Thursday 7 September 2017 11:21, UK
Kevin Anderson is through to a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time in his career after a late night triumph over Sam Querrey.
Anderson, 31, beat his fellow big-server 7-6 (5) 6-7 (9) 6-3 7-6 (7) to become the first South African to reach the last four in New York since Cliff Drysdale in 1965.
On Friday Anderson will take on 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain in an unlikely semi-final match-up.
Anderson completed his win over Querrey just before 2am at Arthur Ashe Stadium, after a predictably tight encounter in which breaks of serve were at a premium.
Anderson trailed 5-2 in the opening tie-breaker before collecting the next five points to claim it, and then fought back from a 6-1 deficit in the second breaker to move within a point of winning it himself at 8-7, before eventually succumbing on Querrey's eighth set point.
The third set was more straightforward but there was more drama in the fourth and Querrey had a point to send the match into a deciding set in the fourth set tie-breaker, only for Anderson to reel off three points in a row and prevail after almost three and a half hours.
Anderson finished the match with 22 aces, while Querrey sent down 20.
"That was really tough," said Anderson
"Getting through, it just feels absolutely fantastic."
Querrey had defeated Anderson at Wimbledon in July and the South African added: "Against him, it's just a couple of points here or there.
"Tonight was my night."
Sky Sports Tennis will have all the action from the US Open covered via our website www.skysports.com/tennis with our live blogs and updates throughout the fortnight as the Grand Slam year reaches its climax.
On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation. Who will win the US Open titles this year? Have your say...
