Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary from day two of the US Open at Flushing Meadows.
The likes of Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova all opened up their accounts in the New York yesterday.
However, the big names will keep coming over the course of today. Defending champion Novak Djokovic will be in action, as will Caroline Wozniacki and the Williams sisters.
As usual, we will have EVERYTHING covered for you right here.
3.28amBut until then, goodnight/morning!
3.27amThat brings the second day of the US Open to a close. Thanks for joining us here at Sports Mole. Be sure to come back tomorrow for the action from day three. There's Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Laura Robson and Kim Clijsters... what's not to like?
3.26amGame, set and match Bertens. She knocks out the American challenger in three sets.
3.24amMcHale saves both. Deuce.
3.23amTwo match points for Bertens.
3.22am... and she breaks once again. She serves for the match now, but don't necessarily count on it!
3.21amThree break points for Bertens now...
3.17amMcHale now breaks back. Neither woman seems able to hold onto their serve.
3.15amThe last match of the evening is between Christina McHale and Kiki Bertens. It is the latter who is in the box seat, leading by a break in the final set.
3.12amDolgo was two sets and 0-4 down in the third. Great effort.
3.11amAnd it's over. The Ukrainian has battled back from two sets down to triumph against his American opponent.
3.10amTwo match points for Dolgo.
3.09amWell, I spoke to soon. McHale breaks to level it.
3.08amIn the only other match currently being played, Kiki Bertens is a break up in the final set against Christina McHale.
3.07amGame Levin. Dolgopolov will serve for the match.
3.06amDolgopolov is a joy to watch in full flow. His technique is truly awesome.
3.05amLevine saves two match points. We're at deuce.
3.04amDolgopolov is so light-footed and fast around the court. He chased down a powerful shot from Levine, who missed the resulting volley.
3.03amHe holds and is now just one game away from a place in the next round.
3.02amWe join the match between Dolgopolov and Levine with the Ukrainian on serve and leading 4-1 in the final set.
3.00amVandeweghe saves one with a brilliantly executed smash volley. However, it is perhaps fitting that Vandeweghe ends with yet another doulbe fault. A bit of a theme in this contest. Williams safely through!
2.58amAfter 54 minutes, it's two match points to Serena.
2.55amWilliams holds and is now just one game away from a second-round berth.
2.52amUPDATE: Alexandr Dolgopolov has broken early and held serve for a 3-1 lead in the deciding set against Jesse Levine.
2.50amGame Williams. She leads by one set and 4-1.
2.50amThree breaks points for Williams. Formidable.
2.47amThe wind really is playing havoc with the players' serves. It's very gusty indeed. Williams eventually holds and now leads 3-1, thanks to a loose shot from Vandeweghe.
2.45amWilliams was so quick accross the court on that last point, running into the net before whipping a deep forehand winner.
2.43amVandeweghe can't repeat the heroics of her last service game (ahem). Williams breaks to go 2-1 in front early in the second set.
2.40amUPDATE: Dolgopolov has fought back to level terms against Levine. That is now in a fifth and deciding set.
2.35amVandeweghe finally holds her serve in the first game of the second set.
2.32amUPDATE: Rogerio Dutra Silva has booked a second-round clash with Novak Djokovic by overcoming Teymuraz Gabashvili in five sets.
2.31amUPDATE: Bernard Tomic has defeat Carlos Berlocq in four sets after dropping the first.
2.29amGame, set Williams. Devastating tennis from the Wimbledon champion.
2.28amGreat counter-punching from Vandeweghe! Serena was dominating that point but is passed by a nice cross-court forehand.
2.26amGame Williams. She will serve for the first set after 21 minutes of play on Ashe.
2.25amWilliams belts a return of Vandeweghe's second serve. Break point.
2.24amVandeweghe serves a fifth double fault.
2.23amAwesome return from Serena, but Vandeweghe does well to chase it down. However, it goes long.
2.22amVandeweghe is showing signs of settling down into the contest now.
2.20amWilliams has the double break, but Vandeweghe manages to break back. 4-1 to Williams.
2.17amUPDATE: Dolgopolov is still alive in this year's US Open. He took the third set, having been a break down, 6-4.
2.17amHowever, she is being bombarded by heavy hitting from Serena, who now has two points for a double break.
2.16amAce down the line from Vandeweghe.
2.15amAnother double fault from Vandeweghe. She can't buy a first serve... or a second one, for that matter.
2.15amWell, it's looking like a walk in Central Park for Serena. She now leads 3-0, having dropped just four points so far.
2.13amThere's no answer to Williams's forehand when it is in this sort of shape! She just bludgeoned one cross court to bring up game point.
2.11amUPDATE: Baghdatis has won through in the fifth-set tie breaker against Matthias Bachinger.
2.10amThree double faults has given Williams two break points, and she profits from the first one with a beauty of a forehand.
2.09amVandeweghe is struggling with her ball toss due to the windy conditions.
2.06amThe wind is gusting on Arthur Ashe. You'd have to think that suits Williams, the more experienced player. She has seen it all before. Williams holds serve and takes a 1-0 lead.
2.05amWilliams opens with an ace. An early sign, one would think. HEr serve has been so dominant of late. It was key to her winning Wimbledon.
2.03amUPDATE: Marcos Baghdatis and Matthias Bachinger are into a final-set tie break.
2.01amOf course, McIlroy will be competing in the Ryder Cup from September 28-30. You can catch the action from Medinah Country Club right here on Sports Mole. Put it in your diary!
1.59amRory McIlroy was in the crowd to see his girlfriend fall at the first hurdle. He was number two and she was number one when they first announced their relationship to the world. Now, he is a two-time Major champion and at the summit of the golfing rankings, while she is suffering badly with her game. Young love...
1.56amThat'll do it for Wozniacki in this year's Grand Slam events. Credit to Begu, who was as good as the Dane was poor.
1.55amTwo match points for Begu. Wozniacki looks well and truly beleaguered.
1.51amBegu has the double break and will now serve for the match against Wozniacki. The Dane has been on a slippery slope in the last year or so, and she can't seem to get herself together.
1.47amUPDATE: Tomic has taken a 2-1 lead against Berlocq. They're in the fourth set now.
1.41amUPDATE: Levine has clinched the second set against Dolgopolov. The American is now up two sets.
1.37amIt took just one hour and 13 minutes for the Serb to clinch his spot in the second round.
1.36amLorenzi puts himself out of his own misery by conceding the match on another double fault. Djokovic was simply too much and the 30-year-old Italian loses on hwta is his US Open debut.
1.35amA trademark double-handed backhand from Djokovic brings up two match points.
1.33amThe Djoker holds serve once more and is one game away from the next round.
1.29amAnother double fault gives Djokovic another break of serve.
1.28amTwo break points for the Serb, who has been ruthless so far tonight. He hasn't given Lorenzi an inch and is closing in on victory.
1.26amDjokovic holds comfortably and now leads 3-1.
1.24amUPDATE: Dolgopolov is a break down in the second set against Jesse Levine and in all kinds of trouble. Meanwhile, Tomic is coasting in the third set against Berlocq.
1.23amDjokovic zips one right past Lorenzi, who was approaching the net. Break point early in the third. A double fault hands the Serb the breakthrough.
1.18amUPDATE: Irina-Camelia Begu has taken the first set 6-2 against Caroline Wozniacki.
1.17amLorenzi holds serve for the first time in the match. He graciously laps up the somewhat ironic applause. HE'S ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL!
1.16amOhhhh! Djokovic makes virtually his first mistake of the evening! He fluffs a volley at the net.
1.12amA rapid hold from Djokovic and he tightens his grip on this contest. He is two sets up after 49 minutes, having dropped just one game.
1.10amWell, Lorenzi just can't live with Djokovic, who will serve for the second set at 5-0. The Serb looks sensational. Of course, he will want to bookend the year with another Grand Slam to add to the Australian Open title that he won in January.
1.08amLorenzi battles well to take it to deuce. He will need to hold if he wants to avoid a second-set white-washing... which I'm sure he does.
1.06amA sublime lob from Djokovic brings up two more break points.
1.05amUPDATE: Bernard Tomic has levelled his match against Carlos Berlocq at one set all.
1.05amDjokovic makes it 10 games in a row and now leads 4-0 in the second set.
1.01amThe Serb breaks once more and he is in breathtaking form. He has become a real fan favourite at Flushing Meadows since his victory here last year. Today's gesture with a young fan has also endeared him to the New Yorkers.
12.59amNice volley by Lorenzi but Djokovic hunts it down and forces the Italian to play an overhead smash, which he puts out. Great defence from Djokovic.
12.58amTwo-handed backhand up the line from the Djoker. Beautiful. He has it at 15-30 on Lorenzi's serve.
12.56amBlinding tennis from Djokovic, who dispatches a forehand cross-court. He now leads 2-0 in this second set.
12.53amUPDATE: Jesse Levine has taken the first set against Alexandr Dolgopolov.
12.52amLorenzi slams a overhead smash into the net from mere yards away. Poor.
12.51amSo we're heading over to Ashe now, where Djokovic has taken the first set in 29 minutes, despite being broken in the first game of the match.
12.50amThe Spaniard has shown some bottle to battle back from two sets down against someone of Monaco's quality.
12.49amIt's over! Another long rally ends with Monaco sending the ball long and Garcia-Lopez into the next round!
12.48amA tired attempt at a backhand from Garcia-Lopez sees the Argentine save one break point.
12.46amFour match points for Garcia-Lopez!
12.46amWow! Garcia-Lopez powers a backhand down the line and gets to 5-2. It was a flick of the wrist, but the timing was immaculate.
12.43amA big forehand from Garcia-Lopez wrong-foots Monaco and the Spaniard inches closer to the finish line. 4-1.
12.42amA punishing rally ends with Garcia-Lopez mishitting a backhand. Monaco gets on the board in this tie break at 3-1. the Spaniard is on serve.
12.40amFirst blood to Garcia-Lopez. He wins the point on his serve and is also up a mini-break.
12.38amMonaco holds to love and we're now into a tie break. Edge-of-your-seat stuff!
12.38amDjokovic has broken Lorenzi once more and leads 3-1 in the first set. We're staying with this one for now, but we will be right over to Ashe once we're done here.
12.35amMonaco tightens up and Garcia-Lopez snatches the game from the jaws of defeat. Compelling drama at Flushing Meadows!
12.34amGarcia-Lopez had Monaco scrambling then, and the Argentine hit a forehand that was called out. Monaco's challenge was successful and they must replay the point.
12.33amGarcia-Lopez lets the door creek open once more with a sloppy shot.
12.32amTerrible shot from Monaco. He loops a forehand long... such a waste. The Argentine had his opponent scurrying back after a deep return of serve.
12.31amBreak point Monaco!
12.31amUPDATE: Fognini has triumphed over Roger-Vasselin in five sets.
12.30amDeuce.
12.30amA brilliantly whipped forehand from Garcia-Lopez takes him to game point.
12.30amDjokovic has broken straight back on Ashe. That didn't take long...
12.29amDeft half volley from Garcia-Lopez at the net. 30-15 on his serve.
12.27amAnd there it is, we're level in the final set. Meanwhile, Lorenzi has broken Djokovic in the first game over on Ashe!
12.26amMonaco is at 40-15 on his serve, looking to end a run of four straight breaks of serve.
12.24amUPDATE: Bernard Tomic has dropped the first set to Carlos Berlocq. Fognini and Roger-Vasselin are 5-5 in the fifth set.
12.22amA wayward forehand from Garcia-Lopez and Monaco has saved himself... for now. 5-4.
12.21amGarcia-Lopez has saved the second with a successful challenge. Monaco's volley at the net pitched the ball up nicely for Garcia-Lopez and he thumped a forehand that caught the line. He was incandescent with rage when it had been called out, but hawkeye took care of business.
12.19amGarcia-Lopez finds the net and will face two break points. Both players are very tight. One break point saved, one still to go...
12.18amMonaco blasts a backhand to put pressure on the Spaniard's serve! 15-30.
12.17amMeanwhile, There has been a shock on Louie Arsmstrong... Sloane Stevens has knocked out Francesca Schiavone in straight sets! Amazing! It has not been a great year for the Italian, and she suffers another early exit from a Grand Slam tournament.
12.16amSuperb shot from Garcia-Lopez to break! It was a forehand that he ran around slightly to make the angle. He sprayed it cross-court and now serves for the match!
12.15amThe Spaniard seemed happy just to stay in a rally on that last point. He sends a backhand wide. 30-40.
12.14amTwo break points for Garcia-Lopez.
12.13amHowever, danger for Monaco... 0-30 on his serve.
12.12amAt the conclusion of this epic, we will be switching our attention to novak Djokovic's match against Paolo Lorenzi.
12.09amMonaco breaks back! We're back on serve!
12.06amGreat play from the Spaniard, who saves the first with a great serve and forehand winner.
12.06amMonaco has break back points. 15-40.
12.05amBut he can't save the second! Garcia-Lopez leads 4-2 in the fifth!
12.04amThank you Mr Power. Garcia-Lopez has two break points. Monaco saves one, one to go...
12.01amRight, with the match still hanging in the balance its time for me to hand you over to Michael Penkman. He has a rich array of talent to guide you through tonight, including Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams. Enjoy!
12.00amGarcia-Lopez shows yet more resilience to mount a recovery. Two winners followed by an ace and he finally gets the hold. Chance missed for Monaco and he now trails 3-2 in the fifth and final set.
11.59pmA fourth break point for the Argentine, pressure on.
11.58pmThese two just love to make the umpire say deuce don't they. Level again for the fourth time in this game.
11.57pmI spoke to soon. Lopez slams the door shut with an overheard smash and makes an ace count to earn a game point of his own.
11.56pmMonaco earns a third chance to break the Spaniards serve. This point could make all the difference in a tight fifth set.
11.55pmLopez slams a forehand onto the baseline but instantly cancels out his good work with some sloppy play at the net. Back to deuce for a third time in this crucial game.
11.53pmAnd Lopez hangs on in there. Monaco misses a big winner and we go back to deuce.
11.52pmBreak point Monaco. Big chance here for the Argentine.
11.51pmMonaco might be the man for the job. His relentless baseline play brings him back to deuce on Garcia's serve.
11.49pmA packed Grandstand Court is still waiting for a sign of who might take control in this final set after a see-saw battle.
11.48pmMonaco has served well throughout the match and rarely looked at threat of a break. He continues the trend with a hold to love to square the set at two games all.
11.44pmA rush of blood to head for Monaco and the chance is gone. Two sloppy attempts at forehand winners hand Lopez a hold he does not deserve. 2-1 to the Spaniard.
11.42pmMonaco brings Garcia-Lopez to deuce with a series of strong returns. First chance of a break here in the final set.
11.39pmMonaco evens things up with a comfortable hold, its 1-1 early in the fifth set.
11.37pmJust a reminder tennis nuts that unlike other majors the US Open uses a fifth set tie-break. Good chance of us seeing one in this clash too with the strong serving on show. Nervous times in this Latin duel.
11.36pmMonaco needs to regain his composure now and find some fluency on serve.
11.34pmGarcia-Lopez produces a series of strong shots to hold the first game of the fifth set. He definitely looks the fresher of the two.
11.32pmThe tenth seed has changed shirts here, choosing a fiery red to match his current mood.
11.29pmNo messing about from the umpire here, the final set is about to get underway. Monaco still looks furious, he needs to regroup and fast.
11.28pmAn unforced error from the Argentine hands Garcia-Lopez the set. That makes it to sets a piece and Monaco looks like somebody just took his last Rolo. Momentum with the Spaniard now.
11.27pmMonaco peppers a forehand wide and its a second set point to Garcia-Lopez, this time on his own serve.
11.26pmA long rally and finally we see some aggression at the net from Monaco. He smashes home a volley and we are back to deadlock. I make the score 6-6 in a brilliant tie-break.
11.25pmThe call affects Monaco's concentration. Set point to the Spaniard.
11.24pmA call from the line judge has Moncao furious, and rightfully so. The challenge proves he was justified, point replayed.
11.23pmIf only it was that simple. Lopez misses a winner at the net and its back to level pegging. 5-5 in the tie-break.
11.22pmA baseline slugfest eanrs Garcia-Lopez the mini-break. He now leads 5-4 and two successful holds on serve will give him the set.
11.21pmJust as The Argentine seems to be making headway he lets a loose backhand ruin things. Back to four points each.
11.21pmThe Spaniard makes a horrible error on his forehand side for the third time in the tie-break, Monaco takes a 4-3 lead.
11.20pmImportant point for Lopez and the players still cannot be separated. The fourth set tie-break stands at 3-3 as the players change ends.
11.20pmGarcia-Lopez lets another forehand miss the baseline and now trails by three points to two.
11.19pmMake that 2-2 and another unforced error from Lopez.
11.18pmMonaco earns a reprieve after a poor return, that makes it 2-1.
11.17pmAnother poor error from Monaco on serve, 2-0 Garcia-Lopez
11.16pmFirst blood to the Spaniard in the tie-break as a Monaco lob drifts aimlessly wide.
11.14pmLopez keeps his cool to hold to love. It's tie-break time tennis fans!
11.13pmMonaco wastes no time in earning a sixth successive service game. He leads 6-5 and once again Garcia-Lopez is forced to serve to keep his US Open alive.
11.10pmGarcia-Lopez crashes a serve off the stand to earn a vital hold. 5-5 now in the fourth set as we head towards a tie-break.
11.09pmMonaco is ranting again at the umpire, but his luck runs out with the challenge system and he goes 40-0 down.
11.08pmThe Argentine will be desperate to wrap up the match here. The tenth seed is a break away from a place in the second round.
11.06pmMonaco holds to love in furiously quick fashion. He now leads 5-4. Garcia-Lopez will serve to stay in the match.
11.04pmA rocket of a forehand from Garcia-Lopez gives him game point. The Spaniard serves well to keep this fourth set on serve. So near yet so far Juan.
11.03pmDeuce time again, we live in hope.
11.02pmMonaco wins the call and is promptly taken back to deuce with a Lopez ace. I jinxed that, got far too excited about a break.
11.01pmThe serve stalemate could be at an end. We have deuce on Garcia-Lopez's serve with Monaco challenging a call to try and take break point.
10.59pmOn Court 7 Marcos Baghdatis has bagged the first set 6-2 against Matthias Bachinger. Nice to see the Cypriot still competing at the highest level.
10.57pmMonaco looks seriously imposing on serve. He sends another one kicking and screaming down the line at 125mph to go back ahead at 4-3
10.57pmMonaco looks seriously imposing on serve. He sends another one kicking and screaming down the line at 125mph to go back ahead at 4-3
10.55pmGame to Garcia-Lopez and the deadlock continues, 3-3 in the fourth set.
10.53pmLopez is back in the hot seat on serve, with neither playing looking particularly likely to force that all-important break.
10.50pmThe Argentine uses that shot as a catalyst and fires back to hold quickly. Hint of danger there quickly extinguished.
10.48pmMonaco is in trouble on serve at 0-30 but produces a wonderful pass at the net to claw back the deficit.
10.47pmLopez digs deep and forces a couple of cheap points on serve to hold. That makes the score 2-2, something has to give soon in this fourth set.
10.45pmGarcia-Lopez is finding a first serve difficult to come and we are locked at 30-30 on the Spaniard's serve.
10.42pmOver on Court 7 a veteran of the men's game is enjoying a strong start. Former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis is up an early break against Matthias Bachinger.
10.40pmMonaco looks in fine form on serve and smacks a huge ace down the line with ferocity. He holds to love to lead 2-1 in the fourth set.
10.38pmA delightful cross-court forehand keeps Lopez alive in this game, back at deuce. He follows that up with a serve of 121mph and eventually holds serve.
10.36pmMonaco has two break points, he spurns the first with a double return.
10.34pmWe'll join the match early in the fourth set, with Monaco leading 1-0 and Lopez serving to respond.
10.29pmOver on the Grandstand Court an intriguing men's singles match is finely poised, with Juan Monaco leading Guillermo Garcia-Lopez by two sets to one.
10.25pmStay with us at Sports Mole as we gear up for a star-studded night session at Flushing Meadow, with Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams both in action.
10.23pmJust incase British tennis fans missed it, there was reason to celebrate in the women's draw earlier this evening. Johanna Konta, who switched her allegiances from Australia this year, beat Hungarian Timea Babos in straight sets to make the second round.
10.20pmHe sends a return long and Querrey is home and dry. A good match ends in a four-set win for the American.
10.19pmLu provides a good response, sending two good forehands across the court. Still one match point to save.
10.18pmTwo huge aces for Sam Querrey and he has three match points.
10.16pmLu launches a poor forehand at the net and gifts Querrey an unlikely break. The home crowd favourite will now serve for the match at 6-5.
10.15pmTwo break points for Querrey, huge opportunity to get this match finished now.
10.13pmGlimmer of a chance for Querrey on the Lu serve as he gets aggressive with a return to make it 0-30.
10.12pmAn easy hold for the American and still the set creeps seamlessly towards a tie-break. Lu to serve at 5-5.
10.11pmQuerrey slams home two aces and he's back in business. 40-0
10.08pmVery good tennis from Lu who holds to love and makes the score 5-4. Querrey now needs to serve to stay alive in the fourth set.
10.06pmLu is a fun player to watch, he mixes things up well on serve and smashes another mean forehand down the line.
10.05pmQuick as a flash both players chalk up another hold of serve. Thats eight in succession in this fourth set.
10.02pmBack on Louis Armstrong Lu and Querrey still seem destined for a tie-break in the fourth set, they are locked at 3-3 on serve.
10.00pmA nice story for British fans is unfolding as Johanna Konta has match point against Hungarian Timea Babos. She takes it to book her place in round two at a Grand Slam for the first time. What a day for the 21-year-old.
9.57pmA strong serve finishes the job for Lu on serve, its now level once again. Game on.
9.56pmThe Chinese player defends brilliantly to hang on in there at the baseline. Vital he holds here or the match could slip away.
9.53pmLu spurns the chance and then hits a short forehand, break point to the American.
9.52pmLu is 15-30 down on serve but produces a nice serve and volley followed by an ace to get game point.
9.49pmWorld number 28 Querrey is showing nice variety on serve and makes it all square at 2-2. Crucial for Lu to make the breakthrough in the very near future to stay alive.
9.46pmLu keeps his momentum on serve and leads 2-1, still waiting for the first break in fourth set.
9.42pmLu took the first set on a tie-break but has since fallen behind to a spirited Querrey, who won the next two sets. Still very much all to play for. We join the match on serve in the fourth.
9.38pmOur best bet is on Louis Armstrong, as American slugger Sam Querrey leads Yen Hsun-Lu by two sets to one.
9.36pmRight leads go out and about across Flushing Meadows and find another match to get excited about.
9.35pmA comprehensive win for Williams, with form like that Venus could represent a threat to anyone in the women's draw
9.34pmIt's all over. Venus finally gets over the line with a straight sets victory in just over an hour.
9.33pmBad double fault from Sands, fifth match point for Williams. Surely this time.
9.32pmFourth match point for Venus, and still we continue. Williams is getting frustrated out there as we hit deuce for the fifth time.
9.31pmWilliams spurs a third match point with an untidy forehand. Nice to see Sands battle for dear life and get some praise from the crowd, who don't want to go home.
9.30pmAnother nice winner from Sands to save match point number two, we are back to deuce. Much to the visible annoyance of Venus.
9.29pmDouble-match point for Williams, Mettak-Sands holds off the inevitable with an effective shot at the net.
9.26pmVenus decides to take things up a gear after that winner and slams a pair of serves into Sands body. No mercy from Williams and she is now just one game away from victory.
9.25pmMettak-Sands returns to court and slams a brilliant forehand winner down the line. That got a roar from the crowd and rightly so.
9.24pmWe have an injury delay on Arthur Ashe as Mettak-Sands slices open the top of her finger. The trainer is called on to stop the flow of blood. I hope the young American has 'Things Can Only Get Better' on her ipod to ease her pain. Tough day
9.20pmNicolas Mahut has lost a tie-break at the end of the fifth set against Petzschner to bring an end to another epic battle for the Frenchman.
9.18pmA punishing forehand winner give the Venus the double-break and puts her in cruise control in this match. The best Venus has looked in singles action for some time.
9.16pmWilliams gets the hold after a good bout of pressure from Sands. That makes it 3-1 in the second and her Venus has already earned three break points on return.
9.13pmReturning to Arthur Ashe the umpire's words just sent a shiver down Mattek-Sands' spine as Venus gets ready to serve. "New balls please."
9.12pmOn Court 13 Mahut is about to enter a fifth-set tie-break against Phillip Petzshner, we will keep you posted as another Mahut epic draws to a close.
9.10pmVenus swarms to the net and earns a quick break. She is now 2-1 up in the second with a set in the bank. Mattek-Sands has it all to do.
9.09pmVenus rips a backhand down the line to leave her opponent standing in dismay. Mattek-Sands needs to get the hold here to keep her chances alive.
9.08pmMattek-Sands can't put a strong racket on the Williams serve, and she is not the first by a long stretch. We are level early in the second set.
9.05pmVenus is back on serve, line judges around the Arthur Ashe wince with disapproval.
9.04pmMattek-Sands still looks determined to make her mark in this match and starts the second set brightly, taking the opening game on serve with minimal fuss.
9.03pmElsewhere in the women's draw second seed Agnieszka Radwanska was in superb form in her opening match of the tournament, and she has moved to shrug off suggestions a shoulder injury could hamper her chances over the next fortnight.
9.00pmAnother serve crashes onto the line and hands Venus the first set in 29 minutes. This looks ominous for Mattek-Sands.
8.59pmVenus fires a pair of formidable aces to earn two set points.
8.59pmThe young American stops the rot on serve and forces Venus to serve for the set at 5-3.
8.58pmMattek-Sands secured an early break in this one but quickly felt Williams venom as she rattled off five straight games.
8.56pmVenus is unseeded in this year's tournament after her injury struggles but could represent a real challenge on her day to anyone in the tournament.
8.53pmRight the marathon continues for tennis fans, let's check on the progress of Williams, who leads fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands 5-2 in the first set.
8.50pmTime to head over to Arhur Ashe to check on the progress of Venus Williams as she searches for a return to form at Flushing Meadows.
8.48pmOne to forget for British fans, who are down to two in the women's draw, but what a match that promises to be later this week. Young prospect Laura Robson is set to clash with Belgian legend Kim Clijsters, who has pledged to retire at the end of the tournament.
8.46pmKerber cranks on the pressure and takes match point at the third time of asking. Just nine unforced errors from the German and she wins 6-2 6-0 with a dominant display.
8.45pmKeothavong saves match point with an aggressive play, coming into the net to slice home a terrific shot.
8.43pmA baseline slugfest produces the Brit's best winner of the match, a terrific forehand across court to make it 30-30.
8.41pmKeothavong is now serving to stay in the match. She fires a wild forehand well wide to kick things off and it does not look good for the Brit.
8.39pmAnother great serve from the German and she is now one game away from a resounding victory.
8.38pmKerber is a player that doesn't seem to have any glaring weaknesses. Tough draw for Keothavong.
8.36pmKeothavong is facing a forth break in succession here, and Kerber spikes a forehand down the line to make the scoreline look ugly for the Brit. She is 4-0 down in the second set.
8.34pmElsewhere Nicolas Mahut has entered his almost customary fifth set against the brilliantly named Philipp Petzschner.
8.32pmThe Brit's fragility is there for all to see. She hits the ball nicely in spells but seems to make poor decisions in close rallies. She trails 3-0 now in the second set to a dominant Kerber.
8.30pmThe struggle continues for Keothavong on serve and she rattles off four consecutive unforced errors to give away the early break in the second set. 2-0 Kerber.
8.28pmKerber shows no mercy at the start of the second with a comfortable hold. The German sixth seed looks every inch a player in a rich vein of form.
8.25pmBack on Court 17 Keothavong needs to find a way back into a tough match against Angelique Kerber. She is currently a set down.
8.24pmOver on Arthur Ashe shortly we will have Venus Williams in first-round action.
8.22pmMore anguish on serve for Keothavong as another unforced error brings Kerber two set points, which she duly dispatches with relative ease.
8.20pmAll of a sudden the task at hand looks huge for the British number two. First priority is to find some form on serve before this first set slips away.
8.18pmAbsolutely massive forehand from very deep from Kerber, who is warming to the task in humid conditions. She follows that up with strong form at the net and holds to love to lead 5-2.
8.16pmKerber earns the break and that's really frustrating for British fans. Keothavong suddenly fades and produces a couple of sloppy points to give the German a 4-2 lead.
8.15pmWe are at deuce in the sixth game of the first set, Keothavong needs to dig deep here.
8.13pmKeothavong has produced some nice winners from the baseline and kept the sixth seed off balance in the early going. Needs to maintain this level to stay in contention.
8.10pmKerber produces her first double-fault to give Keothavong a sniff of a break, but quickly slams the door on the Brit's chances. 3-2 and this has the makings of a lively encounter.
8.08pmAn impressive backhand earns Keothavong the hold and its level at 2-2 in the early going.
8.06pmKeothavong wins the first two points on her next service game and follows up with a strong forehand winner. 40-15.
8.02pmKerber is run close on serve once again but ultimately produces some nice movement at the net to edge 2-1 ahead.
8.00pmA huge forehand and Keothavong has her first game on the board. Encouraging start here for the Brit.
7.59pmThe British number two needs to be strong on serve to stand any chance and has her first chance to hold here at 40-30.
7.56pmKerber sneaks away with a hold after some nervy early moments. Encouraging signs for Keothavong.
7.55pmA fine effort at a winner down the line but it angles just wide. Kerber gets off the hook and its back to deuce.
7.54pmThe Brit has made a nice start on Kerber's serve and has an early break point.
7.53pmKerber is a former semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows and represents a true test of Keothavong's credentials.
7.52pmKeothavong will need to be at her very best to life with Kerber in this one. The German has been in fantastic form this summer and beat Serena Williams just two weeks ago.
7.50pmBut first a quick update from Grandstand Court as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga makes a safe passage to round two with a win in straight sets over Karol Beck.
7.48pmRight nearly time to get back on Brit watch as Anne Keothavong takes on sixth seed Angelique Kerber on Court 17
7.45pmAnd another unforced error from the Colombian brings an end to the match. Raonic was far from his best in that one, which will make interesting viewing for Andy Murray who he could meet in the fourth round.
7.44pmA bad set of forehand errors and its match point for Raonic.
7.43pmGiraldo makes a nervous start to a vital service game, but recovers well with an overhead smash. 15-15
7.40pmRaonic looks the more comfortable on Court 11 and has made an easy hold to take a 5-4 lead in the fifth set. Santiago Giraldo is now serving to stay in the match.
7.38pmElsewhere in the men's singles 11th seed Nicolas Almagro has booked a place in round two with a victory over Radek Stepanek.
7.36pmA nervous shot for Raonic costs him dear, big let off for Giraldo. The Colombian takes advantage to earn the hold. 4-4 in the final set.
7.34pmA lovely shot on deuce from Raonic and he has a big break point. Chance to make the breakthrough now for the Canadian.
7.33pmGiraldo is back under pressure on serve, but does a nice job on his forehand side to lead 40-30.
7.31pmQuick reminder that at the US Open they operate a fifth-set tie break, so there'll be repeat of the epic battle between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Flushing Meadows this year.
7.30pmThe Canadian wastes no time dwelling on the last game and holds with ruthless efficiency. He's back ahead at 4-3.
7.27pmBig first serve from Giraldo lets him off the hook. All square once again at 3-3 in the fifth. Raonic put big pressure on there and will be disappointed not to come away with the break.
7.25pmAnother break point for Raonic as he takes advantage of a slow second serve from the Colombian.
7.23pmGiraldo rallies and produces a lucky winner at the net to take his service game back to deuce. The tension is palpable.
7.22pmBreak point Raonic as another passing shot crashes off the baseline. Big chance here.
7.20pmThe battle of the big servers in still in the balance as Giraldo takes his turn to serve. A massive forehand winner from Raonic gives him a chance and he's 30-15 up on Santiago's serve.
7.17pmRaonic wastes absolutely no time in finding a response. He holds to love and its we are level at 3-3 in the final set.
7.15pmGiraldo recovers well and goes back to a strong serve to secure the hold. Finely poised match here, could still go either way.
7.14pmBack on court 11 and an astonishing loss in concentration has cost Giraldo a point on serve. He is far too casual at the net and fails to return with Raonic way out on the baseline. Will that prove costly?
7.12pmAcross Flushing Meadows some of the big names in the men's game are flexing their muscles. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is two sets up against Karol Beck and Andy Roddick is not far behind. He leads by a set and a break against Rhyne Williams.
7.10pmThe Canadian responds well with a huge smash and a big ace to find a vital hold. He leads 2-1 in the fifth set.
7.09pm11th seed Raonic is really up against it here, down a break point in the final set to a fired up Giraldo.
7.05pmBut before we do, check out this fantastic video of Novak Djokovic inviting a youngster to hit some balls with him during practice at Flushing Meadows. Brilliant to see.
7.03pmWe will now head over to Court 11 and catch up with Milos Raonic versus Santiago Giraldo as a tight match heads to the fifth and final set.
6.59pmAnd its all over. Berdych was made to work much harder than the straight-sets victory shows. Goffin displayed genuine natural talent but taking only two of 18 break points halted his progress.
6.58pmGoffin throws in the towel with his last service game and concedes three match points.
6.56pmBerdych slams a pair of ferocious serves down to hold and is now just one game away from victory. Hard luck on Goffin.
6.54pmGoffin goes big but flashes a forehand winner just wide, back to deuce.
6.53pmGoffin at times really belies his 21 years with some superb shot making. Definitely one to watch for the future and he has a big break point chance yet again.
6.49pmAnd there is the break, he is now just two games away from a straight sets victory and a place in the second round.
6.48pmGoffin and Berdych do love a bit of deuce don't they. A huge smash from the sixth seed gives him a break point and a chance to effectively put this match to bed.
6.47pmAndy Roddick is also in total command on Arthur Ashe. He wins the first set 6-3 against fellow American Rhyne Williams.
6.46pmA quick scan of the live scores sees Milos Raonic in trouble on Court 11. The Canadian is a two sets to one down against Santiago Giraldo and needs a huge response to stay alive in Andy Murray's section of the draw.
6.44pmThat big serve gets Berdych out of trouble once again. Goffin must be so frustrated with all the missed opportunities he has accumulated today. Back to all square at three each in the third set.
6.42pmBerdych fires a 14th ace at a vital time and we're at deuce.
6.41pmThe Czech has definitely dropped a level in intensity here and finds himself down at break point again. Huge opportunity now for Goffin, has to take this.
6.37pmBerdych lets the Belgian off the hook and he gets a vital hold after being seemingly down and out in that game. Superb response from Goffin and he leads 3-2 in the third
6.34pmWell done to Goffin, he responds to the pressure brilliantly and brings his service game back to deuce.
6.33pmAnd in the blink of an eye I am made to eat my words. Goffin gets sloppy on serve and concedes three break points.
6.31pmHe takes it with a lovely forehand down the line. We may have a match on our hands yet.
6.30pmBreak point for Goffin, thats more like it. Big chance for the young Belgian.
6.28pmUnforced errors are creeping in for Goffin in the third and are hampering his chances of a comeback. Needs to find some consistency to stay alive.
6.25pmBerdych doesn't let up and a wild backhand from Goffin ensures the Czech gets the break. Berdych now leads 2-1 in the third and could take this one in straight sets if he keeps this up.
6.23pmGoffin is right back under pressure on serve and gets fortunate at break-point down. He unleashes a blistering forehand and its back to deuce.
6.19pmA beautiful exchange and Berdych wins the best rally of the match. Goffin thinks he has the point won before Berdych surges to the net and plays a pitch-perfect volley. He follows that up with another strong serve to take the game.
6.16pmBack to American veterans and another US blast from the past made it through yesterday. Mardy Fish says he is living the dream after beating Go Soeda in round one last night.
6.14pmGoffin earns an easy service game to give himself a foothold in the third.
6.13pmWe might learn a great deal about the 21-year-old Goffin now. He has never come back from two sets down and it will be interesting to see how he reacts at such a young age. He serves first in the third set.
6.12pmAmerican eyes will glance over to the Arthur Ashe Stadium as Andy Roddick gets underway. He is on serve early on against Rhyne Williams.
6.10pmGoffin has definitely faded after a bright start, Berdych has used every inch of his pace and power to dig out the first two sets after a quiet start.
6.09pmTwo set points now for Berdych. Another ace does the trick on his second serve, he takes a commanding two-set lead.
6.08pmBerdych heads to double figures on aces, that serve is a huge weapon for the Czech native.
6.07pmA sloppy unforced error costs the Belgian starlet dearly. Berdych now leads 5-3 and will serve for the second set.
6.06pmGoffin is back under pressure on serve and concedes a break-point chance to Berdych. Big chance here for the sixth seed.
6.05pmHe is aiming to join a clutch of players in the second round, including American James Blake. The veteran revealed after winning yesterday that he has been the subject of a number of ageist jokes as the 32-year-old aims for a strong home Grand Slam.
6.02pmOver on Grandstand Court Tsonga has wasted no time flying into the lead in the opening set against Karol Beck. He leads by four games to one.
6.00pmA good response from Berdych to frustrate Goffin once again. He leads 4-3 in the second set.
5.58pmThe Belgian has a sniff of a chance on Berdych's serve for the first time in this set. The score is 30-30
5.56pmGoffin mixes things up with a nice throwback serve and volley. He holds to love and its all square in the second set at three games apiece.
5.53pmThe Czech star just produced probably his easiest hold of the match to take a 3-2 lead in the second set.
5.51pmBerdych is traditionally a favourite to make the latter stages of any Grand Slam but has endured a difficult 2012. The former Wimbledon finalist went out in the first round at SW19 earlier this year.
5.49pmAnother men's singles contender has just got underway on the Grandstand Court, as Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga goes up against Karol Beck. That match is on serve in its very early stages.
5.47pmThe youngster stays strong and finds a big first serve to earn a challenging hold. We are all square at 2-2 in this one.
5.45pmGoffin digs deep on serve after a fourth double-fault to come back to deuce.
5.43pmThe 21-year-old Belgian has played some wonderful tennis but his progress has been blighted by 13 missed break-point chances.
5.42pmBack over to the Louis Armstrong a high-quality first round match between Tomas Berdych and David Goffin. The Czech is up 7-5 2-1 in an entertaining encounter.
5.41pmRoddick takes on Rhyne Williams in an intriguing all-American clash.
5.40pmAfter Radwanska's quick-fire victory on Arhtur Ashe we have a delay on the show court before home favourite Andy Roddick begins his tournament.
5.39pmBerdych unleashes a huge 134mph serve and order is restored on serve. He holds to love and edges back ahead in rapid time.
5.37pmGoffin recovers from that setback well and earns an easy hold. 1-1 in the second set.
5.34pmMuch more of this and Goffin's racket might be flung across New York. Make that thirteen missed chances to break serve and Berdych sneaks the early hold in the second set.
5.31pmNew set, same old story for the youngster. He misses another three break points and we're back to deuce.
5.29pmImportant for Goffin not to dwell on a number of missed opportunities in that first set and press on. He makes a good start on Berdych's serve and has a 30-love lead
5.26pmGoffin saves the first set point but it only delays the inevitable. Berdych found a little extra when it mattered and takes a topsy-turvy first set 7-5.
5.25pmA blistering forehand earns the world number seven three set points.
5.24pmBerdych has a chance to steal the first set here, he's 0-30 up on Goffin's serve.
5.23pmOver on Arthur Ashe Agnieszka Radwanska has wasted no time in booking her place in round two. The second seed dominated Nina Bratchikova to cruise through 6-1 6-1 in impressive fashion.
5.21pmAnother slugfest from the baseline keeps Berdych ahead in the set. He leads 6-5
5.20pmBerdych is definitely rattled and is forced to deuce on serve. Crucial period now in the first set, could definitely go either way.
5.17pmThe Belgian holds to love this time, we have a brilliant match on our hands. It is now 5-5 in the first set.
5.16pmGoffin is growing in confidence on Louis Armstrong and his deceptive power is troubling the world number seven.
5.14pmA quick chance to update you on British progress at Flushing Meadows. Andy Murray progressed in straight sets yesterday and now faces Ivan Dodig in the second round. The Croatian said earlier he is really happy to face Murray and thinks he has a real chance of causing an upset.
5.12pmBerdych has shown flashes of quality but has been plagued by moments of madness from the baseline. A fourth ace gets him out of trouble on serve and nudges him ahead 5-4.
5.09pmGoffin once again gets the better of Berdych in a long baseline exchange to make it all square at 4-4. Interesting match unfolding.
5.06pmAces arrive like buses for Goffin as he makes three in a row. A delightful return down the line stops the Belgian in his tracks and once again we are locked at deuce.
5.04pmA first ace for Goffin as he pounds one down the line at 119mph. For a small, quick guy he can smack the ball with the best of them. What a prospect.
5.03pmIt's up to Goffin now to make sure this match doesn't go break-point crazy. Some consistency on serve could give the Belgian a genuine chance today. Exciting stuff.
5.01pmThere we are, at the tenth time of asking Goffin makes a break point stick. Berdych has let the Belgian back in there cheaply. Both players have a break and its 4-3 in the opening set.
4.58pmGoffin has just smashed two huge returns to give me every reason to keep quiet. Another three break points here for the 21-year-old.
4.57pmA marked difference in how each player dealt with the pressure of a break point and you have to put it down to experience. Berdych takes his first chance, Goffin has failed to convert any of his eight break points.
4.56pmAnd Goffin buckles under the pressure. A poor double fault and Berdych takes a 4-2 lead.
4.55pmBerdych uses raw power from behind the baseline to earn his first break point of the match so far.
4.54pmWe're at deuce as Berdych punishes a short serve. Pressure on the youngster to hold now.
4.50pmFirst signs of some pressure on Goffin's serve as those missed chances play on his mind. Berdych can see a first chance to break here at 30-30.
4.49pmOver on the Grandstand Court 12th women's seed Ana Ivanovic has raced into an early one-set lead against Elina Svitolina of the Ukraine.
4.46pmHave to give Berdych credit here, when asked questions on serve he has managed to find just enough to hold. Goffin must be seriously frustrated. 3-2 in the first.
4.45pmAnd once again Berdych digs deep and we head to deuce. Thats eight, yes EIGHT break points gone now for Goffin.
4.41pmGoffin pounds another return over the net and has three more break points. Surely this time David.
4.40pmQuick update from over on Arthur Ashe. Women's second seed Agnieszka Radwanska has made a dominant start against Nina Bratchikova. She already leads 4-0.
4.39pmLovely show of power from the baseline and Goffin seals an easy hold. 2-2 and all to play for in this first set.
4.36pmDefinitely feel this could be the match of the day judging from the early going if the 21-year-old can keep up this level of performance. No pressure then Goffin!
4.35pmGoffin has now spurned five break-point chances in the first two games. He really needs to be more clinical even at this early stage. Encouraging stat nonetheless.
4.34pmA huge serve from the Czech gets him out of trouble once again. Game Berdych, still on serve in the early going at 2-1.
4.32pmBreak point Goffin as Berdych lashes a forehand into the net in anger.
4.30pmAnother chance here for Goffin as Berdrych gives away a couple of cheap points. 0-30 to the Belgian.
4.28pmGoffin shows nice variety with both serve and shot selection, finishing with a strong volley to get his first hold.
4.26pmTime to see what the whizkid has on serve. Important to settle into an early rhythm here against the sixth seed.
4.25pmBerdych uses a strong serve to finally take the opening game. Goffin will be annoyed he didn't turn that bright start into a break. Looks like we are in for a cracker here.
4.23pmThat decision definitely affected the Belgians concentration. Berdych brings us back to deuce for the fifth time in the first game.
4.21pmGoffin earns a fourth break point but is rudely interrupted by a bad call from the line judge. Point to be replayed
4.19pmThat's better from Berdych, he ups the pace and we're back to deuce.
4.17pmVery nice again from Goffin, he seizes a chance at the net and earns two break points in the opening game.
4.16pmGoffin wastes no time in unleashing a huge forehand and he has an early chance to break here. 0-30 to the Belgian.
4.15pmSixth seed Berdych is first to serve and will need a strong start to put the 21-year-old in check.
4.13pmWe get things going with an exciting match in prospect on the Louis Armstrong, with talented Belgian starlet David Goffin up against Thomas Berdych.
4.10pmStick with us here on Sports Mole as we bring you live coverage of all the runners and riders at Flushing Meadows. A number of title contenders kick off their campaigns today, with Novak Djokovic, Serena Willians and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga all in action.
4.08pmGood afternoon everyone, its time for a bumper second day of US Open tennis.
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
