Rattle off three straight games to start this quarter final match first serve is in this time and Jessica Pula misses a backhand deep Nea finally gets a first serve and it's still break point for Jessica Pula it's 3040 yeah that back end needs a little bit more acceleration at impact and maybe a little more brushing from low to high doesn't have enough of that to stay in the court 3040 break point number two in this game pula's already broken once in this match first serve long Pula will have a look at a second serve or not remember EA double faulted in the ad Court in her Opening Service game to give Pula the break here's the second serve in the ad Court 3040 love to shant delivers and delivers wide and it's another double fault and it's a second break for Jessica Pula who leads three games to Love in This quarterfinal matchup on Arthur Ash Stadium you're listening to us open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] and we are back on usopen radio greetings to all of you watching us from coast to coast on usopen.org on the YouTube channel here at US Open tennis championships on the live stream Russ Thor Sophie amch here at art thash Stadium at the USA Billy Jean King national tennis center Coast to Coast LA to Chicago all right here we go we are back that's not Coast to Coast Chicago's in the middle song listen I'm just singing a song Somebody Else lyrics Not My lyrics just you know when you said Coast to Coast all the sudden I'm like sh a little sh and we're on SiriusXM Radio in the TuneIn app as well Gil gross joining us cour side and Jessica Pula is off to a Flawless start it's three love to the American two breaks in hand looking to consolidate against the world number one eish fiant she's on fire executing the game plan to a te here's pula's first serve at three love down the T to the back end of Pula deep down the middle of the forand Pula looks for the open court inside out and misses wide you don't want to be greedy right now see I'm not sure this is needed to go for that open court right here I mean she has a three love lead keep the tactic the way it is it's working three love service game still tenuous down the T eig's forehand returned down the middle forand to forehand they go Pula forehand down the middle to the eaga forehand who rolls it to the forehanded Pula and Jesse misses it into the net it's love 30 little deju was love 30 on Jessica's first service Game Y and she came back to it to uh win that game it was a little tough but she was able to do it well she'll need to do it again and of course eish fiance needs desperately to get on the board here it's love 30 first serve into the forehand of fiant who rolls it to the middle of the Court Jessica kapula goes back to the forand of EGA now down the line into the open court she pinned Shan in the forehand corner and she didn't even move Dido to the down the line forehand that was very interesting to see that I mean for me you know pigula didn't give a sign she was going one way or another it's like Shante can anticipated the cross quod forehand and none of that well Jessica's been working that pattern so much forehand to forand it obviously shocked EA huge forand return off the first serve from Pula but then EGA tries again to go inside out Clips the top of the tape and again from love 30 at 30 all yeah a little unlucky on that forehand inside out for uh shant that lands out by clipping the tape IGA caught that return perfectly Pula defended that return stellar and then EA put the next ball out so it's 30 all second serve coming for Jessica Pula first serve was into the net second serve to the backhand of EA pulls it to the backhand of Pula now backhand to backand they go and EA tries to rip one for a winner crosscourt misses wide not by much close enough to uh show the replay to the in-house monitors missed by a few inches but from love 30 a game point for four love for Jessica Pula I tell you she's pretty lost right now shant needs to find out a way first serve down the te to the forehand of eish fian rolls it high and low down the middle stays in backhand to backhand they go oh and then Pula tried to go down the line with the backand and missed wide it's Deuce got remember that shot for four for four love lead here going way too close to the line pi picked that one back hand a bit too late lended wide in the alley yeah she's uh looking at it going ooh that was close all right so it's dece now with three love first serve out wide to the forehand of Shian down the middle and Pula rips a backand into the open court that EA can only shank wide and there's another game point for Jessica Pula looking to go up for love I do like that f is trying to take some you know bites off the return but unfortunately this one was not down the line enough all right game Point again three love out to the backand of fianc now middle of the coures pulls it to the forand of IgA who crashes it into the bottom of the net and it's for love to open up this match for Jessica Pula Gil gross what you got well look there have been unforced errors from santech and a lot of it has been on that deep ball down the middle but I don't think she'd be missing these balls if not for the pace that Pula has on her rally ball and she's not known as one of the bigger hitters but I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that she doesn't grunt she doesn't move her body with any kind of violent kind of swaying action it's all very quiet and sound and balanced but if you actually look at the speed of the ball it is immense from Jessica Pula love for eish Fon first serve out wide to the Pula forehand and then finds the Open Court Ser plus one first fian gets 15 love and Gil grow to your point two of our colleagues who played a lot of tennis with Jessica Mula as she was coming up one is Jimmy Aras who's also from Buffalo where Jessica's from and Jesse LaVine who worked with her for a few years as a hitting partner both of them will tell you that her ball is deceptively heavy I totally agree it's heavy and it's deep right now and uh it's all about the acceleration at empac and how fast do you go at empac but if her if her timing is right because she hit Flats I mean she's going to obviously have that ball flying a lot faster than with top spin but the time that she misses like the last one that she just missed long it's all because she's a little late the racket face is slightly open and that floats out all right 30 love to Fon by the way worth noting that IGA spun a first serve in in the ad cord at 75 mph clearly just trying to make a first serve it induced the error from Pula then she has missed her first serve at 30 love so Jessica Pula will have a look at the Shon second serve again Shan love for but 30 love here we go second serve offering to pul of inside to her backand pushes it down the line and moves forward towards the net but gets caught she tried a little crush and rush it didn't really work out for her there no but she's she keeps sending the message I'm going to attack you I am going to attack you so you know I like you know that idea and unfortunately couldn't really pick up that half volley didn't have really the hands for it I think she should have let go the left hand and hit only with one hand personally 40 love from shant and down the T to the four and of Pula big return down the middle and Jessica looks for the open court sends a forand long and EIG fian is on the board with her first game of the match chessica Pula will serve up four games to one after they change ends well I'll tell you it's pretty impressive what Jessica Pula has been starting doing and uh I'm sure Gil you're seeing that you know on court and the pace of the ball but you know it's it's all about minimizing the a for stairs and and the tactic that she's used just attacking the serve and attacking to the forehand right down the middle of shant it's working well yeah you know it's very steady from Pula and and that's why I think sometimes there is a a misconception that Pula isn't a big hitter because she's not unleashing on the ball she's never out of control as she's always very again quiet and sound but she's able to to force errors into big targets with her depth the the flatness of the ball and you know rushing spant through the middle but it's it's a lowrisk forced error and that's what tennis players always are always looking for right high percentage ways to win points yeah and she does and she has the ability to do a lot of things I mean she's obviously very comfortable at the net we saw half volley that she missed but you know our volleys obviously from playing with Coco goof and having the success that they had being number one the world in doubles also you know brought a lot uh to her game I think it's really really helpful I keep saying to all the coaches you've got and I think a lot of the players actually on the tour should be playing doubles a lot more in the top 20 top 30 it is helpful not only because of the fact that your volleys are going to be better but because you're going to be in those big courts if you win and that way when you get to play in singles guess what it's piece of cake you're not intimidating by the way Gil I know you'll appreciate this that crush and Rush from Pula very reminiscent of the way Francis TFO likes to take a backham return pull it down the line and move forward it just didn't work out Jessica Pula now serving up 4-1 in the first in the far Court first serve to Pula outside to the shanc forehand again hard to the forehand of IgA and Jessica Pula with another deep hard forehand forcing the forehand error from shant and this is the first time that Jessica pagul has won the first point of a service game it's 15 love She's held both times she's improving first serve into the net at 15 love EA will have a look at a second serve let's see if EA decides to keep going aggressively out of the second serve return she did in the last service game she tried again there and put a forehand into the net and it's 30 love well I say hi to my friend Wana in Texas who's watching she's asking what's what's in the in your bottle right there that that's a big bottle it's a big it's a it's a bottle of water right that's what he says I hate to disappoint you well I'm not sure anybody can even trust you you know nobody would nobody has clear glass anymore I wonder why another error this time off the backand of eish fiance forced by a forehand down the line again deep and hard from Jessica Pula all of these errors that are going to show up in the stats they might say unforced but man most of them are forced and it's 40 love for a 5-1 lead first serve down the te off the top of the net and long that's 14 on four sers by the way from uh the racket of shiant that's a lot nine from Jessica second serve coming kick her out wide to the backand of shiant who rips it not only crosscourt for a winner but eaga with a very exaggerated fist pump I think she's trying to get herself going emotionally well she needs to I mean this is tough 71 miles per hour is not going to cut it on second serve and again the serve you got to protect it so far Pula is better at it 405 first serve to the backhand of ego returned down the middle backand to backand and ego rolls it high to the backand of pul hard to the forehand she goes now when fonc forehand to the backand of Jesse trying to get to the backhand of Pula isant but Jesse keeps going down the line to the forehand and eaga covers another forehand into the net and it's 5-1 it's it's absolutely amazing to see how uncomfortable OS Fant is when that ball comes fast to the right hip right in the middle of the Court she's like panicking almost I mean you feel that sense of panic that last one she actually didn't even make contact with the string it was right in the heart the Racket and the graphite ouch we can kind of see what IGA is trying to counter with she's trying to get Pula into backhand to backand patterns so she can get away from her forehand but goula keeps changing the direction and going back to the forehand and it's giving EA all sorts of problems now Shan does make a first serve and Pula Nets the forehand return on the first point of the one five game so it's 15 love as eish Fant surprisingly just 28 minutes in is serving to stay in the first set against the number six seed American Jessica Pula you would never know that Jessica Pula has never made it past this round in a major the way she's playing right now let's first serve off the top of the tape and in so they'll restart with another first serve for eish fiant this is pula's seventh crack at a major quarterfinal she's 0 for six coming in here but boy is she executing to a te at the moment and taking it to the world number one eish fonc at 15 love at5 puts her first serve into the tape second serve coming Pula a full step inside the Baseline both feet now clearing the Baseline Into the Blue of the court and another step forward to as the second serve comes she takes it early rips it crosscourt now EA goes down the line and finds the open court with a forhand winner Gula didn't do quite enough with the return well she tried but you know obviously the the speed and the the quickness of shant got to the ball in time anticipated really that that ball was going to go to a back end and then went to the open court with the acceleration of the forehand inside out and that worked really well more down the line actually so it's 30 love fiance serves to the back end of pigula down the middle of the Court EA pulls it and forces pigula to slice a backhand back in defensively and then IGA trying to go behind Pula puts a backhand into the net it's 315 love the change of pace and uh going with the slice now I mean she's throwing everything at her including the kitchen sink right now and uh pigula is just so in form and knowing exactly what to do and when 305 he fiant serving at5 in the first set to Jessica pigula Here Comes her first serve and it's down the T but into the net I bet Pula is going to go down the line on that return after the last one anticipated so well by shiant or down the middle probably to the forehand would be a good play as well Pula again well inside the Baseline stepping in even further to take a backand hard towards the forehand hip of EA but just long y she tried that she knows that's uh where the mistakes and the and for/ forced errors are coming from but it is 4015 now for yashvant trying to at least make Pula serve for the set here game point for the world number one first serve offering at 4015 into the forehanded Pula cross score to the forand of fianc now down the line to the backhand of IgA backhand to backhand and EA goes down the line into the forand of Jesse squash shot into the four Court comes Shon Pula throws up a defensive lob and EA makes a mess of it AB absolutely gets way out in front of the overhead and knocks it into the bottom of the net look I don't want to give her excuses but I can tell you that it is very difficult to see a ball when it's that high in the air and that was great defense that's what we talking about about pigula she's defending better she's moving better and when you have the ball right in the dark because the sky is very dark but then you have all those lights the flood lights on you very difficult to see the ball all right still game point for EA it's 4030 at one five first serve coming to Pula and meekly into the middle of the net that was an ugly looking delivery and out of sync looking first serve toss was so far in front of her second serve coming for eish fian she has double faed twice both times on breakpoint against in this set this time it's on game point four and Pula hands EA a bit of a helper with a back Hammer turned into the net B change ends when we come back Jessica Pula serves for the first set you're listening to us open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] 32 minutes in to the final quarterfinal and Jessica Pula who's 0 for six lifetime coming in in the final eight of a major is off to a 5-2 start against the world number one and the world number six from the United States of America will serve for the first set against eish fian Russ Thor Sophie amak with you on the call guil Gross is Courtside and here comes Jessica Pula first serve trying to serve this set out at Arthur as Stadium it's long second serve coming for Jessica Pula the toss the delivery to the forehand of EA to the backhand of Pula and a miss into the net from the American is love 15 yeah she was off Rhythm on that after that return just trying to hit that back end maybe a little bit too far from the ball this is when she's going to need the first serves percentage to be high 58% throughout the match so far for 36% of first serve on EAS Gul made the first serve there and now EA lifts a high back hand to the back hand of Pula who rips it cross court and short and then goes inside out totally befuddling e fiant whose footwork failed her and it's a clean winner well I think that Gil is right on it you know by saying that it's deceptive to see how hard she can hit the ball and that one right here exhibit a So it's 15 all at 52 a first serve to the forehand of EGA down the middle to the forehand of Pula and right back to that forehand of E beon that has let her down again and again and does it again into the net it's 315 I I think she just needs more shape on that ball just throw it up high spinning anything is better than than missing it and I I think she just needs to play safer off of that ball serve wide also I think that she should hit really inside out more often to extend that arm through the ball because right now she's like so scared to hit it all right second serve from Pula clip the top of the net she'll try it again at 3015 second serve for Jessica Pula two points from the first set for the American offering to the backhand of Shian down the middle now a backhand deep to the forehand inside out into the backhand corner from EGA now a backhand trying to go down the line hits it into the net she got the inside out forand with a little bit of shape so kind of what both of you said but then dumps the backand in set point now for Jessica Pula here comes the [Applause] out Jessica Pula first serve at 405 to the backand of of eish fiant and it's into the net a small fist pump from Jessica Pula she has taken the first set in the final quarterfinal six games to two over igas fiant we'll be back on us open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] back on us open radio presented by American Express for this night session quarterfinals Jessica Pula taking the first set 62 over eiga shiant the 2022 US Open Champion a disastrous set for her three winners to 19 unforced errors 36% first serve percentage and well executed tactics by Jessica Pula to take advantage Russ and Sophie as always fiant has left the court after the first set this is uh basically what she does every time she loses the first set and and there is a debate in the tennis world about you know whether or not that should be allowed on one hand of course it's built into the rules that the player a player is allowed to leave the court to use the bathroom and to change their clothes e EA is not breaking any rules by leaving the court whatsoever but the fact that she does it after losing the first set every single time uh has raised some eyebrows including uh from former great uh Lindsey Davenport who uh in Cincinnati called into question uh the idea that maybe there should be a rule change to limit shant and anyone abusing the bathroom breaks they would call it the ego rule at that point yeah but I mean I'm I'm sorry but you know she's definitely not the only one if you look at all the players I can I can assure you that probably 80% of the players who will at least who are losing the first Set uh will take a bathroom break I I think that that there's no need to change rule I think it actually is a deservant some time because with that said pigula could go and talk to her bench and talk to her coaches right now as it is allowed by the rules but she doesn't need to talk to anybody right now she stay really in her bubble because what she's doing is perfectly right but you know you think about it you're giving an advantage for the other player to go and talk to their bench uh leaving after losing the first set and I I think really I would really think that it would be good to see the percentage of the players losing first set who are taking a bath from break and I can tell you probably it might be even above 80% I think well and just as you say that Jessica Pula walks over to the corner of the Court looking up to where her bench is let's it you know she struggling with so you're in her head good job keep it up that's Mark noes yep you're in her head keep attacking the second serve you're playing great and this is exactly true um I mean I think the tactic is very clear now it's trying to put it together uh Jessica pigula by the way is 40 and3 at Grand slam's events after taking the opening set she has won her past 32 Grand side matches after claiming the First with her last touch loss coming to Sophia Kennan that was at rongos in the round of 32 in 2021 so listen yes she has never passed the quarterfinals in the major but uh the numbers are in her favor as far as IGA shant she's n and 10 after losing the open opening set at Grand slam's Event with a last win coming against Belinda benit and that was uh in 2023 it's on her way to to winning the title here yep so let me tell you there's definitely on paper all those numbers are adding to the fact that uh it's definitely going on favor of the American what a what an interesting event for Jessica Pula in the first round she plays her good friend Shelby Rogers who announced before the event that this is going to be her last so she essentially helps retire one of her good friends then she plays Kenan who you mentioned another major winner beats her in straight sets then she had Diana Schneider one of the hottest players on tour a very tricky Lefty and she made mince me of Schneider 4- two in the round of 16 and right now she is chewing up the world number one of course eish fiance has just made her way back to the court full kit change she went from the darker colored outfit now to the whites and IGA is putting the stuff on her hands again grigor demitro has been using that as well I sensed it was more for keeping the sweat down on the hands but that could also be for blisters I don't know whatever it is I think it's it's a it's to dry the hand yes Gil go ahead it's on a very specific part of her hand she's putting it only on one specific part yeah she's putting it on the on the pad of her hand kind of down where it holds onto the net we're a little over 6 minutes since the last point was played it is time for the first point of the second set and world number one eish Fant who lost the first 6'2 serves to open up set number two in the far Court serving to Jessica Pula here's the first serve and it's to the Pula forehand Jessica puts it into the net and it's 15 love already an improvement from eish fiance making a first serve well I'm sure she had herself a little attitude and adjustment in the the changing room trying to find a way here and she is number one player in the world and you know that she's definitely going to try to find ways aborts the first toss picks it up again and now throws it up in the air for a first Ser at 15 love to the forand of Pula who Loops it high and deep to the forehand of EGA now forehand crosscourt from fianc backhand crosscourt to the backhand of EGA now another harder backham from Pula a sharper angle from fian and then a roller into the Open Court Pula throws up a defensive lob that EGA takes in the full swing and now she'll have an overhead and Shan puts it away for 30 love Yeah much shorter overhead on this but at least Jessica pigula is bringing two or three balls back and I'm telling you I mean it's really showing of how much more she's uh she's just fitter and quicker to get into the defensive skills and that improved quite a bit all right Shon now serving at 30 love first game second set down a set to Jessica Pula into the backhand it goes a return to the forehand and now now Pula tries to go inside out into the Open Court hits it into the net and eish fiant with game points in the opening game of set number two interesting to watch because there have not been any balls going down the middle to the body of shiant in this uh in this opening game of the second set from the rocket of pagola that that was a tactic that really worked well Eagles made three of three first serves that might have something to do with it here's another first serve deep to the back end of Pula now Jessica goes ripson inside in forehand for a winner I was kind of expecting her to try to go down the middle but she went for the winner and got it yeah and if if you notice this the first serve she's hitting is really a kick serve because it was like an 80 miles per hour kick serve just to ensure that that ball is going in as a first serve because she's been penalized a lot on the second serve in this first set all right 405 for eish fiance another game point in the opening game of set number two another first serve into the for end of Jessica Pula and Pula misses lock so eish fian holds to open set number two makes all of her first serves in that game after making just 37% of them in the first set yeah I mean I'm sure that listen she's was probably thinking about okay what can I do better uh and you know the one thing about it we talked about is that the coaches have all those tablets with all the stats going on so they're very uh they're very enabled to help the player they can't show it to the player but they can sure discuss and you know showing the you know right here the stats you know they don't lie it will be very easy to tell her hey hit first second serve go to the body on the serve be more consistent uh there is a lot to do but I'm not sure they're using it that's the one thing cuz as we're looking they don't look like they're using it Jessica Pula first serve into the forehand of fian who rips it back deep to the forehand of Pula and an unforced error from The American or a little bit of a four starer actually great return a terrific return push go that way beyond the Baseline Jessica fought from behind on most of her service games in the first set here she is at love 15 first sered to the four hand of EA and the back end into the net from Chante it's 15 all and now she's gesticulating just a little bit more talking to herself just a little bit more it's the most frustration we've kind of seen from EGA so far even in losing that first set she kept her her cool outwardly it's 15 all first serve to the backand of EA deeper turn the forand of Pula now into the forehand side of EA and back behind fiant goes Pula for a clean winner it's 315 yeah that's uh the forehand is definitely triggered very early and uh when she's able to come forward into the court on a short ball and she's finishing inside the court very dangerous 315 now for Pula first serve down the middle to the eag of forehand now Inside Out backhand winner from Jessica Pula off the second ball Eagle hardly moved for it it's 405 yeah that's her her seventh winner of the match six pretty impressive I mean it's not that many winners it's just the fact that uh she's definitely forcing the air on the racket of shant at least that's what happened in the first set 405 looking to level the second set down the T it goes backhand returned to the backand now down the line to the forehand of ego she lops it high to the backhand of Pula now Pula in her backhand corner for EA into another backhand error and Pula holds for one all Gil yeah I have a question Gil I'm glad you you you're right there but is there I mean do you feel like she's panicking IGA yes yeah I mean after that point the motion she made was that she's frustrated with how low the ball is staying which is what pugula does it's a flat backand low net clearance this court the ball does not check it skids through so EA feels like she can't really get her ideal contact point and she's not comfortable dealing with uh with the ball that Pula is giving her so here we go oneof first serve from EA to the backand of Pula deep return to the backhand of fianc now a forehand that EA tries to go inside out and pushes it wide it's love 15 wow it's pretty incredible she has now a total of nine unforced for the forand and 10 from the back end that's more unusual ual to find out this amount of enforcer to begin with but having that many of the back end is for me very surprising love 15 eish fiance's first serve is down the T and into the forehand of Pula returned down the middle and now Jessica backand the backhand of Egan now down the line to the forehand of fiant throws it high and crosscourt and in and then tries to go high and inside out and it's long and it's love 30 the one Cross Court almost went out too it just happened to clip the line is she making contact in the middle of the strings cuz it it felt like she was not even making contact in the middle of the string she's not but one thing she did do on those four hands it didn't work but she got extremely low I think in her head that's what she's focusing on right now get down with the legs not a bad idea to try to get yourself out of a funk it's not helping at the moment it's love 30 but EA kicks another first serve in she is just throwing first serves in to start the point and that time Gula took a little more of Advantage igus showing a little bit of impatience here went for an outright winner on the second ball and it's love 40 24 unfor stairs coming from the racket of yante and that is in 10 games and a half and KY Jessica Pula trying to break the eish fiant serve again she won the first set with a couple of breaks a serve and now she's got a break chance at love 40 eag puts the the first serve in a weak reply from Pula and Fon knocks it off close to the net on the backhand side down the line one break panch saved it's 1540 that's probably the best first serve of the match for EA I felt that she hit she got the mark right down the T and get the one-w punch one more break chance coming for Jessica Pula she'll have another if she needs it but it's 1540 here's the first serving to the forehand of Pula crosscourt to the forehand of IgA who tries to go down the line and again it's another error off the racket of the world number one and Jessica Pula has broken for 2-1 in the second set after taking the first we'll take a break and we'll be right back on us open radio presented by American [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] and we are back with Jessica Pula up a set and a break now on eish fiance what did you just notice Sophie well I'll tell you what I I was you know I'm shocked to see the amount of of un forcer off the back end but think about it she's having so much trouble off the forehand that it's putting a an enormous amount of pressure on the back end because that's the back end that she normally hits you know winner with and she's so studdy with but now that the forehand is not working that much every time she hits a back end she's thinking she's got to do twice as much and I think that's why she's having so many unforce coming from that Wing as well the Snowball Effect Jessica Pula up a set in 2-1 first serve into the forehand of fiance now forand to forehand deep to the forehand side of Shian ego with a fine reply now throws some air under to the backhand side down the line from Shian and a defensive lob high in the air from Jessica Pula to the middle of the court eig's backand now to the back hand of Pula who goes down the line and misses wide it's love 15 love 15 that's a good try and good defense against from pigula throwing the lob I'm a little bit shocked that shant didn't take that in the air and more talking from her bench and a little bit of uh shant disconcerted by she doesn't know what to do love 15 first serve down the t is into the net second serve coming from Jessica Pula Pula the toss the delivery into the net first double fault of the match from the world number six from the United States and it's love 30 not the first time that pula's had to deal with love 30 on her serve in fact not the second time it's the third time she's had love 30 and a missed first serve into the net by the way she's 10 of 10 nor on first serve percentage so that's the first one she's missing in that set Prett returned down to the forehand of Pula and now backhand to backhand hard to the backhand corner from Pula now down the line to the forehand of EA rolls it cross cour to the forand of Pula down the middle and EA goes right back behind Jesse deep forehand and now down the line forehand from eish fiance well done from the world number one and she has her first break chances of the match at love 40 and the best foren she hit tonight was the last one down the line extending through through the shot I mean that was very linear very well placed and uh pigula did get a racket on it that was not a winner so that's also telling I'm still going to try for these but uh triple break points first one that EA's had in the entire match when you consider that Jessica has had love 33 times on her serve and she's now just facing her first break chance second serve and E dumps a backham return into the net trying to be maybe a little bit too aggressive she's trying to do too much on it and probably because of the pressure that's is mounting from so many misses of the forand side 12 and force from the forehand 11 from the back hand from uh shant 26 total in for stairs for only five winners another break chance at 1540 this time the backhand return down the middle now looping a forehand to the backand of pugula who sends it deep to the backhand side of fianc e on her back hand side goes crosscourt Pula slice down the middle forehand of EA is cross cour now a forehand down the line to the backhand Pula goes down the middle and EA misses another forehand into the net it's 3040 it's funny cuz when she hits this she stays in the same exact position and rotates the hip and the racket at do some time losing her balance backwards instead of trying to hit this with a racket head going forward on a body language at least moving a little bit forward third break chance for eish fiance it's 34 40 Jessica Pula trying to battle out of a love 40 hole first serve down the t is a good one Eagle lobs up the foram return down the middle now eagle goes inside out clean winner and that's a break remember what I told you it's easier when you start making really Mistakes by really covering the ball to go through the ball and hit down the line or hit inside out that's exactly what she's doing right now a lot more down the line shot a lot more uh inside out for him fromant so two all she's using more shape to set up opportunities for her attacks now so that return of serve was high and spinning very difficult for Pula to keep the ball low when EA is is using a lot of shape so it's giving her opportunities to achieve easier contact points so back on level terms 2-2 second set eish fanc first serve of the first point of the fifth game here we go doesn't like the first toss picks it up bounces it again a couple of times and she'll try again tosses up the dely into the forehand of Pula she slices it with the forehand and it's long eish Fant has made 11 of 11 first serves in this set not all of them have been massive not all of them have been damaging but all of them have been in the court yeah I was actually thinking that it was pigula but it is Fant I'm sorry about that I was looking at the wrong side of the player kick serve into the backand of Pula starting the point in the middle and Jessica goes down the middle and long yeah eish fant's making some some good adjustments here yep definitely the serve is better it's uh a positive right here just to have that first serve in the Box even though it might not be a first and second serve every time a first serve full strength but at least it's in the Box on their first offering 30 love at two all again first serve in the backand of Pula returned down the middle EA shapes a forehand deep to the forand of Jessica Pula who replies long and 40 love Yeah pigula is eight out of 11 first serves uh in the Box in this uh set so EA's first serve at 40 love looking for her first lead of the match first service in to the forehand of Pula down the middle to the forehand of Shian now Pula goes drop shot Pula I Shian runs it down but is the forehand long it's 405 so good unbelievable that drop shot I mean that was not easy that ball was coming low and she was able to find a way to find the height over the highest part of the net cuz she went inside out to backend with that drop shot I got to say it was the perfect setup and the perfect execution of a drop shot and eego was still there that's amazing to me how quick e got up to that she and Coco go fastest player on the the WT hologic tour she was there but missed the reply so it's 405 first her to the forehanded Pula a big return down the middle forces EA into the error and it's 4030 and still she has yet to miss a first serve in this set that was right into pula's Strike Zone on the forehand side 4030 now for a 3-2 lead for eish fiant first serve offering coming and it's to the backand of Pula down the middle on the return now eiga put some Pace behind the backand into the backand corner tries to roll the forehand inside out but sails it long and from 40 love it's Deuce wow I can't imagine if uh Jessica Pula is able to take that service game with shiant up for love what it's might be doing in between the ears for shiant mental toughness she's going to need at at its best to all Deuce Pula took the first set 6-2 eish fiant serving having just broken back from Jessica Pula first serve to the forand of Pula deep return into the forehand of IgA it's a short reply and Pula is about a half step behind it trying to move forward and puts it into the net it was a bit of a shank and a good Miss I guess well what happened is I mean pigula is a fabulous mover sideways you know sometimes when the ball is a little short you have that explosiveness step forward that is not quite as quick we saw how fast EA moves forward Jessica a little bit behind on that one it's a game Point again for EA and her first missed first serve of the set after 17 straight EA has missed the first serve in her third service game it's still game point Pula now way inside the Baseline to return the second serve kicker to the backhand Pula down the middle Eagle rolls it crosscourt to the Pula forand goes back behind the forand and Jessica puts it into the top of the net EA says come on and walks to her bench with a 3-2 lead in the second set you're listening to us open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] oh [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] back on us open radio presented by American Express the stars are out for this night's session as always sitting front and center best seat in the house and just showed on the Jumbotron during the last change over is six time gold medalist Simone biles behind her is Grant Hill they showed Dwayne Wade earlier and a special shout out to some of the most goodlooking people in the champion Suite tonight we have US Open radio's very own Zena Garrison we have Patricia he and we have Dave Leno excellent oh my goodness they let them in Russ Taylor and Soph amak on the call eish fiant Big forehand to the Pula forand and a terrific reply from the American on the first point of the 23 game from Pula forcing another error from EA and it's 15 love for Jessica Pula won the first set 6-2 serving at 23 behind for the first time in this entire match and it's 15 love first serve to the forehand of EGA Inside Out reply sliced back hand from Pula and now eig's got her on the run another defensive lob Shian puts the overhead back to the middle of the court and this time Pula is able to push EGA back off the reply and into another error it's 30 love defense to offense yeah so not confident on that overhead the last one she hit was much closer to the net this lob was so good deep and uh shant just hesitating to go for more went back down the middle good on uh pigula to win that point 30 love first serve out to the forehand of EA terrific deep reply to the forehand of Pula now forehand crosscourt to Ego tries to Loop it up high towards the backand but it's too high and too far and it's 40 love terrific response from Jessica paga well it's good to see that really shiant is trying something else is uh really trying to change the Rhythm as well putting more first serves in but she has 10 more unforced STS throughout this match so far big first serve from Jessica Pula to the backhand of EGA who just slices it back gets caught with her feet in the mud and Pula rips a forehand winner and a hold that love for three all well just a reminder pigula has never yet come through a quarterfinals in a major she's 0 and seven and this is not oh and six oh and six this sorry but this is not you know there's also four players in the open era that have gone 0 and seven for their first seven women's single quad final Majors Manuela maliva Katrina maliva Carla SAR Navaro and Kaaya kppi so listen and all made it to the semis or did not well eventually but but you know she's not the only one first serve on the three all game is in from EA now they rally forehand to the backand of Shan back down the line to the forehand of Pula to the forehand of e another rip to the forehand and another error off the forehand wing of the world number one it's love 15 so back to the original game plan for Jessica Pula which works so well so why not 30th and fourer for the racket of eash vant ouch and Sophie we were talking about adjustments in a little bit we'll talk about it after this point again because EA made some adjustments at the start of this second set has put herself back in the match Jessica Pula was playing the game plan to a t in the first set and had EGA out of sort completely first serve down the T from Fant and it induces a long reply from Pula it's 15 all second best serve of the night again same one by the way always to that t on the ad side yeah the Safe Serve from IGA on the ad side is the kick serve correct she throws in at about 75 mil hour sometimes yeah that was 99 down the T 15 all we're in the dece court now EA goes out wide to the forehand of Pula and that's well wide and short and Pula can only sort of shank it it's 305 by the way as a right-handed player this is the exact same serve to the wide side on the due side than it is on the ad side to the T same motion to reach that Target so very comfortable with that all right so EA serving now at three all 3015 first serve again that's the kicker to the backhand of Pula right down the middle of the court to the forehand so Jesse goes forehand again forehand to four e tries to throw some air under it again and it's another error off that forehand Wing when Pula can get into a rally to that Fon forehand side she's had the advantage almost all night long yeah I think what worked really earlier is when she was trying to go through that ball more re you know changing the direction down the line with that forehand instead of trying to go back with that kind of windshield wiper action of the forehand side three all 30 all first serve from spon she aborts the toss and she'll start again just two bounces and EAS into her windup now first serve at three all 30 all Fon into the body of Pula forand returned to the middle of the Court Pula goes back down the middle to the backhand of EGA now inside out to the forehand and now pagul is going to look back to the forehand of Shian who replies down the line crosscourt now it's a Down the Line chip forehand to the backhand of shiant EA goes back crosscourt to Pula who slices it in the middle EA steps into the court and and rips a forehand winner into the open court and it's 4030 do you remember the last winner from IGA remind me no me neither that's that's the whole point yeah that's how long it's been since she hit a winner that was the fourth in this set seventh Al together in the match and they are both at the exact number which is absolutely astonishing the important see is the unforced Terrors 31 for eiga and 19 for pigula that's the big difference right here first serve off the top of the net one of the first first serves she's missed this entire match in the second set pardon me just the second first serve she's missed in this set second serve Pula takes the backhand down the line for a clean winner just so smart I can assure you that on the second serve she picked her Target she say I'm going down the line no matter where it goes back in off forand executed absolutely perfectly EA couldn't even move to the ball it was hit clean down the line and it's three all Deuce first serve from eish fiant at three all Deuce here comes the delivery and another missed first serve y remember the down the line return is the further point away from the server so it's very efficient second serve in the dece court three all Deuce fon stopped her wind up starts again now Pula inside the Baseline takes the forehand down the middle of the Court EA rips a forehand crosscourt Pula replies crosscourt now Pula down the line into the Open Court beon doesn't even make a move for it and pula's got a break point just so good the way that she's hitting the ball I think she's uh seeing that ball as a a football right now absolutely amazing the pace the depth the direction everything is just clicking right now for Jessica pigula pigula has done so well forehand to forehand that IGA has to stay in that corner a little bit and it opened up the down the line winner first serve to the forehand of Pula a rip crosscourt from EA now a backhand into the Open Court that's the world number one eish fian that we're used to seeing yep trying to raise her level at the very crucial time on a breakpoint had to come up with a backend down line winner eighth winner of the match the fifth in the set fantic really battling here at three all Pula trying to get the lead again she took the first set it's three all Deuce out wide to the forand return down the middle and now we go backhand down the line fromant is wide and Jessa Pula will have another opportunity to break the eish fianc serve at out that's one of those shots that wasn't on where shantex looking a change Direction with her backhand down the line off of a very deep Ball by Pula and it could be back to what Sophie was saying about needing to do so much on the backhand because she doesn't trust the forehand right now well eish fiance facing another break point add out at three all in the second and a first serve into the net so now so the last second serve return in the was backhand down the line clean winner Jessica pagul is going to step inside the Baseline to return this second serve let's see where she takes it now second serve coming to the backand of Pula down the middle deep to the forehand fantic rolls it high and deep now a forand to the backand of Pula crosscore to the back end of shiant down the line to the forehand OFA who rips it cross score Pula can just throw up a defensive lob it hits the service line EA stands there Jessica can only guess and EA knocks off a clean overhead winner from the middle of the Court off the BS and again raising the level forant just a amazing get once again to ask the question for EA to hit an overhead this one make no mistake after the bouncing overhead just going forward towards our Target at impact and making another winner back to Deuce Jessica Pula asking the questions eega coming up with the answers when she needs them but she's not out of it yet it's Deuce at three all kicker down the t and a return down the middle from Pula now eig's got a middle of the court forand and Pula is on the Run little backhand sliced to the backhand deep that Pula roll excuse me shanc rolls to the backhand of Pula now forehand to forehand IGA goes down the middle of the Court a backhand down the middle to the backhand of fian forand crosscourt to the forand of fian crosscourt forand induces the ever error off the racket of Jessica Pula and eig's got a game point how big is this game right now but uh you got to love really the fighting Spirits really of uh shiant being down a set three all saving two break points here in this game and a chance to take the lead once again in this second set if Jessica Pula is going to take this she's going to have to earn it EA as you said Sophie amyak is raising the level of her game right here Midway through set number two game point for 4-3 again forant rolls the first serve to the backand of Pula now Jesse goes to the forehand of eaga down the line and a forehand down the line off the crosscourt reply and Pula hits a clean winner and we're back to dece how fast that go Gil I blinked and I missed it no I'm just kidding but in all seriousness in the forehand to forehand exchange the ability to change direction down the line it's not even close I mean Pula is way better at redirecting the ball off of that side well all because of her technique really the technique is that she hits through the ball a lot more more than the windshield wiper action from low to high from uh from shant shant needs to hit through the ball more with that forehand fourth Deuce at three all wide sered to the forand of Pula into the forehand wing of shiant and another error as IGA tries to change direction and go down the line she puts it into the net that's when the fans needs to get behind her right now yeah I would try to make a lot more noise if I was uh one of the fans out there this is where Jesse could use a little bit of Francis in her she could use to conduct the crowd ask them for she's not that kind of person no she doesn't like asking for anything but she's got a break point first serve down the T to the forehand deep return into the middle of the court now Pula goes to the backand of IgA eiga with a crosscourt reply that forces a slice return from Pula but igos fiant with a forehand error trying to go inside out and the break to the American who leads by a set and four games to three you're listening to us open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] here we are like making a lot of gesture here for those of you are watching we talking you know the whole forehand of you know eiga as saying that you know on the clay she can do this and that still gets up there with a lot of uh time that she has to hit it but on Hardcore she has to instead of finishing here on that little kind of windshield wiper she needs to go through the ball a little more before she finishes uh to her left I think and especially with what we've been seeing the amount of enforced to her from the forehand side well she's short it's not like she's hitting them deep most of them are finishing in the in the net here we go Jessica Pula up a set and 43 now after the longest game of the match that Pula finally broke the serve of E fian yeah it's all about first serve percentage right here she needs tons of them to make sure that EA doesn't have the opportunity to attack the second serve tried to hold more often than not Jessica Pula has been playing from behind in her service game she's managed to hold more often than that in fact she's only been broken once in this match and that was in this set to get back on serve Pula has broken back to take the lead again first serve now up a set and 4-3 pagul it into the forehand of EGA down the middle to the back hand of Shante who Nets it and it's 15 love wow when EGA came to her bench at the last change of ends she slammed her racket against the net cord one of the more obvious and blatant shows of frustration you'll ever see from her first Ser at 15 love from Jessica pulas into the net that last game feels incredibly important well she also hit herself with her fist when she finished the last point when she lost the point and uh got broken so you can tell the frustration is huge now she's bending over own self after missing that forehand return in the in the alley and it's 30 love ping no sorry Sophie have you ever seen her throw a racket uh no I don't think so I don't think so either no I haven't but we did see Carlos alarz break a racket this summer so it's possible she's probably like the second least likely person to do it behind alarz and since caritos did it ouch maybe second serve now 30 love at 43 into the forehand of EA big hard return down the T that gets inside the defenses of Pula and she brecks the reply long it's 3015 and now EA having an animated conversation with her box wow stress levels Rising now as Jessica Pula serves at 3015 out wide big first serve from the American she hasn't hit an ace but that's about as close as she comes to it and what a big time to do it it's 4015 well 105 miles per hour wide that's telling how fast it's going normally when you go on the outside it's around 100 at best so Pula with gain points for 5-3 and another big first serve replied deeply by fonc backhand to backand and EA misses the backhand long Jessica Pula is a game away from reaching her first ever seminal in a major up a set and 53 anas fiance well not even that Jessica pigula could become the fourth American in the open era to reach the women's single semi-final in Toronto monreal Cincinnati and the US Open in the same calendar year which was Rosemary Cal's 1970 and of course Serena Williams 2013 and 15 and Sloan Stevens in 2017 so you know you're you you're among some good players obviously whenever you're cited alongside of the rosie Cal and Williams Stevens that's pretty impressive eish fiance serving to stay in this match and in the 2024 US Open first serve down a set and 35 from the world number one it's down the te it's off the top of the tape and it's long EA went for a big first serve there and missed second serve opportunity for Jessica P Ula one foot inside the Baseline now two feet outside she took a half step back Pula now moves in to return the backand down the middle of the Court EA rolls a forehand to the backand of Pula now crosscourt to EA who misses the backhand and it's love 15 I have I really don't see how IGA and I'm going to take a big big step there how IGA can come back of this unless really Jessica gets so afraid to finish up uh because just she's been outplayed by how well Pula has played how intense Pula has been throughout this match it has been comprehensive to this point for Jessica Pula first serve into the backhand of the American now Pula tries to go backhand down the line and hits the tape that was a little guidy on the backand then again let me tell you a story when I was at the French Open Justin Enon said the exact same thing when Osaka was leading against she said the exact same thing that I just said and little by little he was like like whoa she's scared to win I am going to take this so never count her out it's the world number one ladies and gentlemen thank you and a comprehensive one at that in her 119th week as the top ranked player in the world eish fiance and she serves at 35 in the second set 15 all first serve out wide to the forehand of Pula return to the forand of EA who tries to Loop one down the line and again misses a forehand and now Jess K Pula is two points from the biggest win at a major in her life 1530 eish fiant steps to the line deep breath three bounces of the ball and a first serve offering at 1530 a kicker to the backand of Pula return to the backand of shanc now to the forehand of Pula who puts it into the net and it's 30 all take a breather if you Jessica pigula and force F she needs to put that first serve in keep trying that's what she's going to do 30 all here comes eig's first serve offering she's been serving at an 86% clip in this first set there's another kicker into the backand of Pula deep return to the forand eaga lofted up high to the back hand of Jessica Pula and without any Pace to work with Pula just puts it right into the middle of the net perhaps a little sign of nerves two points from the match and now it's game point for shant never want to think ahead just stay in the present moment they say it over and over 4030 game point for eish fiant first serve to the backand of Pula returned to the middle of the Court e goes inside out clean winner and she holds so eish fian stays alive they'll change ends and Jessica Pula will serve for the match and a place in the semifinals and Gil you're down there can you feel the tension because it seemed like Pula looked like she had a little bit in her arms in that game yeah I agree with you slight decelerations on those backends that she's been a she's been extremely aggressive all match long and she hasn't wanted egga to have an opportunity to play herself into Rhythm so for the most part Pula has really maintained a very high ball quality at all costs but on a couple of those back hands in that game uh she did seem to lose some acceleration on that two-handed backhand but you know now she's got the the benefit of her serve she'll look to get on the front foot right away in these points and take a big cut on the plus one she needs to stay aggressive here what a huge moment coming for Jessica pagul as she's sitting down no doubt thinking that one service hold and knowing that one service hold puts her in a place she's never been before I hope that's not what she's thinking I hope she's thinking about the first point of this uh of this game only and what you want to achieve throughout this game meanwhile first serve percentage and still be aggressive go to the forehand side where the and forcers are coming you know but this is you want to just you don't want to see the future you don't want to see the whole game one point first point right here right now both players are out of their chairs Jessica Pula will take the ball Ste to the line looking to serve out the biggest service game of her career in major championship tennis Jessica Pula 0 for6 in Grand Slam quarterfinals this is her seventh try and the closest she has come to a major semifinal and it's at her home event Jessica Pula first point at 5-4 in the second beautifully done swung out wide to the fian forehand and knocks off the forehand winner into the Open Court it's 15 low and listen to that crowd as we are just seeing Andy rodic who is the less male to win this tournament from the United States yeah from the US that was uh back in 20321 years ago Jessica Pula serving at 15 love here at 54 misses the first serve wide down the T eish fan will have a look at a second serve the offering to the forehand of EA who goes wildly inside out and wide and for the second time jessula is two points from the semifinal it's 30 love Jessica Pula first serve at 30 love down the te to the backand of IgA the return is long it's triple match point [Music] match point for EA for Jessica Pula first serve down the te fiance return down the middle Pula forehand to the forand of IgA who rips a forehand winner crosscourt saving a match point it's 405 that's gutsy she's back to the wall and uh able to create this kind of shot two more match points coming 405 6254 Pula serving first serve from Pula at 4015 long towards the backand of eish fiant second serve coming Match Point number two pula's offering to the forand of IgA who returns crosscourt to pulo goes down the line to the backand of fiant crosscourt on the line now down the line backand winner from EA and it's 4030 backto back winners unbelievable what she's able to do I me we thought almost that that back end crosscourt was going to go wide it was going to be it for Pula but not yet says igos yant the packed house at Arthur as Stadium trying to push the American across the Finish Line third match point it's 4030 first serve from Pula deep to the forehand of shant second serve coming Match Point number three Jessica Pula tosses the ball kick serve down the T to the for end of EA into the forehand of Pula now EA goes wide in the backand it's another unforced error and Jessica Pula with a yes and a fist pump is into her first major [Applause] semifinal don't call it s Time Lucky call it seventh time earned 62 64 Jessica Pula takes out the world number one yeah she's trying to avoid the the tears because she is uh definitely so happy about this win not only to beat the number one player in the world on arth Rush on the night session but to finally get to that semifinal that she's been searching for the last six event in Majors where she was not able to come through asant leaves the court very quickly 41 and four stairs tonight for eash Fel this was uh really forced really by how well really Pula played so the 2022 champ is out in the quarterfinals the world number one is done at the 2024 US Open and world number six J Jessica Pula for the first time is into a grand slam semi-final she's on the court now with Renee stubs well Jesse Pula congratulations through to your first ever major semifinal here in the US Open Jesse how does that sound we've been talking about it at norum how many times you've been to the quarterfinals what does this mean to you I've been so many freaking times I just kept losing but to great players I mean to girls that went on and won the tournament so I mean I know everyone keeps asking me about it but I was like I don't know what else to do I just need to get there again and like win the match so thank God I was able to do it and finally finally I can say [Applause] semi-finalist you had beaten your opponent in eager Shon a few times you're one of the few players that has been her three times four time I mean this is an incredible record you have but also you say in the slams it's so much harder what was the difference tonight well thank you to the crowd first of all you guys carrying me through that last game I was a little that 65 mph second serve oo I was tight so you guys you guys carried me through for sure but um so thank you guys but I mean I I don't know I just I mean yeah to do it Prime Time Ash um against the number one player in the world I mean it's crazy but I I knew I could do it I just had to to go out and execute my game and knock get frustrated luckily I felt like I was able to take advantage of some things she wasn't doing well very early and then was able to kind of ride that momentum throughout the match yeah I was going to ask you what was going through your mind at 54 sitting there you looked really calm but what was actually going through your mind I don't know really I don't really remember is that a good thing I I guess I won I think I blacked out no I I don't know I think I was just thinking to to hit my spots and try to get my feet moving and use my legs luckily I hit a couple really good serves that got me some free points but um yeah I think I was probably just thinking about my my serving spots okay next up in the semi-final kolina mova great player great allc Court player just give me your thoughts on playing her yeah I mean we literally just played first round in Cincinnati H she's so good she's so talented so athletic um I love how she just doesn't play and comes back and beats everybody I mean it's she's it's just I don't know she's a really good player so I know she has a lot of experience going deep in slams as well so I'm going to have to to bring my best tennis but um yeah I'll worry about that maybe when I wake up in the morning as I've said all week she takes the subway she's from New York ladies and gentlemen Jessica piga what a match what a win for Jessica Pula a career achievement for the 30-year-old American who has seen a couple of her friends and Compadres about the same age decide that they've kind of had enough Shelby Rogers and Danielle Collins has said that this is going to be her last year on tour and here Jessica Pula is at 30 years of age getting the deepest she's ever been into a Manger she's blooming she is not yet to retire I tell you that much but you know the last time there were two Americans in both the women's and men's singles semifinal at the US Open was in 2003 capriotti was playing dport and of course rodic against Agassi so it's been a while it's been needed and I think the American crowd and the American tennis is very proud of uh what they've been a achieving to get all these players so close to the finish line now now it's the question is is there one who's going to go through the Finish Line in this tournament well we know that there will be one man in the US Open final from the United States since Taylor Fritz and Francis TFO will play on Friday night in one men's semi-final Jessica pugula will take on a player she just beat yep recently but in three tough sets Carly mova who's playing some tremendous tennis herself it'll be a very different looking matchup I suppose between those two with mova who really uses the entire court no look I I think that it's uh it's going to be kind of a contrast of style you're going to see mova do exactly what she's done since the beginning of the tournament mixing it up sliced back in coming to the net serving volley cheap in charge drop shot and I think uh Jessica is going to have a little time to figure it out but I think that the passing shot are going to be very important for the from the racket of Jessica pigula not to mention to have herself a lot of first serve in that match because mova serve is I think better on first and second serve but if Jessica is able to really keep that percentage of first serve up she might not get hurt too much on the return of moova who's going to be aggressive Jessica is one of the best receiver in this game is she going to take a lot of you know cut on the second s MOA we'll see that Gil gross I'm sure you will do an in-depth preview of the semifinal between mova and uh Jessica pugula on the gilr tennis podcast loved by millions and millions as seen by the amount of attention you get walking around around the grounds here give me the short version of how you break down that semi-final matchup it's it's Ken mova find the short balls and the opportunities to use her forehand and to come forward what Pula wants to do of course is is pin karolina to the Baseline and make her hit backand from the Baseline line and I think Pula has such good control of her depth such a good return of serve she's actually very equipped to keep mova at Bay keep her from coming forward and and stay and keep the ball away from her forehand uh especially dropping the ball in the middle of the court so I think Pula will have a good shot at that one and it's got to be a huge weight lifted off of her shoulders that she's obviously won her first quarterfinal on her seventh attempt one more thing I want to mention Emma novaro and Jessica Pula not only both Americans both born in New York that's right how about that yeah incredible and you wouldn't know em nvar has gone to that all week long I was born here and so was uh Jessica Pula and Gil gross thank you so much for your Insight from Courtside I know you're not going anywhere because we got another semi-final coming up but Sophie that was a whole lot of fun and a heck of a performance from Jessica Pula fantastic performance looking forward to see that uh that match against mova that's going to be fun both both some fun are going to be incredible uh with the women of course and the men's to follow we we have a men's match to follow tonight one thing I wanted to mention is that the American are so upset about not having an American winning this tournament just FYI Yanik NOA and France won in 1983 it's been 41 years long longer in Australia people talk about a about Australia so let's come down here all right yeah this is a big deal 2024 Us open it continues with the last of the men's quarterfinals and what a quarterfinal we have in Prospect between the 2021 US Open champion Daniel meddev and the number one seed and Australian Open champion from this year Yanik CER that's coming up next with Mike Cen and the Hall of Famer Mark Woodford on the call for Sophie yok and Gil gross and our team here at Us open radio I'm Russ staylor thanks so much for joining us for this women's quarterfinal where Jessica Pula her seventh try is into a major semi-final with a 6264 win over world number one eish fiant C and Woodford take over after this break on US Open radio presented by American Express second serve coming mat Point number three Jessica Pula tosses the ball kick serve down the T to the for end of EA into the forand of Pula now eiga goes wide in the backand it's another unforced error and Jessica Pula with a yes and a fist pump is into her first major semifinal don't call it seventh Time Lucky call it seventh time earned 62 64 Jessica Pula takes out the world number one [Music] [Music] [Music] n [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] get ready for the next epic match destined to leave you breathless live from the USA Billy jeen King national tennis center in New York This Is Us open radio presented by American Express 7 of the eight semi-final spots have been decided one more left to play for Mike Cen and Mark Woodford will get you ready here as we're preparing for yanic CER and denil medv Woody this is is kind of the one that everyone had circled obviously when the draws come out you look at the seeds their path to the title and this is the one that everybody said if these two seeds make it to the quarters it could be the final definitely along with a lot of other possible matchups which haven't unfolded that way but this one has positioned out nicely and yeah I mean you and I were just talking about it as we were getting into our positions here this for me is a bit of a a coin toss I I don't I have trouble leaning one way or the other and I'm trying to look at Stats to does it does it show anything um decisive but this could be a very closely for match we could tell you all of the numbers and we'll tell you a lot of numbers here tonight but medev leading leading this match up seven wins to five yes the first six went to denal the next five went to yanuk siner and then medev wins at Wimbledon they've played three times this year almost everything's been tight let's hear from denal medv right now Quarters here many times what is it about this court that works so well for your game yeah I love to play here good conditions for me not too fast not too slow and uh I love the crowd energy so let's see how it's going to be there Pro probably electric uh ready to ready to go what are the biggest challenges in facing Center I think physically always tough matches for both of us a lot of long rallies we both hit the ball quite well it's tough like to to make winners so yeah a lot of physical battles physical rallies and uh hope uh to be 100% ready good luck tonight got the powder back on the hands all right let's wait for yanic Center to come around the corner here comes Yanik Yanik you've gotten better every match here what are you most pleased with it with your game coming into tonight yeah for sure I mean every every match is different so let's see what's coming tonight but um yeah I'm just looking forward to it you know enjoying enjoying this moments on Court and let's see what's coming all right this will be the 13th time you played denil what are the keys for you being successful tonight yeah usually we have uh long matches uh physical matches we we know each other quite well so it's going to be also a tactical match for sure but uh yeah um he is a player who who made we grow quite a lot in the in the past so let's see let's see how this one goes good luck tonight buddy denil will be introduced first in his powder blue lacost kit to the sounds of Metallica please welcome the players for our next match give it up for denil medz [Music] from Italy please welcome Yanik [Music] sinner Enter Sandman I I don't think the sandman's going to be coming for either one of us Woody until maybe 4 in the morning just a hunch I I think this one could go the distance and and getting back to what we were talking about here yep obviously the Australian Open final Center coming from two sets to love down to win his Australian Open title Wimbledon medev coming through in five sets as well and it does feel like a coin toss but a lot of the action over the last couple of years since CER started winning a couple of these matchups a lot of it has come down just to the Improvement that he's been able to make on his serve and just talk about that Improvement in that particular stroke for CER well I I guess what you're alluding to is the first number of Victories going to danal right he had evolved as a player he'd arrived onto the men's scene the upper echelon before Yanik sner and then we've had this thread of five or also wins by Yanik as as he's been there and I think the final for me of the AO was significant in the fact of my opinion if Darren kale wasn't a part of Team Center I'm not sure that he would have got through and won that match and persevered I think the the opportunity now with the coaching at two sets to love I think danil went off the court and had a kit change we know the background story absolutely exhausted to to arrive at that stage would I think you were commentating that match I was commentating that match with a different platform Darren's advice of just persevering just just keep hanging in there was important just may for this coins after the TOs we do a picture with Daniel facing this way and then without Daniel on the other side please Danel we have us open or the trophies please trophies Daniel receive this side picture on this side please Daniel you stay in the middle receive all right so the coin toss a bit interesting there know lonstein is the one handling things in the chair for us tonight on top of it that is Daniel dayim the actor who is out there for the coin toss also denil medov giving some trash to renold lonstein to throw away from his wristband so back to your point about the coaching advice in between sets two and three in Melbourne yeah I I I felt like it's Darren's experience working with previous players who have been in scenarios of grand slam finals I think spoke volumes spoke loudly for me uh and I think Yanik learned a bit about himself as well as Simo Veni learned about the highs and lows of playing a grand slam final so um the one we're talking about all of these stats that we could throw out to our list is the one that stands out for me though is denil medvedev's record once he reaches this stage of grand slams 9 and one in Slam quarterfinals 4 and0 here in New York is pretty darn good that to me speaks loudly that when he arrives and and it's not just at the US Open I think these are at at the all of the slams he is in good form he's seeing the ball well and he is a a dangerous opponent I I think that's for me an edge that he brings into tonight CER on the other hand three and five so far in his slam quarterfinals both guys have come in losing just a single set yep uh through their four matches I would say that if I had to I'd say Sinner's path a little bit more challenging uh Macky McDonald always a matchup difficulty with how he stripes the ball Alex mikkelson a guy on the come up with in an ATP final the week before four and then that three set win over Tommy Paul Center didn't look 100% in that match up with Tommy that I called with Mark luo a couple nights ago but what was most impressive and what I think he does incredibly well and Tommy talked about it after the match as well when he needed a big point he was at his top form it wasn't every single point but when he needed it he was right there so so I I didn't get to cover that match uh given that you guys were does that mean that Tommy pole didn't play a a match he didn't arrive I I wouldn't go that far I just think that when it came to the biggest spots the 30 alls the the tie break there was yanx siner at his Peak and he's just that little bit better than everybody else right now yeah okay but denil you know listen he lost his set in the opener against Duan lovic but the last couple matchups against Cabo borous straight Breeze man and not to take anything away from the fellas that denil has beaten to arrive at this particular juncture but they're not all named players they're not you know he hasn't been tested at least with Yanik he came up against the quality of Tommy Paul and he might have navigated the highs and lows but I feel like Danny's path up until now I mean boures for a fourth round match that's pretty nice comfortable yes it is so so listen we have Gil gross we're going to get to Gil in just a second Gil and I went down watched a little bit of Yanik CER warming up you did as well but you were there just a little bit earlier talk about what you saw during the warm-up with Yanik CER today yeah I for me it was noticeable Yanik was on the court standing in the backand corner and just hitting backand slices now I as I said to to you and to Gil I don't know at what stage of the warmup the early practice this was it might have been the first few ball that he struck but I have a feeling he had been there for at least 10 15 minutes but he was just hitting backhand slices out of 20 shots that he hit 19 of them were backand slices he went down the line to to Darren he went crosscourt to vanzi one out of 20 did he use the two-hander and and that went cross court which goes against really uh because I feel like yanx some of his game plan is go crosscourt and he uses the two-hander to try and open up or finish the point with the with the two-hander up the line but yeah that's what I noticed what do you think he would be work why would he use that in this matchup well medev is what 65 66 66 tallest number one in history y backand slice if yanet can can knife it enough it gets the ball below the knee KN out of that Strike Zone and in particular out of the strike zone of medvedev's backand so if you repeat into the strike zone of Medvedev I think that's you're going to have a difficult night because when it repeats for him he can just be on cruise mode so I think it was an effort for Yanik to throw in the variation Gil gross court side Gil I know you are somebody like me who really loves to look at Stats numbers I was really kind of noticing today as I was going through stats you know we talked the other night about yanuk sinner serving stats meddev not really bringing much on that serve through this 2024 Campaign which might be some of the cause for his struggles in what is a down year for him yeah my lowest hold percentage for denil meddev since 2018 and uh that's really before he became a top player so uh he has not been able to serve like he was in 2021 when he won this title and he was one of the the big servers in the sport he's had to find other ways to win throughout this year all right we are ready to go here and as you heard from that coin toss yanx siner choosing to receive so the mov is here on the near side waiting for the crowd to settle white top those powder blue sky blue shorts and shoes MEF serve te net that White techn Fiber racket to match the white shirt as as well second serve for denil is long double fault to start as if on Q while talking about his serve conditions are cool temperatures are in the mid 60s right now as we start serve T it is a free point off the top of the frame of Center but as we start just a little after 9:00 temperatures 67° it was another breezy day won't be much of a factor inside Arthur Ash Stadium here tonight 15 all serve again medev from the near side serve out wide Center goes forehand catches the Bas line now going to step into an inside out for him that lands good back in slice me volley from Center just misses into the ad corner for 3015 Center coming forward there it's an area of his game that the association with Darren kahill what he said about was to help Yanick with the transition forward get comfortable at net AIT of missing into the net for a second serve here at 315 in the opener seconds good to a center backhand Med goes backhand middle off the Baseline and good now stepping into a backhand cross Center backhand into the Net game points for [Music] M Yeah by his standards a below average year 39 and 13 zero titles shocking really when you think about it still inside the top five though serve is well long former world number one 20 ATP titles 18 of them on hard serve is long it's another double fault for him medev hit 21 double faults in his first two matches it has gotten better as the tournament's gone on seven in the third round five in his previous match the game point Ser out wide Center backand to a medv backand cross Center backhand middle medv backhand middle Center run around forehand to a backhand meddev Center goes backhand middle medv backhand middle Center backhand cross medv backhand middle Center runs around to a forehand medv forand crosses into the net were it dece and that that is an area as Gil brought up that that I had circled the fact that he's kind of offset the amount of aces in the tournament so far with the amount of double faults that he struck in in all four matches Ser dece good Center backhand goes middle medv forehand to a center forehand big cross medv tracks it down up the line Center has a wide open court but goes back behind medev clean winner off that backhand side and a break chance here for yanuk CER Yanik wearing the olive green Nike kit once again here tonight black cap on a star studded night here at Arthur a stadium serve into the net for medov four of eight so far with the two doubles second serve for medv is good to a Center backand Middle meev backhand to a center backhand cross MV backhand cross Center backhand cross midv backhand cross Center backhand cross misses wide no backhand slices mixed in there Woody interesting isn't it yeah when you told told myself and and Gil that I just kept thinking okay is it are we going to see it in these first few games to really start knife and just show a different look early in this match to kind of make denil think a little bit denil one of those incredible thinkers on the court Ser it deuce up the te is an ace first of the night yeah cold the the match he played against fvia caboi early in the tournament and was just I mean He adjusted to what was thrown at him by the Italian got a fre point there to get the hold to start fting off a break chance in the process for one love but a a different obviously caboi and and cner play very different and the experience of sner hopefully shines through but yeah I kind of Gil went into deeper conversation deeper dive I guess about those backand slices and it's a shot that if cner can execute to try and play it short and low and it's it's not just to get it out of the strike zone of meddev but it's to entice meddev to come forward a lot of players when they do come forward if they're in control of the approach shot their volleys usually stand up but medev is one of those guys when you as the opponent draw him in he is at C when he's up at net then and they don't call him the octopus for nothing yeah well an octopus maybe has eight tries that may be a Folly I'm not sure that medev even manages after eight Center serving from the near side at love one and starts with an ace talked at length a couple nights ago about that switch from the platform to the pinpoint serve starts off well has been incredible with the serve through this year up in the top 10 of many of the serve categories on the ATP Tour 52 and five this season with five titles as well as many titles as losses serve out wide good medev back in is into the net starting medv is uh a much closer return position that I think we're accustomed to although as I say that he Retreats back to the tarp here on the due side at 30 love Center 32 and2 on the hardcourts this year started of the season of course with 16 straight wins 25 of his first 26 MV goes forehand middle from the back tarp misses into the other back tarp Mike at at Wimbledon Medvedev moved up he he did not feel that he could stand deep he thought he would get burned by the slice serve out wide perhaps the center serve and volley and even the first ball drop shot so gain points here for yanuk CER serve T good midv goes through the middle Center short ball puts it away into the had corner off the forand side quick little hold to love for one all yeah I think tonight it is operational for medev to vary that return position knowing Darren like like I do I feel like he would be if Mev stands what we have seen over the years so deep behind the Baseline I I think it opens up the court way too much Advantage Center in that case M serving From The Far Side now at this oneall juncture second serve is into the net that is double fault number three and this is when you start to have alarm Bells I did see there was some definite discussion between the two x up in the coach's box Savar and Simone after that last hold serve up the T and gets a four he and goes inside out but meev staying back now has a backhand cross Center goes backand middle meev run around for and inside in Center tracks it down with the four MEF forand cross Center goes forand cross MEF strikes that ball well but misses wide and just like that love 30 and also a subtle difference with caboi and C caboi in a number of rallies actually tried to slow ball used the backhand slice well against meddev directed it to the forehand and extracted a number of Errors not sure if sin's game plan is set up to slow balling opponent second serve good to a Center forand Middle meev forand to a center forand cross that's going to miss long for 1530 I think the most important thing is he needs to use some sort of creativity and that's what Center started to do to turn this head-to-head around because the linear Pace that bothers so many players against CER meddev will soak it up Ser T good backand from MV goes middle Center back in middle MV back in Inside Out misses just wide so it's going to be two break chances here for Yanik CER 0 for one so far medv taking a look seeing that that missed by about 2 mm or so although my metric system is not as good as it should be a small amount okay two three somewhere in that range 1540 serve T netted eight of 15 so far second serve fortive is good but it's going to be let but yeah with this start with the doubles the three of them already you could see denil go off the boil here in a second second serve good Center goes for and up the line meev backand to a center backhand slice meev backand cross Center goes backhand rolled to a Mev backand cross Center backand Mev backand cross Center backhand cross good depth now Center will have a backhand goes cross once again meev backhand cross Center backhand cross good angle Mev backand up the line is into the net Yanik CER has an early break the kot boys are here and they're loving this early start for yanic center with a 21 Edge on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] tough match uh it's going to be a a lot of Ries so uh hopefully be ready physically it's going to be physical match also mental match I I won in Australia he then won in in wimon always five sets so um hopefully it's going to be a good match um we try to do our best on court hopefully you guys enjoy the next one and then then we'll see how it goes yanic cner on facing denil medv that was two nights ago after he defeated Tommy Paul in straight set 66 and one he neglected to mention that Miami match when he won 1 and two against denil did you cover that one at all I was down there yes yeah that's a spanking it is a spanking yeah it's rare very rare semi-final as well mhm Center serving here at 2-1 medev is deep Against The Back Fence now stepping into a backand cross Center goes backand middle medev backand cross Center goes backand middle Mev backand cross Center tracks that down backhand cross to a Mev backand middle Center rolls a forehand to a Mev four and cross Mev four excuse me Center forehand up the line is launched that is a dart for 15 Los remember that forehand running forehand I think it was match point of the Australian Open coming back from two sets to love Down clean strike up the line to win his first title the ability he has out of the corners is otherworldly it's just so impressive to watch CER serving into the net again medv has retreated back to the back tarp once again staying back there for a second Serve Center that second is good to a backand goes middle lands on the Baseline now MV stepping into a backend cross Center backand cross MV goes backand middle Center runs around forand to a medv back in up the Line Running forand Center MV goes forand cross Center goes forand cross MV forand middle Center goes forand up the line to a backand from MV cross Center backhand MV goes backand cross sliced by Center to a meva backhand slice up the line Center runs to a forehand up the line meev backand cross CER back in Cross Mev back in middle drop shot from Yanik C MV will get there back in up the line good 15 all huge Point strong hitting from both players and again what stood out for me Mike even though C lost the point was his ability when he was sliding into the corners it is it's like he's doing a slum you know kind of down a course and it's coming to the edge of the schem and then back over to recover for the next turn boy Woody are you going to be shocked to learn that he skied when he was younger never heard that story right 15 all lindsy Von still not here miss first serve up the tea I think she's the only celebrity in the world not here tonight this list that we have is unbelievable it's deep second serve good meev goes back in through the middle Center back in to a Mev backand middle CER back in rolled through the middle meev go goes the same Center backand cross medv tracked that down big Angle now he'll step into a backand goes cross again run around for him from Center Inside Out medev digs it out forehand again from Center inside out he's going to step into another one this time inside in meev there through the middle Center Inside Out forehand meev digs It Out Center forehand into the dece corner Meep there but it's into the net Precision stuff there from yanuk center opening up the floodgates 35 floodgates from the forhan it's quite balanced because he can hit the this ball heavily from both wings but the forehand there of Center dictating the point 19 shot rally the average rally length already over five that's what we expected from these two and their capabilities from the Baseline can both be very patient within a rally 3015 here for Center at 21 serve good meev lob return center was serving and voling Retreats but that La did Miss Long 405 through the tournament Center hasn't ser and Voli a whole lot there's been a couple of matches he hasn't served and Voli but the times that he has it's been minimal but tonight again if look how far back medev is for this one and we just see the top half of his body serve T is long see if he stays there just maybe one step forward we can see his waistline at second serve for CER at 405 that's good to a me of backand middle that's going to miss long it's 3 one I mean to to put it in perspective I can tell you from having just watched the last match they've had to adjust the camera so that it's it's t they've zoomed out because otherwise they wouldn't be able to show medev at all they've had to adjust the camera wide just see the top of the racket swing through no doubt but yeah that standing that far back and for him to hit the ball long actually have to give the ball a heavy strike and over a lengthy period of a of a five set match takes energy I did a piece one time with tennis TV where we talked to denil about why he does that and what he sees in the first couple swings it is still one of the most fascinating discussions I've ever had with a player in my life just talking about okay he he said if I hit the ball I know how I hit the ball right off the Racket and then I'm my brain processes whether to take two steps forward two steps at an angle 45° or two steps laterally if I hit it poorly fascinating and truly a brilliant man down love 15 here in this 13 service game missed another first serve below 50% right now the second serve is good to a Center backand Middle Mev backing up the line perfect Center can't track that one down I think that might have actually been a little bit of a m hit barely cleared the net no Pace on it but it worked 15 all denil says this is his favorite tournament his favorite City he's done very well here best Grand Slam by a long margin lob return here from Center lands just long after good serve up the T for 315 yeah probably the the surface over the years Mike as well as you as you know when we've gone out there and hit ourselves to get an idea of the balls and the speed of the Court it has been a speedy court and he's he's been able to maximize get benefits from the court surface swinging B into the deuce corner for 405 although this year balls are just a tad different I would say not as pellet like that they have in the past and I think even the surface has slowed up a fraction I think so as well just haven't got that same shine on top of it running forand for meev Center digs it out backhand slice for meev Center stepping into a forehand misses long so meev digs himself out of that love 15 deficit gets it to 32 Midway through our first set so Jill Savar you notice he's always wearing that Rangers cap big hockey fan coach for denil medev and reading a piece of here in the New York Post locally and just talking about how this particular Rangers cap that he's wearing was the lucky one when when denil won in 2021 he purchased it back then at one of those vendors you see along the street he didn't wear it again until last year before the tournament reached the final obviously did denil and it's thrown it back on here in 2024 and not wearing it in between time at any other stage a match hat it's just saving it for the US Open it's a match hat okay US Open match hat he does go anytime he goes to an HL City he'll buy a new hat it's a specific brand of hat I think it's called 47 okay and he'll get one Montreal there he was wearing a Canadian's hat but this I I mean I guess it doesn't take up a lot of space in your luggage No Cap no you do have to get if you're wanting it to look fresh I mean you need the protective cover obviously yeah if you wash it you have to get one of those protective things for your laundry as well this is not something that you've experienced is it well I carry a few caps with me in in my but I don't have any protective cover I think that's what I'm frowning at I I just shove it in the zipper sounds painful could the side pocket and then pull it out when I need be jancker with a 3-2 edge here in this first set is serving very well six of six on his first serve points so far 20 minutes in and again that shot tolerance question that always can come up in some of these matchups certainly he's taking his time in his incredibly patient right now is Center 3-2 from the near side sered T good me of there I think he might have actually hit the back wall with his racket during that swing short forehand easy winner for cner to 15 love curious when CNA does step up to serve on that juice court medev is as far back as he is yeah why doesn't sner move over a little more more to actually create the angle he stands wider on the ad Court here than he does when he's standing on the juice Court serve is missed out wide yeah it's about what probably 5T to the left of the center hash second serve here for CER that's good to a Mev backend that goes middle Center stepping into a for and inside out in behind it backand for meev volley from Center world class me there gets it through the crosscourt volley from CER MV back into it what defense from denil medev finally a smile on his face wants the crowd to get into it they respond it's 15 all oh those long limbs helping him track down the running forehand little disappointed with the anex reaction though reaction meaning he took a few defensive steps back behind the service line you just open up the territory of Court spoken like a true Hall of Famer who knows how to move forward very well 15 all just hold your ground exactly yeah I mean you go back to when you learn the game at 789 you always think about that idea just keep closing finishing and finding that angle serve good meev goes back in inside out to a center forand cross Mev forand middle Center forand cross meev forand cross as well good depth Center forand to a meev backend Inside Out Center forehand roll to a meev forand cross Center forand cross meev forand cross good Center foring cross off the net and into the yeah the benches there so it's 1530 and Gil I know you wanted to talk a little bit about that return position as well from medev who is trying to show some different looks yeah you know it's easy to fixate on the negative sides of a deep return position but the numbers don't lie denal meddev in the last year is fourth in break percentage on Hardcore only deor CER and alarz break more than him but CER will mix in the serve and volley and you know a couple years ago Nick curios beat medev in the fourth round here he served and voled relentlessly yeah so that is the big question how much CER is going to move forward here tonight well unfortunately they're not enough players today and from double from CER his first of the night to set up a couple of break chances for Med I I would hate to think for meddev to play Someone Like Pat rafter how many times Pat rafter would I mean it would be a rare occurrence for Pat to have stayed back right but coaches today who don't have the experience of being players themselves are teaching their players not to serve and volley so meddev doesn't feel the wrath of sering volas as much as what I think he should Center has a backhand middle meev matches Center running around for and Inside Out Mev back in middle just missing long 3040 now it's it's also complicated because of the fact that obviously the technology has changed and the returns are coming back with more pace and So that obviously has changed but it's not about constant Serv inv volley now it's much more about mixing it and finding that Vari pleas trying it and and yes granted technology is Advanced but so can your your volleys and reflexes just because one side lifts up it doesn't mean that you can't enhance your ser and volley your reflexes your reactions missed first serve here from Center in this 3040 moment at 3-2 second serve good midv backhand goes cross Center runs around for a forehand MV back in Cross Center drop shot to the adside Mev there backand cross Center back hand up the line meev picks up the volley Center backand cross meev there with the volley center forand meev it's off his frame and just wide yic CER saves two break chances to deuce well good read cner picking mv's short he was running up to a short back and it went crosscourt C absolutely anticipated and that kept the point alive before this year you rarely saw Yanik Center hit a drop shot it's something he's added to his game and I think opponents like denil medev or or who him and Darren kahill and Simone vosi had in mind yeah with that position and how far back he will stand and can be exploited serve up the te's into the net from yanic Center who's now down to 50% eight of 16 second serve for Yanik that goes to a back end for meev goes through the middle Center forand cross good one squash shot from MV Center in behind it lob from Mev overhead smash into the crowd from yanx CER for a game point meev coming to the bag here with his racket I think he might be is he saying that the frame might be cracked he's looking at the throat of the racket there something something with the the grip or the throat yeah Gil can you make out what he was looking at there no I am trying to figure it out has he gone and gotten a new racket though yeah he he took a new one out of his bag oh it is cracked we can see it now on our screens okay yep you know what's interesting he has dampeners on all of his rackets already in most players play with one dampener and they'll just you know move it to whichever racket they're playing with game point here for Center misses the first when did the racket crack wonder if one of the rallies that when he's stretch to put the the racket down on the ground just to balance maybe or when he hit the back wall he hit the back wall in the first point yeah swinging volley from Center meev forehand is into the net 42 I yeah there was nothing there was no racket smash anything like that that would cause a racket to crack like that in the throat that's bizarre and if it cracked on the first point why would you keep playing with it crack racket so it's in that last point it just obviously uh opened up even more but yeah fresh frame two4 original balls last game with them serving From The Far Side T long second serve coming here for the tallest number one in ATP history at 6'6 second serve good Center goes backhand now we'll step into a backhand middle Mev backhand cross Center goes backhand cross Mev backhand cross Center goes backhand middle run around forehand for meev is into the net it's love 15 both guys serving uh that percentage is hovering around the 50% Mark have four of 10 on his second serf point points along with those three double faults here tonight Ser from EV love 15t is long second serve here at love 15 good to a center back in off the Baseline and good now Center stepping into a for an inside out perfect meev had to guess he went due Center made him pay love 30 certainly Center ball coming out of the center of the rackets come out firing off of both Wings just has that edge momentum at the moment Miss first serve into the net here for mvv second serve good Center goes back in up the line MV backand cross Center digs that out MV goes backand cross Center backand cross good bite MV backand middle run around forand for Center into the de Corner running forehand for meev netted three chances for the world number one denil is not happy with this new racket so the third racket of this game this two games I should say coming out of the back huh I'm I'm flumix by when that racket break happened and clearly it's just kind of in the in the head here of denil mvtive who's facing love 40 here at 24 Center about 15 ft behind the Baseline serve te's well wide and also long serving woes continue both guys under 50% right now second serve for the Neil that is good to a center back in Cross Mev back in Cross misses wide now the racket might get cracked for real jancker grabs his second break 52 will serve for the first set in a moment here on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] a [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] my C and Mark Woodford in the booth Gil gross is Courtside for this one and I I want to make sure this is Gil's last night Gil is uh just he's been this is his fourth Year's part of the team and just continues to grow turn off his mic so he doesn't respond me but he just continues to grow and grow in providing just incredible Insight we as a team really appreciate all of the hard work he does around the grounds Prim Sur Pat as well who is also is her last day but just incredible members of the team and and probably don't get enough credit for how much hard work and running they're doing so I wanted to make sure I said that you can turn Gil's mic back on let me just wipe my eyes I have a few tears Gil please don't go Center goes forand cross Mev matches just off the Baseline Center hits a forehand up the line now has to get to a backand goes middle medev backhand to a center forehand Inside Out meev backhand middle Center goes forehand cross to a meev forand cross that misses wide by the thinnest of margins for 15 [Music] love well since well I I thought Woody wasn't going to jump been so I'm going to have to respond it is an absolute honor to work with everybody on this team and uh I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do this and uh I'm so appreciative for all the work that everybody does just don't be shy next year Gill about jumping on the tennis court us I'm not scared you should be you definitely should be i' I've seen this man play when he wants to turn it on Mike's hit once that was enough it didn't come back again second serve return misses long from denal for 30 love Yeah medv again looking at his racket here and yeah I think he has not found one that is to his liking over the last couple of minutes backhand unforced a is now at six he's got 14 total for denil right now serve good meva back in into the net and set points for Yanik CER it doesn't seem settled m at all as yet one would expect to to find a bit of range in the second set but that's a job for the young Italian just to keep the revs up his engine good forand from Center into the dece corner running for in Med of lands good Center can't pick that one up off of the Baseline it's into the net 45 now we go 52 405 33 minutes in pretty comprehensive here for thex Center set point number two miss long trying to go body meddev did adjust his return position here is much tighter to the Baseline still about 6 to8 feet behind it second serve good that a back in inside out that's a return to winner from that new turn position 4 30 I I like that position much more authorative that sin a second serve yes there's quality to it but I don't think it's anything that that denil should be frightened of obviously 6'6 frame that's not like there's a that kick serve is going to be getting up above his head Center T good meev foran to a center inside out for him me backing cross off the net back onto his side yanx Center yeah 62 pretty comprehensive and not much to it early break one late as well one set down couple more to go for the world number one here on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] it's my C Mark Woodford Gil gross as well ended at 15 unforced errors there for denil Medvedev has to clean that up no real statistical category that he's leading in and yeah much more akin to their matchup in Miami this year than at Australian Open or at Wimbledon [Music] a little bit disconcerting to see him struggle as well with the racket finding the right tension I I wouldn't be surprised and if maybe he sends one or two back to the Stringer to find a different tension it is a much cooler temperature well saw him on one of the change of ends with the towel around him it's it's like things are a bit hot Under The Lights here of Ash so he's even though it is a cooler night compared to some of the other evenings that his engine maybe just overheating at the moment needs to cool down find some common ground some steady ground holding serve first will certainly Aid MV serving from the near side misses his first serve out wide he ended at 46% for the first set Center 48% second serve good Center forhand Middle Mev forand middle Center goes for an inside out to a Mev Dugout backhand Center backhand cross meev backand middle Center backand Middle Mev backand with an angle Center mattress Mev backhand cross Center backand cross meev back hand cross Center goes back in middle MV stays with a back end goes up the line dug out by center forand from MV forand cross from Center MV for in Cross Center goes for and up the line it's into the net it's 15 luck and even in that rally I was just watching yanic sinna backand crosscourt couple down the line still no conscious effort to throw in the backhand slice and in that rally just to change it up he could have at at a stage or two but but nothing maybe he's saving that at you know at a juncture when they go deeper into this match short ball from Mev gets it with a forand lob here from Center MV is going to have an overhead puts it away into the at corner for 30 love [Applause] no need to bring it in you don't change a winning game certainly you're up 62 just keep motoring along here but you have it in the back pocket just in case you need to pull it out much like a a reverse card in Uno you just never know when you're going to need that it's the you you say the reverse card not not the ace if you're playing switch you could go you could go draw four Wild Card sure draw four this backand from mvtive and again that site has been a bit of an issue seven unforced errors out of now 16 have come off of that Wing 315 serve te's just wide second serve here for me ever 315 that is long trying to go te his fourth double of the night not helping at all the stats and certainly get that feeling if if the first percentage Rises it it provides the opportunity for him to then start to dictate some of these rallies is yanic that's getting the first strike and staying on top in the rally second serve medv good to a center forand middle medv back in behind him chip from Center medv goes back in Cross Center goes back in middle foran from meev middle Center for in Cross well meev called it long but apparently bounced off the Baseline my view was blocked I think yours was as well by danil's body but that caught the back of the Baseline and it's a break chance here for yanic CER fourth time that he's had at least one break chance here tonight 3040 for Mev serve good lob return going to land short Mev puts that away angrily to the dece side apologizes to the crowd who got that ball it's deuce and no real delay either at break point down it quickly up so it's almost like he's just speeding things along fortunately finds that first serve into the net here for denil in this first game of the second second serve for him good he's going to have a forand cross meev going to step into a forand middle now Center goes rolled forehand to a meev backhand middle Center backhand mid MEF backand cross Center tracks that down but it's into the net off the backand wing and a game [Applause] [Music] point 41 minutes into this matchup and yeah even you mentioned it how quickly he got into that that point didn't even get to see the replay of whether the ball hit the baseline or not meev has to dig out of backand Center's going to get an inside out forand into the net meev drives a great chance one love here almost a carbon copy of what we saw in the first game of the first set as well where he faced a break chance was able to fight it off but just portense bad things when you see him continue to struggle with the serve three of eight in that particular game 44% for the night and you know that has been the biggest issue for him through this 2024 campaign believe he he has made some General comment about players at the US Open he doesn't necessarily feel like that some of the past or the players that have done well at the US Open is just a a funny tournament that serving percentages of players that go deep it's not always bright feels like it's just a really hard fought tournament certainly I feel like even in the doubles you can never trust what's happened in the early part of the year sure even the doubles event here just sometimes you get some really unusual results back hand from Center goes cross to a Mev backend Center backand cross misses long for love 15 well I I felt the need to follow up with denil about his right shoulder because over the course of clay Court season when his serve was struggling he said yeah you know I it's an injury and I'm not practicing my serve so I'm not missing matches but I'm not hitting serves in practice and that's why the level isn't there but uh denil denied that that is still an issue he said no that that was that's the thing of the past and it's all good now clearly not necessarily so there are a couple of fans right behind denil who are not yet settled into their seat so Center is pausing and waiting for them to get settled now ready to go love 15 serve good lob return lands on the service line and CER dispatches that into the ad corner for 15 all he's averaging 118 miles per hour on his first serve in this match so far that's about where he's been all year long but you compare him to Sasha Vera also 6 foot6 verev averages 127 it's 99 mph faster yeah that's pretty sizable uh difference there's no doubt about it serve here at 15 all is good M backend lands good Center forand to a Mev forand middle Center forand Middle Mev forand cross Center the same Mev forand up the line running backand from Center meev there backhand cross Center digs a backand up to the net but back onto his side it's 1530 yeah in in that case I think I'd take Z's first serve but I I I'll take medev second serve even with the four double faults already here tonight just not not tonight in general of course ver of his certainly had his case of The Yips at many times over the years most notably in 2020 153 here for Center into the net second serve at 1530 that's good back hand for MF goes cross Center digs that out lands on the Baseline me back into a center runaround forand M back in up the line running forehand from Center on the Baseline and good MV slips gets up he hits a backhand cross Center goes backhand cross MV goes backhand cross Center back into this backhand trade through the middle Center run around for an inside out this one doesn't catch the Baseline just missed by the thinnest of margins and two chances for denil medev here at 1540 154 second time tonight Mev stands ready to return at this position 1540 when Yanik was serving at 3-2 I think we'll see a serving Valley here oh that's a bold statement up against the back tarp is medv 1540 Serve Center good medv for into the bottom of the net and Gila hate to say it incorrect it's rare oh boy it wasn't really uh I I mean maybe he hesitated Gil because the serve didn't really I it wasn't a big first ser and it didn't find a corner either right it was a bad Miss 30 40 here for Yik CER near side serve out wide just misses white he was serving in voling him yeah g was just off by a point one point second Serve Center good m chip returned to the ad Corner run around forand for Center medev digs out of backand cross Center inside out forand again Mev back in middle Center forand goes to the dece corner meev tracks that down Center for and up the line to backhand meev Bali for Center Mev lob overhead good me up there back hand line it perfect denil M grabs the early break here in the second he leads too low wow and I mean would have you picked that it's I feel like it's come out of nowhere yeah accuracy with the two-hander a quick look over to the chair umpire wasn't so sure that that may be caught back of the line and especially with it being so loud in there when you have one of those extended points you could just tell he was didn't know if a had come or not 15 love free point off of the third From The Far Side Center matching mv's return position lob return lands good swinging volley from meev Center goes backhand cross that will miss wide should say it was going to land good I didn't expect him to take that out of the air a bit of a risky play for denil but handled impeccably hoodies on a lot of fans in the stands right now with these cooler temperatures 30 left serve good mv's going to have a forand goes inside in Center tracks that down meev forand cross is going to miss well long 3055 for got to rotate just seemed like it was chest forward and the hips as well just nothing came around and it was just a very disheveled forehand that's what he does well disheveled everything yeah it's unconventional correct very friendly way of putting it second serves good backand to backand now Center stepping into an inside out forehand lob meav Center overhead good into the deuce corner almost decapitates a member of the ball crew speed of that overhead 30 all now and taking care of a neutral ball offered to him Center with the forehand in the off Direction and then just betting trusting himself with the transition forward a bit of an opening here 30 all serve T is just wide for the night medv has won just six of 19 second serve points second serve good Center forand to a Mev for an Inside Out Center tracks down a back end cross Mev back in up the line Center rolls a forand to a MEF forand cross Center forand cross MF goes forand middle but it's into the net routine Miss from denal medev and a break chance for sner number one seed just probing medv is forand sixth service game for denil Medvedev he's faced a break chance in five of them 3040 serve T net and long second serve Mev takes one step to his left second serve kicker her backand misses just long by the thinnest of margins through the middle of the Court Deuce very similar to last night's match demitro and Francis Tio TFO was bullying the demitro serve he was hanging on by a thread forand to forand we go medv now Center forand cross MV tracks that down Center goes forand up the line to a medev backand cross Center backand cross MV goes back in up the line good chip from Center just misses long and a game point for denil beautifully redirected 6 fo6 medv backand crosscourt and then just smoothly angles there's no angle just directs it up the line Daniel this time taking a lot of time before this game point on his surf From The Far Side tosses Up serve T good Center's reply is into the net denil mvv has opened up a thre love lead here in the second the quarterfinals of the US Open On Us open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] well it's great to be with you here the winner of this one takes on Jack Draper I did not have Draper winning 15 of 15 sets on my bingo card for this US Open Woody it's a very impressive performance for him to get through to the semi-finals without losing a set without a doubt and I and I yeah against Alex deor as well I felt like today there was opportunities for the Australian to noun a bit of a comeback but he was met with Defiance by Jack Draper so wondered about the physicality there seemed to be times during that match when demon was not moving at his top speed and his you know all too well if he doesn't have the ability to be physical just can't compete at the highest of levels and that's kind of been the one of the stories for him when he does get a little bit and and I think through my experience of being a player and commentating when when a player just gets tight in a match it's hard and if they survive that match it's hard to break out of it in the next round a not up after a drop shot from medb but Alex very tough match against fellow Australian Jordan Thompson the round before it was a very tight match towards the end and just felt like that Alex was still feeling it a little bit in that match today certainly a great result for British tennis here to see the same year that Andy Murray retires and steps away somebody does step in and fill that void here in New York it is 15 all here in this love three service game erve is good to a meev forand middle Center has to roll that meev goes backand cross in behind it touch volley Center picks it up meev overhead into the ad corner it's 1530 look at this push from denil couple of Drop shots mixed in here in this game as [Music] well I don't know if that was a double bounce that looked very close regardless at love three Center serving 1530 meev way back at the back wall serve T net Mev have now stepping about 3T behind the Baseline so a lot tighter to the net stepping into it now will go back in up the line CER rolls a forand middle meev has to dig that out Center forand inside in meev matches forand middle Center rolls a forehand meev backand middle Center backand cross meev backand cross Center goes back hand cross meev the same Center backand cross with more Angle now Center goes back hand cross again meev backand cross Center goes backand middle meev stays with a backand center runs around forand to a me back in Cross Miss W and it's 30 [Applause] all 19 shot rally there for me that's the kind of rally that denil wants to play I mean Center won the point but this very neutral lengthy physical almost like he's daring Center to be the one to run around and try to get to that forehand so that Mev can counter serve is good MV for serving Vol from Center puts away a into the at corner me Na's head yeah I I think he should be doing that once a game to be completely honest on the de side use the slider out wide come in I mean we've seen jokovic do it with great success alcaraz as well force medev to move that return position up and then start going hard into the body with a game point at 4030 serve good meev back in middle drop shot from Center meev is going to get there goes back in Cross Center yeah look like see that as well wood he just looked like he lost his footing ever so slightly that did happen in the third set against Tommy Paul as well looked like he struggled a little bit after um it was it was late he just he went one way and the the rest of his body went another and just have a little bit of concern there slow to get up off of it there on that point as well I didn't see it in that in that particular match but I I just shut anytime that these guys are attempting a slide y so we'll keep an eye on it just make sure the physicality is okay didn't seem to bother him the rest of the third set against Tommy Paul doesn't seem to be bothering him right now but just keep that in the back pocket there for later still game point now for Yanik cner serve out wide is long second serve for the world number one as medev again adopts a much tighter return position here on Center's game point second serve T medv goes forand to Center forehand rolled medv backhand middle Center backhand middle medev backand middle Center backand up inside out to a MV foran Center forand up the line to a meev backand cross Center goes backand middle Mev backand middle Center runs around inside out for hand to a Mev back end cross dug out by Center Mev run around for and Inside Out Center has to lob that back off the back hand side swinging bodyy from medev into the at corner for deuce well it certainly finding a a bit of a push here isn't he medv it's one of the first times I think on the night that he's run around to get to a forand in the ad Corner maybe once or twice other than that but good to see him show again a little bit a different look here yep and a nice patch and how handy would a a second breaker serve his white forand to forand we go right now Center has to dig out of forehand Mev stepping in for and cross chip back from Center meev Stills at the Baseline Center again has to dig out from the dece corner meev goes back to it Center there for it meev for and cross Center goes for and up the line to a Mev backend back up the line Center forand Mev forand up the line to a center backand cross Mev backand cross Center goes backand up the line just long into the dece corner it's a break chance here for denil and to to me it if my eyes aren't deceiving me it looks like now menv has just taken maybe a step closer to the Baseline starting to control the rally sin actually reacted and gone back a step and it seems to be reacting to the ball striking of meddev he is one of four on his break chances on the night one of two here in the set again close to the camera pit for his return position center serve missed wide second serve for yanuk at the one hour mark good Mev backing up the line just misses by the thinnest of margins in the deuce corner back to Deuce it's another occasion felt like it was a positive move by meddev to just a little closer to the Baseline actually drift into the return helps with the trajectory dece number three here Center serving T MV backand and Center had served and voled once again he was on top of the net when that ball crossed it easy forand volley into the ad corner for a gain point back to Gill's idea that that can Bex in once in a while here once a game twice a game to keep denil honest and in particular when you see denil use a a one-handed backhand slice you know that it's going to be a defensive return so you can accelerate your move forward close down the net with a game point serve out wide denil backand middle drop shot from Center is a good one medev there backand up the line that's well done good balance as he makes contact back to dece number four well speaking of taking off one hand when you hit a drop shot against Medvedev it better be very good because he is so good when he gets up to the ball uh at actually driving it he does not switch to the Continental grip and slice unless it's very very low so he actually gets some speed on the ball once he gets up there these two just killing it at the net right now both above 80% net points one backand from Mev lands good Center goes back in middle Mev matches Center goes backand cross Mev backand cross Center backand cross MV backand middle run around forehand for Center Mev back in Cross Center goes back in Cross Mev back in Cross Center goes back in up the line but it's into the net break chance once again for medv and just as a followup to those Drop shots Gil you you were on the call with the Medvedev kaboy match and the Italian on that night actually drop shotted well to the forehand side of medv he's actually picked up a quite a number of points in that direction I don't know if I'd be drop shotting to medvedev's back hand too often break chance number two here for medv Center sered netted again denil wants to come forward right on top of the Bas line here maybe a foot behind it second serve good Mev backand cross Center backand cross Mev the same Center goes backand cross MV backand cross Center backand cross MV backhand middle run around forand for Center MV backhand middle another runaround forehand for Center Mev backand cross Center stays with the backhand this time Mev backand cross Center backhand middle Mev backhand middle Center backhand slice through the middle Mev Inside Out forand stays back however another forand inside in Tracked Down by Center Mev forand cross Center goes forand middle M forand cross Center forand crosses into the net it's another break for Neil mcev it's for love in the second I mean it's such a surprise I I never would have felt this fall love start uh given the the first set the way that that played out on top of it the fact that Center had a break chance in the opening game here to really continue that momentum but since then it's been all danil medev and he missed a backhand return on set break point on an 83 mph second serve we thought okay he made a mistake but there will be more chances to come turns out was a huge momentum swing I think I just heard a foot fault there is it is that correct Gil with a backand now for medev who hits a forehand this time into the net love 15 I think it was a regular F my ears deceive me from time time to time Simone biles one of the numerous celebrities in the house here tonight had one goat last night Federer goat here tonight on the gymnastics side serf T rolled back by Center medf forand to a center backhand cross meev digs that out Center run around forehand to the dece corner meev forand cross Center forehand in behind it Mev backhand is into the net it's love [Applause] 30 Stan Smith is Sting one row behind Simone biles in the champion Suite I think Grant Hill's there too right yes and he was right behind biles but Stan Smith stole Grant Hill seat and then if you go a couple rows further we have Camal Murray and Zena Garrison I've heard of those two people we have Zena here she'll be on the call tomorrow night for sabalan and Navaro backand to backand we go right now Center goes back in up the line to a running forand meev Center forehand Mev forand up the line to a center backhand that misses up the line 1530 now flash photography thank you Gil no flash photography all right I I just can't believe Renault lonstein was able to read that sign language because Center didn't say flash photography he just popped his fingers out and Rena knew exactly what he meant Miss first serve up the T for mven second serve up coming good Center rolls a forand to a Mev forand up the line Center backhand cross MV goes back in up the line Center forehand cross into the net it's 30 all 32 minutes into this set so even though it's it's only been four games the length of these games multiple Deuces and multiple games serve out wide MV goes forehand back to the dece corner right into the body of Center who responds with a backhand into the net and a game point for medv 24 points to 16 here in this second set serve good Center forehand short MV forand cross Center digs it out Mev goes forehand cross Center for hand up the line to a Mev backend cross Center backand Middle Mev forand Inside Out is into the net we at Deuce this is game number five of the set four of them to dece at this stage we just actually this is this is absolutely nuts we got a second notification of some more celebrities that are in the crowd here tonight Orlando Bloom is here he's famous actor yeah uh solo not with katd Perry uh Katy Perry is promoting her album right now I think it's not going well it's not not going well her stocks are American Idol haven't hasn't kind of helped no plummeting album sales what's not plummeting is yanuk CER stock he's got a break chance here 0 for two and the set serve out wide is wide a neighbor of yours Tommy hos in the building as well second serve good Center backhand cross midev digs out of backand Center forand to a midev forand middle that's short drop shot from Center to the due side meev gets it pokes it up the line backand Center volley from meev who stayed and Center went right to him easy finish Duce now well I wonder whether just a no pace of meddev he drops shots to the forehand so that's a good sign have a look at the way that medev just picked it up came underneath the ball no pace and very tough for cner to derve any Pace himself on the passing shot so dece once again meddev eight of eight at the net in this set serve at dece T Ace first of the night for denil medv and a game point it's kind of shocking that it's his first an hour nine into this match but it's very difficult to Ace Center he's so long exactly yeah that frame to be jealous of but that's two in a row this time going out wide danil medva he has opened up a five love lead here in the second on Us open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] This Is Us open radio presented by American Express we a very big US Open for American tennis four semifinalists from the United States here two on the men's side two on the women's side big night tomorrow night em and Naro will be in action taking on Arena sabalenka followed by just that incredible match that we're anticipating between Pula and mova and then of course Fritz and tifo they'll be in action on Friday as we're in the first point of this sixth game missed from danil mvev misses long for 15 love but certainly it's been a long time coming on the men's side matching the women here this year and yeah that Fritz TFO is going to be electric on Friday Center 15 love serving from the near Side tosses Up serve good Mev have backhand middle Center rolls a forehand good Mev forand in Inside Out bit of a slap from him there misses wide it is 30 love much better serving from both players in this set 64% for Center despite this love five score line 58% for mvv and they're both above 50% for the night serve T long second serve for Yanik Center that's good to a MV for and cross Center digs that out MV stepping into a forehand that's into the [Music] Net game points here hour and 13 minutes in and MV picking up a piece of refu and taking it into the sidelines clearing off the court game points for Center misses long second serve upcoming for the world number one who's three of nine on his second serves in the set serve good M have big backand but misses into the net so a harmless hold to love for yanuk Center to make it 5-1 here in this second set but of course on the racket of the five seed danil mvev trying to close out this second set Darren Cahill actually taking a long look right right now at the tablet with all the statistics that are provided to the coaches in the coach's box and I think he's going to try to decipher what he can from the number serve is long from mvev second serve for him at 51 that's let was going te with that kicker Center actually taking a long look over at his box after that second serve seconds good Center goes backand short Mev Inside Out forehand lands good forehand winner for 15 left 12 winners in the set 11 unforced on the other side four winners for yanex Center to 11 unforced airs just a massive difference there serve good Center backand to a Mev of backend cross Center backand slice lands good Mev of forehand middle Center backhand middle meev of forand inside out to a Center backand Middle Mev backand to a center backand cross Mev backand middle Center goes back hand up the line to a running forehand MV Center Inside Out forand stays back now digs out a backhand that will miss wide it's 30 love I mean that's the problem right there for Center he he won that point against 95% of players he had a good setup backhand down the line he roped a forehand inside out I mean it it was a huge forehand but Medvedev is a pace absorber Andre rublev said he's unrush serve out wide and a chiper turn into the net three set points for medv going to be interesting to see who leaves the court here after the second set we've moved relatively quickly here considering the level from both players forehand from medev Good Into the dece corner hold to love shuts down set number two and this best of five now best of three come back for set number three here on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] well certainly not how we drew up what we thought was going to happen here tonight Woody no I I I mean it it again the as Gil mentioned that very first game of the the second set meev serving second Serve Center barely misses the return but it's it's almost like that has changed uh that that was impetus for just a complete change around eased the tension off of meddev shoulders and away he went moted through that set it appears that yanx CER has Departed the court for just a couple minutes Gil did you notice anything in terms of any interaction with Y and his team in the although Yan is here actually did did you notice anything it looked like there were a couple moments late in that set where Yanik was looking over and Darren Cahill was on top of it just trying to find something on that that tablet with all the stats did you notice anything yeah they're searching right now so there's a dialogue happening yanx are at one point held up a two uh you know I'm not sure exactly what that means of course but I think the point is they're uh going to the well and uh they're going to try to probably make some changes at the start of this third set cuz uh they're in thinking mode well now I I find myself thinking back to something you were talking about early what is the backand slice now does does that factor in maybees get Incorporated an adaptation here it it it also Court positioning you whether Yanik is able to retain his court position closer to the Baseline certainly was reacting to the ball striking of medv first time that Center has lost a 6-1 set since January of 2023 according to Braxton one of our producers love 15 after a missed forehand from Center lob return from MV swinging volley Center Mev there drop volley from Center is good it's 15 all well certainly vosi and kill trying to ramp up the energy at the start of this set they were on their feet after that point for 15 all they are typically pretty quiet they do let Center make the adjustments if he wants to a lot of that soul searching and problem solving that yanic CER is obviously so incredibly good at lob return here from Mev lands good Center for and Inside Out Mev digs out of back end now stepping closer to the Baseline for a backhand cross Center goes backand cross Mev backand middle Center goes backhand middle Mev digs out of a backand but misses just long through the middle of the court for [Music] 3015 be a good game wouldn't it for cner just to draw the line in the sand here St a fresh hold serve just just put an end to that slide doesn't want to make turn it into any avalan mhm a lot of snow references skiing references here tonight from you serve good out wide in behind it easy volley to the dece corner MV can't come up with that one and that's the perfect volley right it's not that Dro volley it looks like it's a drive volley but it ends up a little bit short into the court as well yeah you've got some some safety there built in because of the serve medvedev's Court position way off way behind that Baseline so game points here for yanuk first game of the third set serve good Mev forand into the the net comfortable hold there for one love in this third set neither player has gone to five sets so far here in this US Open looks like is Center oh he got a ball change here I thought he was sending some yeah he is he's sending some rackets back to get restrung Woody looks like he's sent sending two back with string to the stringers I'm sure he's in that tennis bag would be maybe six you would think minimum six not sure whether yanek is one of those that will have six freshly strung on a daily basis I don't typically see them send the rackets back with string right you see that in front of you though right yes two two rackets have been sent back okay and Reno lonstein chair umpire was just on the phone making sure that the instructions are all set in middle of this point here at love one on the Mev serve he's at the net swinging volley from him misses wide for love 15 not as comfortable up at net as medv in in my opinion and that was in a difficult uh height range as well was wasn't a high forand volley but it was too low to be an overhead short return Mev goes back in up the line running for him from Center misses wide that's where he can be so dangerous on the run on that 4an side but it is 15 all I I just don't see Chava or jul Simon feeding meddev balls up around that high to practice it Darren if he's on the court with Yanik for sure he'd be getting balls up around there as well double fault for denil first in a while yeah since the opening game of set number two but that puts him in some trouble here the fifth double fult gets us to 1530 serve T good short return Mev Loops a forehand to a center backand cross Mev backand cross Center goes backand cross midev backand cross Center backand cross better Angle now Center stepping into a backand cross midv goes backand cross Center backand cross Mev backand cross Center goes backand Cross Bigger angle dug Out by MV Center backand to a meev backand cross Center backand Middle Mev goes back in up the line forand from Center is looped now he goes backhand middle medev backhand middle Center backand cross good angle Mev backhand cross Center backand cross just missing long for 30 all Center can try to beat meddev in that game but that's medvedev's best game they're just drilling neutral ground strokes from the Baseline East West tennis you think backand to backand medev has the edge there Gil I do I think it's a more consistent back end and frankly we talked about the fact he had seven unforced errors on that backand Wing in the first set which was probably the reason he lost that first set so badly missed return here from yanx CER and immediately looks up to his team after that Mis return game point here from medv you you go with the forehand to forand battle you'd give the edge to the Italian movement really equal backand to backand we go once again M have backand middle Center runaround forand to a forehand on the run from meddev that misses just wide for Deuce one of the things that Center started to do more against medv has changed Direction with that backand down the line so that he he isn't going toe-to-toe with medv on the backand deuce now ser T second serve good Center rolls a back end to a Mev backend Center inside in for him track down by Mev but short and into the net break chance Yanik CER went 0 for two in set number two two of six on the night a neutral ball thanks to the heavy return that got the the neutral response goes back in up the line dug up by center with a forehand Me forand On The Run backwards not surprisingly into the net we've just flipped the script once again centner to love were talking about different scenarios at a set of piece do we do we have a tight third set that that could be the script that would lay the groundwork uh for the winner or do we just see complete flip back to the outcome of set one we've had early breaks now in all three sets and the first two obviously just runaways from there Center serve and a volley good dropped volley and me have got it up it appears well he says he didn't regardless the volley was put away and and it doesn't have to be the best first volley when when you've got your man out on the doubles alley you serve him volley it was a tough one for Yanik but he just bunted it into the Open Court you're in such a a positive position just got to be prepared to maybe play a second volley as well guys medv has challenged so it was called a double bounce and denil has challenged I am terrified of this scenario because if denil gets it right and they have to replay the point that will not be fair to Yanik Center had the easiest putaway volley you could imagine it won't get overturned we're we're able to see it up here Gil and I would be absolutely stunned flabbergasted I mean it's it's clear as day that it bounced twice yep I'm getting a look at it now as well on the Jumbotron yep okay this would be shocking I'm surprised that they're actually playing this on the Jumbotron then I thought it was for ch umpire Eyes Only still a work in progress Woody 15 love serve out wide is wide was coming in behind that serve as well second serve here two love in the third 15 love second good Mev have backand into the net 30 love I suppose that's how it goes I'm trying to think about some other I mean in football I suppose it can be the same you might miss instant replay showing something that happened and you could have run you know kept running for a touchdown but maybe they challenge whether you were out of bounds or Not Another serving volley here for Center 40 love and I guess that's kind of what you have to live with that's that's going to be the case five of five net points one right now for yanuk CER in this set that's pretty good in in two games two and a bit games game points for the Italian serve T net second serve good Mev back into a center rolled forand Mev forand cross Center digs that out Mev forand cross Center forand Middle backhand for Mev to a center backhand middle Mev backing inside out to a center forand rolled middle Mev back in Cross will miss long it's another early break this time for the Italian he leads three love in set number three here on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] you [Music] [Music] well certainly been a fascinating match up between yanx sender Den mvv version number 13 kind of matching in some way so far how those previous 12 matchups have gone first six to medv next five to Center anything can happen from here but Yanick does have a nice early lead here at three love medv serving from the near side serves out wide this return up the line from Center for 15 love and Jack Draper gets the winner three set win over Alex deor that of serving T return through the middle medev inside out for Hand Center digs out of backand medv short ball inside out for behind it no need for a volley that backhand off of The Net post almost decapitates a member of the ball crew once again oh remember a time Mike we used to have a linesman do the have the hand over there if they had been in place there they might have been sent to hospital they weren't able to actually follow the track the ball wi those days either they had to have constantly their finger on the on yeah actually oh a long time ago a couple years ago I was doing a challenger we were in indoor venue uhuh and because of just the ambient noise none of the chairs could hear a net cord cuz they don't have the machines at the Challenger level okay so they had to send somebody out there and had them wear a baseball helmet so that they didn't get their head flopped I have pictures of it somewhere you were I was calling it and there was just a guy at the with a big old helmet who was in in Champagne where I used to live and they had a big Illinois baseball helmet on their head it was a very odd situation speaking of odd 30 all here as this odd match continues on the Medvedev serve second serve up coming here at love three serve good Center forand Middle Mev forand up the line to a center backand Mev backand middle run around forehand for Center goes to the deuce corner now Center digs out a forehand but missing well long game point for it denil hour 32 to get here serve up the te's just wide second serve Mev is good to a center backand cross denil digs that out MV going to have a backhand goes cross Center backhand cross MV goes backhand cross but just misses wide MV smacks the ball into the dece corner and frustration as we're at another Deuce you almost feel like they're oversimplifying but it's like we're back to where we were in the first set where medev is missing more neutral balls than he should be to that point he has seven unforced errors and zero winner skild that's not good second serve it does good Center four hand to a meev four and into the net and he throws up his hands to say what is happening that is unforced error number eight break chance for Center to essentially put us into a fourth set serve good up the T Center forand lands good what a return now he has a back in up the line he paints it well struck as perfect Qui L as you can put together two shots on both Sidelines for love yanx a bit of artistry there certainly painting the line with the return and then the approach shot you'd kind of figure that approach shot he might not have gone to such a a small Target precisely struck medv is having a argument right now yeah let's okay we can't quite hear it cuz me's back at the Baseline arguing with Renault lienin but basically he was arguing the call on the first ball the return from Center and saying that the point should have been stopped there but obviously you know that's kind of the rule you have to challenge it immediately if you want to challenge that the electronic line calling was incorrect second serve here at four love backand to backand Mev backhand cross Center backhand cross Mev running around forehand misses well long I think he's done with this set 15 love first time he's gotten really agitated 12 of the last 15 points going the way of yanuk CER it's 19-7 in the set serve long trying to go out wide second Serve Center good backand Mev up the line misses just wide eye roll from danil Medvedev as he's missed another one by 1 mm incredible so liking that type of play though for meddev just to take on the second serve of Center serve into the net from yanuk second serve from him that's good M forand cross missed it long not a care in the world right now for denal I I heard a stomp from Center side of the net almost like he was yeah it was almost like he was faking that he was going to come in behind that second serve then he stayed back and meddev over hit it surf for Center up the T SWAT forehand for meev now going to swat another forehand in behind it be an angry volley but he doesn't get the chance at it ball did hit the net State on Center side 405 now you know it's interesting I was reading an article about denil specifically about some of the times he has had those Tantrums on court where he does get a little animated he's very funny obviously but he said that he's now been you know seeing it in his daughter at times and it's caused him to reflect on some of those outbursts that you know she has when maybe she doesn't get a toy at the right time and he's saying well maybe I need to back off just a little bit here Ser off the net and long that's a little Sympathy for the chair umpire because they how how they try to help they're the parents in this situation try yeah backand to backand we go right now runaround forehand now from Center crushes that forand into the deuce corner it is blowout city here in this third set as it was in the first as it was in the second and it is five love now in this third set this pump from yanuk Center towards his team as he sits down we get a look at gil gross on our screens look at him there Woody you can see him right on the that's a big smile that was a good smile from Gil gross you look good buddy thanks guys I put on my best Polo finishing off strong as you should as you should I I what these matches are just I'm sure you were involved in them from time to time where they just there's not that point yet were two players among the top five in the world both have hit their Peak it it's just they've been like ships passing in the night I I I think this is extraordinary you know to see it you know two two fighters tremendous fighters in this ring and um it's it's like one punch has been effective for the three sets um that we've seen used to seeing them take a few yeah upper cut with with each other I'm trying to put my fo my finger on what it is and I don't know that I can so much as I mean this is awful from denil zero winners 11 unforced airs nobody's going to win that nobody can win but that the only theory that I have is the serves on both sides are not affecting the match as much as they usually would would in a men's singles tennis match so they're getting into I think a lot of points points and it it's been about who has been more tough and more solid in these Baseline rallies where I I think maybe sometimes you'd get a tighter score line if the first serves were being played with more Effectiveness soed not not as dominant and so we we're seeing a lot of these rallies and some unforced Errors By both players that were not characteristically seen Med have just added to his unforced toal with a back end into the net that's number 12 he now has one winner for every two unforced errors on the night 19 winners 38 on four stairs serve out wide is long second serve for medev good Center backand cross lands good lob medev swinging volley good pionic Center For Love 30 is anybody better at that shot forehand drive volley the yanic center there could be a few that I would put up there I mean I don't know maybe Gil you you like that type of volley I I mean I think it's it works and I'm still more the conventional voler this first serve here at love 30 second serve Fort denil good Center back in up the line Mev back in to a center back in Cross MV backhand cross Center digs that out Mev backhand cross Center backhand slice with good depth run around forehand from Mev that misses as well it's that can slice three set points 25 minutes into this set I mean you can hear it from this crowd they're all just kind of sitting normally with set points in a third set of a men's quarterfinal you're going to have that excitement ringing but not at all denil medb just hit his first winner it's an ace out wide set point number two here at 1540 serve meddev off the net and long second serve good Center forand Middle Mev backend Center forehand middle meev forand middle Center goes forand up the line that's going to be long indeed it is 4030 304 excuse me [Applause] 3040 obviously that push from the Medvedev Camp just trying to make sure he does stay on the right side of things to start the fourth serve T is an ace so two Aces accounting for the two winners in the set here for denil Deuce now Fourth Of The Night serve medv out wide off the net and wide second for denil good Center backhand misses long G Point m Serv is good gets a free point off of it does Daniel medv and he does get on the scoreboard fighting off three set points in the process in the positive there he will serve first in theory to start the fourth set that's about the only thing you can say I mean it it uh it's just such a a strange scenario but but yes to get sure uh uh on the board maybe just draw the line in the sand get ready for set four center near side 5-1 serve good serving volley oh my almost just went return around the post winner missed by about an inch and a half he's done that twice in his career he's the only player I've ever seen do it around the post on the return of serve and there are only a few courts where you can do that tell you frit almost or was it Zev zv yeah that one curve around yeah 15 love serve good MV backhand cross Center backhand cross Mev backhand cross Center backhand through the middle run around forand for meev to the dece corner misses that long again an angry SWAT from denil after that Miss but that forehand did Miss by a solid inch plus still surprised to see denil go back to the ultra deep return position he didn't use it against Center at Wimbledon or Miami or the Australian Open Ser T is long he was further up to try to defend against the Serv and volley in the first ball drop shot that he was getting hurt with against Center at the end of last year second serve good meddev back in inside out that's a return winner from a much tighter return position yes second serve that certainly factors in 35 now again the read on Center that second serve is predominantly a kick and and the kick shouldn't be bothering meddev if he's standing closer to the Baseline it can if he's drifting 5 six ft behind the Baseline and that was a mid if you will middle return position between that back tarp in that Baseline return position on the first serve stepping a lot closer on the second gets a forehand goes goes through the middle Center forand cross medv digs It Out Center steps back takes a swing instead of a volley and puts that right to the feet of Med four set points two looks here at 405 still a healthy position for yanic isn't it stepping up here with a couple of set points maybe after this point scoreboard pressure two sets to one nice enviable position for him to BN serve from him is good in behind it volley from Center not necessary as that return misses well Long yanic Center second bread stick of the night and more importantly he has a two sets to one lead we'll head to the fourth here on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] This Is Us open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] welcome to the 2024 US Open the next chapter of spectacular well denil medv left the court for a while for a full wardrobe change shx CER has gotten back out onto the court wants to continue a little bit of momentum it's Mikan Mark Woodford in the booth Gil gross is a courts side I I keep coming back to it I'm just so flumix by how this match is playing out and and not seeing both players at their Peak here looking at danil's Stats that Winners to unforced error count 22 winners 40 unforced errors and it really feels like it's been those that first and the third sets where the error is really piled up and it's just been about the quality of play on on either side here and and that's really about it what8 compared to -4 for Yanik sna so there's a quite a bit to do here isn't it for Danny medv you hope that you know with the the break new Attie a fresh Attie just a freshen up that he can resuscitate his game start serving first but also the ability for Yanik s maybe just to pounce just to break up this uh odd score board that we have the other statistic that stands out is the second serve returns yep cers winning 60% of his second serves and also winning 60% of the second serve returns that's been pretty key all right medv is ready serves wide gets a forand goes through the middle Center big forehand into the dece corner lob from medv excuse me it was actually a drive in Center there for a volley puts it away for love 15 and that's the impetus you're talking is that a is that a good sign for sin we we saw early stages of the third set when he broke serve to consolidate we saw an aggressive Center back hand for meev up the line to a running for Hand Center meev for in Cross Center 14 goes middle dug out by med just misses wide off the back inside trouble at left 30 and it's I think at the time Mike it was five of five in net points one and we were to games into the third set so it's it's not about getting there every point but it's being selective 25 of 28 on the night it's pretty good given that he has not hit those numbers throughout the tournament against lesser quality opponents 30 serve good Center forand cross MV forand cross Center forand Middle off the net and good MV has to roll a forand to a center back in Cross dug out Center Runar around forand inside out meev back in again a runaround forand this time into the dece corner with center now has to track down a 4and middle medv forand to a Center four-and Middle that's into the net that's a big point for denil medv to [Applause] [Music] 1530 this kind of grunting for medev is not typical I don't know what to make of it necessarily but you don't always get such a auditory experience with to Neil serf out wide is wide second serve good Center through the Middle with his return just missing long it's another pretty sizable Miss considering the moment well denil he's walking to the chair here I don't think he's happy with the ball yeah he's giving it to lonstein in the chair so new one will be put in in its place here in the next couple of moments 30 all again we've had early breaks in the previous three sets center with this two to one Edge serve good Center forand Middle me has to dig out of forand to a center backhand middle meev backhand middle Center goes forehand to the dece corner meev forand cross Center forand goes middle runaround forand for MV Center matches with the forand cross MV forand cross Center goes forand up the line but [Music] [Applause] misses go back to that first game of the second set eight points missed return by C surrender the game much like we see here yeah from love 30 to a hold in four points and yeah that is a bit of a momentum shift and we've had some wild ones here so you never know if that's going to completely turn things you know reading some of the pre-match press as well denil kept saying you know the these matches have really come down to a deuce here a break point there you know whether he can surprise yanic CER in one of the big moments or not this has not been that at all so even the two players I think are probably afterwards once they're able to kind of step away and reflect on it going to say this is just very uncharacteristic for both of them the match still alive the the surprise could come there's a surprise a return return winner on a ser and volley with a serve out wide from Center love 15 could come in the fifth set if we get there still a bit of a a ways to go that will help medvedev's cause first unsuccessful Serv and volley I mean he's only lost four out of 29 Points at net so I think that's got to be right Miss first serve indeed it is nine of 10 on ser and volley points second serve good have a forand up the line Center running to a forand meev forand cross back behind him Center digs that out Mev forand now up the line to a center backhand middle Mev have backhand middle Center goes backand cross Mev backand cross Center digs out a backand to a Mev backhand middle Center backand cross Mev backhand cross Center backhand middle MEF backand cross now Center changes directions it will get a forehand goes drop shot that's a good one MEF up the line good Center there blocks it in oh my denil medv wants the bench moved and he might do it himself if Reno lonstein doesn't have somebody move the bench because the drop shot dragged him in that direction andil ran out of real estate he ran into the chair umpire's chair or very close to it and the bench yeah it was the bench actually that he hit in fact hit a couple of rackets that's Center's bench too correct Gil correct 15 all serve good forehand for me going to miss long you can tell because it's got the Gucci bag on it yeah that's that's true it could have stumbled on a couple of the rackets just cracked a couple yeah inflected some damage 305 now for yanuk CER in this love one service game serve into the net trying to go out wide closing in on the 2hour mark second serve for Center good Mev back in to a center backand cross Mev back in middle Center backand cross medv back in Cross Center digs out of backand through the middle forehand from medev Center back in Cross medev backand middle Center runs around Inside Out forehand Loop to Med backing up the line Center forehand will miss just long a rare change of Direction from denal medv on the backand gets us to 30 [Applause] all well timed couple of Mis hits it seemed like Gil by cner in that rally yeah and it's the danger of hitting Inside Out forehand against Medvedev he's one of the hardest players to do that against cuz he's so good at redirecting the backhand down the line when he sees the right-hander drag himself out of position for the runaround all serve T onto the net and back on the center side so a second serve coming here for the world number one serve good great second serve meev through the middle now we'll step into a backhand cross that he pulls wide 4030 this the reach of medv the the frame quality second Serve by cup would have been beaten probably 95% of uh the men's field somewhat of a surprise for medv to miss that middle backand with a game point here for yanuk sinner serve off the net long second serve good backand missed into the net from on top of the Baseline it is [Applause] one in the center Camp yeah certainly wanting to put this big push early in this set knowing that how these first three sets have have gone we've had a Break by the third game in all three sets so far it's one all here serve out wide good have a go to backing goes middle Center digs it out Vol from MV Center forehand lob over the back shoulder MV nice SWAT away that was Unreal that pronation there on the shoulder to put that overhead away into the ad Corner cent no doubt surprised that medv came in of a approach shot kind of neutral up the middle of the Court think medv bought that that was a net he wants that ball back from the member of the ball crew that he just served with patiently asking for it I do like this lacost kit white shirt with a little bit of blue and green through the middle nice and pretty Simple and Clean gets a forehand Inside Out Center digs that out with a backand M A backand up the line Center tracks down a forehand but misses it into the net 3 love wood are we going to see 2-1 on surf for the first time here today snap on that safe belt might have a match on our hands serve out wide is long only took us two hours second serve up coming here for MV set number four 30 love serve good Center forand up the line chip from Mev is short Center forand to the dece corner now a volley MV digs up a lob Center overhead good into the dece corner to 35 theil's on his back foot on almost every second serve Point yanuk has been so good at getting a good deep cut on the ball on that second return yeah the center Camp was very happy about that from Yanik Center and they want to see some pressure applied here in this point as well very close to first time violation of the night Center returned through the middle M back in up the line to a running forehand for Center that's going to miss long couple of changes of Direction here from [Applause] denal game points here for medev serve out wide Good Ship return up the line meev backhand cross Center digs out the backhand Mev backhand cross Center digs that out again forand from meev into the dece corner [Music] perfect we are on surf at 2-1 look at him for set action here on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] it's m Mark Woodford up in the booth Gil gross is Courtside for the first time on the night on serve into game number four Center serving here at one two new balls are in his pocket as well waiting for this crowd to settle back in serve good Mev forehand goes middle Center forehand up the line off the net good Mev pops it up the line Center forehand Vol meev Center there backhand L yes oh man improvisational skills on display as Center gets us to 15 love oh boy that net cord First Strike by cup looked like it was going out saved by the net cord and able to be Savvy enough just to shovel it over the head of medv that's great awareness with MV right on top of the net 15 love with MV back at the back wall Serve Center good MV chip return land short Center puts that into the dece corner lob for midv Center backtracks wait bounce over head good Mev there with the for him volley Center Mev lob once again over the back shoulder Center overhead good into the de's corner hello has someone just throwing a match into this early set of tennis lighing it up here it's a beautiful forehand volley by yanic CER before the athleticism just shining on the as he took some quick steps back for the overhead are they the same kotas that turn up tournament just saying Ace for Center for 40 love yes uh I I believe they have acquired a financial backer to help them good to on them yeah more power to him yeah second Ace of the night for Yanik CER hopefully extra costumes as well I'd hope so cuz otherwise that would be absolutely Ely awful smelling rake I have I ever told you that I did some I I had to One Time dress up as dress up as an oldtime radio with one of those costumes I it was for a July 4th parade uhhuh it's the worst smelling I've ever had in my entire life just from an hour and a half of walking in a Fourth of July parade in this stinky sweaty foam you didn't have to hand the outfit back did you I did laed no I'm not going to pay for the dry cleaning are you kidding me okay right it's two all I was also a poor college student so I couldn't afford the Right cleaning at that point okay volunteer radio you know what I mean didn't shower as often then either when you were the funny part is I also had Mono at the time so I was I collapsed at the end of the parade different story we'll do a podcast on that later four hin from siners into the net on the return for 15 love Center just got a new racket out of the bag and after missing that forehand in the all than that he's taking a long look at his string B maybe it maybe it got cracked like method devs earlier somehow someway I still want to know how denil cracked that racket and I think that was game five or six second serve for denil good Center backhand middle Mev at backand up the line to a forehand Center off the net and good short ball into the ad Corner Center digs out of back end volley MV Center running forand back behind MV yep 15 all what a shot from yanuk Center [Applause] the court awareness that he shows there seeing denal on a dead Sprint to go back behind him is unreal serve through the middle short ball for meev inside in forehand looped by Center Mev forehand cross Center goes forand cross meev forand cross and short Center forand cross meev for up the line to Center backand cross Mev backand middle and good now he steps into a four and goes inside out to a center backand cross Mev backand cross Center digs that out MV backing cross misses just wide it's 1530 medv hit a good enough serve to win the point outright and center with a beautiful stab took his left hand off the racket just threw his body at the ball and got it back in [Applause] play Oh healthy 16 shot rally now he's just got to cover the serve here Center serve into the body backand cross from Center meev backhand cross Center digs out of back end goes middle Mev forehand cross Center digs that out MV forand cross Center forand up the line lace Mev has to dig out of back end now forand from Center off the net back onto his side this time it's 30 all had control at that point that's a big Miss again and couldn't have I mean it didn't miss by much obviously top of the net they are pulled so tightly here almost back bounc back over the service line it was going to be a winning shot though to 30 all serve will be a trying to go out [Music] wide 2 hours 9 minutes to get to this stage again relatively pretty darn quick from middle of a fourth set try again with the first serve good chip return L short Mev forand to a center forand yanked well wide with MV approaching behind it and again he looks down at those strings not thrilled with him the cleanest if not the cleanest ball Striker on tour is yanic Center game point for meddev serve out wide is a very good one gets the free point does denil medv 32 we are mid through the 4th here on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] well the temperatures definitely cooling off here into the lower 60s but the action finally starting to heat up here on court as we remain on surf at 23 onic Center about to serve here also has the two sets to one lead but with both players starting to find a little bit of form here at the same time could be a very interesting conclusion to this one Center ready from the near side serve T Ace third of the night second of this set for 15 love 126 that is the biggest of the night for Yanik both of them their fastest serve at 126 here tonight 15 love serve out wide is into the net serving at 55% for both the set and the match is Center second serve good me have back in through the middle Center rolls a forehand off the Baseline and good now has a back in to a Mev backand cross Center backand into the net it's 15 all [Music] 15 taking his time trying to blow on those hands even though temperature is cooling off can still be pretty muggy down there both guys have to be comfortable for the most part 15 all serve here for Center good Mev backand goes middle Center Retreats Loops a forehand to a MV backand middle Center forand to a Mev forand middle Center forand cross big angle Mev tracks it down Center forand up the line this time to a backhand Mev cross Center backhand cross Mev drop shot to the DU side it's good it's perfect it's 1530 clearly for medev been able to see peripherally that CER after recovering in the point just started to drift back deeper behind the Baseline and some excellent touch a little bit of body English to get that over the net as well Retreats back to that back wall for this huge moment 1530 and 23 serve T good it's an ace for YX Center third of the set second of this game 30 [Applause] all 120 with a little bit of slider motion up the te medv looked like he was covering for the flat wide which is Yan's best serve and another of these tight games feel like they're just prodding each other been able to survive so far on so serve out wide misses long this is massive here danial creeping in towards the Baseline second serve good Mev back in through the middle Center digs out a forehand to a Mev backend cross Center backand Middle LS good Mev backand runaround forehand from Center misses wide break chance number one of the set goes to denil [Applause] Meda why they try to make that inside out for hand so good I think it's because of the threat of medvedev's backhand down the line because he wasn't really in a position to do Point ending damage there but it it looked like he just really shrunk his Target Center Camp applauding and saying yes playing style-wise you're doing everything right maybe just missing by the thinnest of margins 30 40 serve T good chip return lands good Center forand into the dece corner no can't get to it for medev that lob ends up as shank into the stands we're at Deuce again he goes with a t- serve here and catches Mev leaning to the left yeah and not able to do a whole lot with the return except just chip it back hope that he can get some depth but a a fantastic forehand by CER under the circumstances had to generate all that his own pace two three in the fourth Deuce center near side serving into the net second serve for Center good Mev chips a forehand to a center forehand MV now has to roll a forand center goes for and inside out but it's into the net break chance number two up coming poor me so key points on this side of the court the had court C has gone down the T medev just motioning it looked like to his team do I still cover the wide that's the favorite serve of the Italian see where he goes with this first serve at Out Center serving tried to go t again missed it into the net second serve for Center Mev much tighter to the Baseline serve good MV goes back hand cross Center back in through the middle runaround backhand from meev who now has a forehand goes cross Center forand cross meev goes forehand middle drop shot from Center to the DU side meev there with the for and cross Center for up the line falling from meev oh he missed it oh he was all over the net and just missed well wide back to Deuce both players anticipating Center sitting on the medev forehand crosscourt medev sitting on on the forehand pass line go ahead go I was just say danil takes massive swings on his volleys and sometimes it the result is just ugly six minutes into this game number six of the fourth set Deuce number two meev again starting with this return position up against the back wall Center ready tosses up serve good Mev back middle Center Inside Out forand medv digs that out goes cross medv now has a backand again goes cross Center backand medv backand cross Center backand Middle me backhand middle Center backhand cross meev backand up the line Miss is long again trying to change directions just a flat Miss sorry Mike do you agree with that Woody about the volley technique for yes but on that one it did look like he was kind of rushed to try and cover the line and certainly didn't space himself too well I guess when you you don't space yourself you inevitably take a larger swing so a game point here now for yanuk siner looking to level us serve out wide misses long have about 4 feet behind the Baseline for a second Serve Center pausing for just a second heard to disturbance in the crowd now goes second Ser good Mev goes back in up the line to a center four hand cross Mev forand cross Center forand cross meev for an up the line Center drags a backand cross and then Mev just misses another backand this time going through the middle of the Court two unforced errors on that backand side and we are at three all for 45 I've got one stat monitor that says 45 one says 46 unforced errors for denal regardless A Lot 19 off the forehand side 20 off the backhand oh the beginning of this set there was an 18 negative 18 for medev it hasn't really altered has it no it's minus 19 right now forehand for meev just catches the Baseline now he steps into a backand inside out forand for Center meev forand into the net sin's ratio has remained steady well still at4 three I should say MV is moving very quickly in between points right now here at love 15 serve into the net second serve good Center back in Cross M backing up the line he hits the Net post that wasn't even going to be close love real trouble now at love 30 five straight points going the way of the Italian and mv's already at the [Applause] line serve good Center forehand middle meev backhand middle Center backhand cross Mev backhand cross Center backhand middle retreating is meev backing off the net and good sliced by Center Mev backand middle Center backand slice again Mev backand cross Center goes goes backhand cross MV backhand middle Center backhand slice deep MV backand cross Center backhand through the middle forehand now from Mev Center goes backand cross M have backhand cross Center backand slice again right on the Baseline now Center goes backand cross it's a clean winner he opened up the court and exploited it well three chances for the world number [Applause] one well a fine time to play the backend slice L 14 CCH catches a bit of the basine and that might have affected mv's shot but boy for C to pull the trigger there just beautifully balanced was like a rocket great finish across the shoulders 22 shot rally great chance for cers serve meev into the net Center takes another couple steps forward towards the Baseline for the second serve which is good MV with a forand Inside Out Center backhand cross Mev backhand cross Center backhand goes cross Mev backhand middle Center backhand middle off the Baseline and good now has to dig out a backand this one doesn't catch the Baseline misses just long 15 for and a stretch of six straight points for yanx Center how good was that second serve of medev thundered it down on 100 milph 1540 From The Far Side meev serve out wide misses long 2 hours 22 minutes on the second serve which is good Center for him middle meev has to dig out of backhand Center backhand up the line to a MV forand cross Center forand Middle Mev forand to a center forand goes cross me have forehand cross Center forand through the middle misses by the thinnest of margins 30 40 go come on I can imagine Gil sitting watching that last rally I mean every ball was 100% by Yanik s uhhuh yeah and I'm not sure it needed to be on that last forehand but what a great job by meddev to get that return back Center demolished that return 340 serve out wide as long despite the crowd being at that peak level he's sending down the serve huh second serve for denil good Center backand cross meev backand cross Center has to dig that out slice up the line running forehand for MV Center digs out another backhand MV backhand cross Center backhand slice to a meev backand goes cross Center backand cross MF goes backand cross Center rolls a backand to a Mev back hand cross Center digs that out Mev backand up the line to a forehand middle from Center backhand meev backhand Center MV goes forand inside out he pushed it wide there's the break yanx CER the world number one fully in control of his Destiny now he's got the 43 Edge to the Delight of the corota boys here in the fourth set we're taking a break here on US Open radio presented by American Express [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] mation Mark Woodford gilr on the call for you Yanik CER now just two holds away becoming the only man to reach out quarterfinals are better semi-finals at all four grand slams this year just continues to extend his lead over caros alcarez as well in the rankings as he continues to push forward here in this tournament serving From The Far Side T serving Vali drop volley misses it's love 15 Gil you saw how quickly meddev was moving in between points have you noticed anything else Courtside that kind of makes you think he's rushing a little bit you'll wonder if there is some residue from the previous game where he did have a chance to break and couldn't quite get it done uh I've seen medv play speed ball in the past though definitely happens just felt very rushed there in those key points backhand here for medv Center goes forand middle looped Mev forand cross Center tracks down a forand goes middle medev backand to a center backhand cross Mev backhand cross good depth now he'll step into a forehand Inside Out Center digs that out short ball for meev back hand cross he pulls it wide it's 15 all I think he's going to just think about the backhands in particular here today in this set that's the eighth unforced error on that side you think back to where he was in that first set as well with all of the backhand errors it might have cost him two sets yeah 23 of his unforced errors on that backhand side and a good proportion of them from the middle of the Court he just added the scissor kick in there and unusual for him to to miss these wide so 15 all at 43 serve is just long second serve for Center good Mev inside out back in to a center backend cross he pulls that wide it's 1530 yeah we're we're talking about one of the most consistent two-handed backhand yeah in men's tennis so it's shocking the numbers off of that Wing tonight and you you've seen denil want to stay in that backend to backend trade throughout this night and when it's hitting it's been fine and when it's not it's it's killing him that being said 1530 on the center serve serve is T lob return lands good Center forand Inside Out stays back at the Baseline has to deal with another forand goes middle meddev forand cross land short Center forand cross medev forand into the net just didn't get in position for that an awkward swing 30 off it's like that that right foot never got pressed onto the court surface ended up pulling through too early [Music] wow key point right here I mean probably the biggest of the night certainly for the fortunes of the number one seed to move forward in this match meev against the back wall Center this 30 all serve trying to go body misses long four five six seven steps forward for denil 30 all second serve 43 second good Mev forand middle Center goes forand middle MV has to backtrack for a back end now Center back in to a MV back end oh my word into the net that's an awful Miss awful Miss from danal medb Center gets a game point so neutral yes as well it it's it's just so stunning to see that back end these misses his wife trying to push right now as well for denil but it's a game point for the Italian at 4030 settles in ready to go now Serve Center misses long going out wide two and 1 half hour mark now second serve good forehand for Mev tries to go up the line he missed again he's he's something he's saying to his team something's not right with the racket whether it's the tension something but he just points and he says he throws up his hand saying I don't know whether it's the arm that's holding that racket I arms touched to the shoulder shoulder touched to the neck to the the head connected to the um I think gosh he's already playing his trust level with his racket has not been there throughout the night whether it be the strings whether it be the racket itself he throws in a double fault here this is four love 15 he's always the guy though who has strong opinions on the conditions indeed now normally he he loves Arthur a stadium incredibly true it's just one of those days though you you know it any player who's ever played at any level you know if you don't trust your racket you're not going to play well and that's where he's at for whatever reason we're in a four-and trade right now Center goes backhand middle sliced from medev just barely clears Center gets to it now MV goes back in up the line for a winner and 15 off [Music] 5 that sounded like it might have been Mrs MV there serve good serving volley backand volley from meev Center back in volley from mv's into the net he let that ball drop below the height of the net hits the tape and it's 1530 card two points away 153 so Gil whether you're seeing it on your monitor as well he didn't take a a big back swing there that was a slower ball to him but he technique still suffered and again he doesn't pause he's right at the line serving so bizarre second serve good Center back in middle meev back in Inside Out Center chips it back just into the net nearly cleared it's 30 off I love when someone like C can force their oppon his opponent to play a volley with that off- pace chip really test the depth of their voling ability second serve is a let here I mean it's so quick he's two points away from being out of this tournament can from Mees into the net let's make it one one point Match Point center after another unforced error on the backhand wing of denil [Applause] Med thank you please serve good Center through the middle meev inside out forand in behind it chip from Center volley winner from denil mvev into the dece corner dece now I just couldn't get to recovered after the return of Serve Center still a fine volley by med we start quickly again that up forehand to a center backand into the Net game point for Med benev [Music] [Applause] [Music] serve out wide is an ace denil asking for the crowd to get involved and he puts his finger to his ear and says all right I guess it's time to play well the crowd that's stuck around here as we're closing in on midnight are we going to see just a little bit of drama here in this potential closeout game snacking on a granola bar is denil Medvedev so he's not ready to check out quite yet despite moving as fast as he is I he needs energy to Quicken this up I I I am surprised he hasn't used the crowd to his Advantage at any point really through this one but I guess that kind of shows how awkward this whole match has been throughout much of it yeah that's the thing Mike they there just hasn't been that tight moment at the end of a set where medev can really use the crowd to give him a push I do think it's been a pro denal crowd tonight on balance but it's been hard to tell either way really interesting how when the on court when they were introduced Gil you you felt that there was a bit more Applause for medev it's close and I think a lot of folks are here just to enjoy the tennis without any intense uh partiality it I think that's a word uh but I would say I'd say 6040 medev maybe 6535 I think he's become at least on social media which is obviously a different world I think he's one of the most popular players out there because of the fact that he doesn't give you cliches he's entertaining on a court because he is unusual with all of his Strokes I think he's very popular okay but I think he's also can be polarizing for people regardless yanic CER trying to close this one down thank you please the they are indeed ready 54 two sets to one Center serving near side serve into the [Music] net well we might get some crowd involvement here second Ser for Yanik good meev forand cross Center digs out of forand MV backhand to a center back backand cross MV back in middle Center digs that out MV back in cross again Center back in Cross MV backand cross Center goes backand cross meev back in Cross Center backand cross Mev backand middle Center goes back in up the line it's into the net it's love 15 and maybe this is what medev was trying to orchestrate after holding serve jump in there Crow adds to the tension for C 14 shot rally there thank you certainly not the best time for them in between serves love 15 serve misses [Music] long second serve for yanuk good forand ship from Mev lands on the Baseline now Mev goes back in Cross Center digs that out MV back in cross Center backhand middle runaround forehand for meev goes into the dece corner now a forand middle Center forehand middle MV goes forand middle but he missed it 15 off well [Applause] [Music] long Brave point for C I think I think medv from the chip return there Mike he was not sure that that was going to land in he didn't really play it with much conviction and the rest of the point was unsteady Center waiting for that member of the crowd to settle now ready to go serve is into the net he's missed all three here MV stepping forward second serve now at 15 all that's good MV for in Cross Center has to roll a forand to a Mev backand middle Center backand Middle Mev goes back in Cross Center backand slice run around four hand for meev Inside Out Center backhand middle meev forand again Inside Out Center digs out of backhand Mev backhand cross Center backhand cross meev back in Cross big angle Center back in middle Mev back in up the line misses Long Center two points away was there an opening earlier in that point gild where the two-hander down the line could have been put into effect yeah I think there was but denil has no feel or control over that shot and it's just as shocking to him as it is to us because he's Palms to the sky after making that last unforced error he doesn't know what's going on tosses up at 315 serve good up the te forand into the net for denil medv and match point Center [Music] [Applause] croud wants more thank [Music] you 4015 Serve Center pulls back somebody in the crowd started yelling right when he started his motion crowd hushes 405 serve good Mev backand goes middle Center inside out forand it's good and Yanik Center survives a swingy test to move into his first US Open semifinal 626 61 64 over denil [Applause] medv yanx CER dumps the wristbands and thanks this crowd into his first semi-final here in New York Center Draper semi-final Friday night [Applause] well I I have to say I don't know about you Mike and and Gil Courtside I am slightly surprised by not necessarily by the outcome but I guess how we've arrived at the outcome medev just not able to find the range and work out the s situation yeah I agree Baseline consistency was the biggest difference for me that and the fact that medev serve couldn't make too much of an impact but I sort of expected that I did not expect that in so many of these Baseline rallies Medvedev would be first to miss the the rally ball the neutral ball and and just again looking at the unforced air count I mean listen we can just be pretty simple about it 30 winners 57 unforced airs that's a 1 to2 ratio and it's just never going to get it done in that fourth set eight winners to 17 unforced errrors you can't win if you're not clean somebody who's always seems to be clean Yanik C's from Fantastic effort kind of two one-sided first couple of sets what a adjustments did you make early in the third set to turn this match around yeah was uh was very tough now we know each other quite well we played in Australia this year then we played in uh in London so um we knew it was going to be very physical it was strange the first two sets because whoever made the first break then started to roll and uh but no I'm I'm very happy thanks everyone for staying so long it's uh I really appreciate it and yeah you were 28 out of 33 coming in the net which is a lot for you coming forward but I noticed every time your coaches were getting up was that the game plan to come in a little bit tonight yeah we we tried to work really hard on this aspect of the game I know that I can improve a lot especially going on the net trying to Ser volley a couple of times um trying just to mix up the game so I'm very happy how I've done it today and let's see how I can handle the next opponent all right tell me about the energy the atmosphere your little guy right there in the front row with the forgees sign how much fun was it out here tonight yeah it was amazing as said before thanks everyone for the support it's just amazing to play here night sessions and yeah um see you all in uh a couple of days and it's going to be a very tough match but I'm looking forward to it first semi-final here in London so very happy so speak of a couple of days what are your expectations against the Brit Jack Draper yeah we know each other very well we uh we are good friends also off the court so it's going to be a tough one he's playing incredible he hasn't lost one set yet so you know he's he's playing very very good and um yeah so let's see what's coming I'm just happy to be in the semis and let's see who who can play better in a couple of days kick your feet up buddy moving on to the semi-finals yaner the Cora boys have made their way down to the third row sure they'll get at least a nod from Yanik along with that young fan with the Italian flag painted on caral board yeah in fact he just got a towel or a wristband from Yanik CER let's um let's hear from Gil gross Gil your your final thoughts on this when your final thoughts for the US Open well look it's big for CER if you look at his history at this tournament he lost a tough five Setter uh on his first night session on ash last year against Alexander verev the year before he lost the match point against Carlos alarz and that Epic 2 a.m. finish actually later than 2 a.m. finish against Carlos alarz uh he's put in so much hard work in the last 12 months if you really look at it post US Open last year statistically no one has been even close to yanic Sinner's level on hard courts it's been astronomical from him so it's fitting that he's been able to go on this kind of run in New York and uh looking forward to see how he carries on and you know looking for his second major he's going to have a good chance to get it Dil thank you so much you've done some great work buddy thank you guys always a pleasure Mark um you know semi-finals are set listen we've we've got some really intriguing story lines on the men's side right I mean CER Draper They Know Each Other Well as as they said roughly the same age I mean this is Center you expected to be there despite all of the distractions certainly that kind of factored in that first week but Draper kind of the surprise breakout performance here then on the other side the All-American battle that's going to be a really fun Friday it it certainly will be and you know the as Yanik mentioned just there you know the amount of times that he had to get to net I think that's going to be applicable for the next match against Jack drapy if he settles too much into a a baseline yes he hits the ball heavier than Jack Draper in in rally mode but Jack dra is playing a fine brand of tennis um and maybe the advantage does look with Yanik given that the start of the tournament this is where he had planned to be yes team Center they expect to be semi-finals and final Jack Draper has really stepped up in a big way and and so to quickly turn your the mental side into wow I have a chance to be in a a grand seminal it's not easy he's done brilliantly to arrive at this stage but obviously the edge to the number one player in the world he uh the the SE the other semi-final between the two Americans wow um coint toss I I mean ex I I've so enjoyed watching Frances play this tournament it is been a a real thrill not surprised to see Taylor though he's he's just been quietly moving through and this this could be the occasion for him I'm I I think I'm liking Fritz in that match well as somebody who has watched those two in particular along with Tom along with Riley since they were 17 10 years of action as they were coming through Futures Challengers and out here it's a long time coming and that's a big match for American tennis and that's Friday night we'll get you started tomorrow at 2:30 obviously a later start we've got the mixed doubles final speaking of former prodigies Donald Young in the mixed doubles final tomorrow who would have thought it two years after he switched to pickle ball and here he is in the doubles Final on the mix side tomorrow with Taylor Townsen taking on Sarah Ronnie Andrea faas that will be at 3:00 we'll get you started at 2:30 Dave Leno and Jill Kraus for that mixed doubles final then tomorrow night 7 o' the women take the court it'll start with Navaro and sabalenka that'll be followed by Pula and mova it's going to be a really fun day of action here and we'll have it all covered for you here on US Open radio any final thoughts Woody uh uh looking forward to seeing you on Friday night I think it'll be a good time potentially I think it'll be a good time we're going to have to put in some requests for which match well I I'm certainly not going to put a request in I I it's just been a thrill to watch this tournament unfold and and again I didn't get to say my thanks to to Gil and to to the rest of the team I I have a couple more days to go as well but um I think we're going to miss Gil um for these next couple of days I miss him every day but that's a different St Story Woody it's been a lot of fun we'll talk again Friday night all right great job all right for the guys in the back and for Woody as well I'm Mike haian signing off we'll talk to you tomorrow starting at 2:30 here on US Open radio presented by American Express crowd hushes 45 serve good me backand goes middle Center inside out for hand is good and yanx CER survives a swingy test to move in his first US Open semifinal 626 6 W 64 over denil [Applause] [Music] m e This Is Us open radio presented by American [Music] [Music] Express This Is Us open radio presented by American [Music] [Music] Express 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