Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Novak Djokovic vs Juan Martin del Potro, US Open final as it happened: Serbian favourite wins 14th Grand Slam

Follow game-by-game coverage of the New York final

Jack Austin
Sunday 09 September 2018 09:51 EDT
Comments
Serena Williams says she is sticking up for women's rights following a heated Umpire Exchange at the US Open

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro meet for the first time in a Grand Slam final as they contest the men’s US Open singles title.

Both are former winners at Flushing Meadows but the occasion is all the bigger for the Argentine, who is making his second only appearance in the US Open final – nine years on from that memorable win over Roger Federer.

Djokovic, as the reigning Wimbledon champion and a 13-time Grand Slam winner, heads into the match as the favourite but Del Potro holds all the qualities needed to pull off a surprise shock in this year’s final.

Follow our game-by-game coverage below:


Please allow a moment for the blog to load.

What time does it start?

The final gets underway at 4pm local time, which is 9pm BST.

How can I watch it?

You’ll have to subscribe to Amazon Prime to watch the final after the internet giant bought exclusive rights to the tournament earlier this year. Alternatively, follow updates from the live blog above!

Djokovic* 6-6 6-3 Del Potro

We're going to a tie-break! Djokovic holds to love and we will need the breaker to settle this. What a set it's been from both players! 

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:28

Djokovic 6-6 (1-0) 6-3 Del Potro*

Djokovic takes the first point of the breaker as Del Potro sends his forehand into the net.

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:29

Djokovic 6-6 (1-2) 6-3 Del Potro*

Del Potro mini breaks back though and we're back on serve!

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:31

Djokovic* 6-6 (2-3) 6-3 Del Potro

A good challenge from Djokovic kicks off Del Potro's serve but he responds with a wonderful cross-court forehand on his second serve as more 'Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole' rings out. Djokovic hangs on to take a point of his own though. 

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:33

Djokovic 6-6 (4-3) 6-3 Del Potro*

Djokovic brings it back to 3-3 and the change of ends as he puts away a well-taken overhead smash. Djokovic takes the next as well as Del Potro's legs seem to get heavier. 

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:35

Djokovic* 6-6 (5-4) 6-3 Del Potro

Del Potro fights back again though as Djokovic fires a backhand into the net. But then Del Potro does the same with his forehand the following point!

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:38

DJOKOVIC WINS THE SECOND SET

Djokovic 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Del Potro*

So Djokovic has the chance to win the second set on his serve, can he do it? Del Potro sends another forehand wayward and it's set point! Both men are out on their feet! AND HE DOES IT! A huge exhale of breath and Djokovic is two sets up now! Unbelievable tennis!

What will this do to Del Potro's mentality going into the third? He threw everything at Djokovic then!

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:41

Djokovic 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 1-0 Del Potro*

Djokovic kicks off the third knowing that no one has come from two sets down to win the US Open final in the Open era. The Serb holds to make that prospect a little tougher for his opponent from the offset. 

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:51

Djokovic* 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 1-1 Del Potro

Del Potro did significantly less running that Djokovic on the way to this final but it looks like he is feeling his efforts now. He gets through this game unscathed though to hold.

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:54

Djokovic 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 2-1 Del Potro*

Djokovic achieves his first ace of the match to kick off the game and despite De Potro bringing it back to 30-30, the Serb is too good and has too much left in the tank to be troubled like he was in the second. 

Jack Austin9 September 2018 23:58

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in