sports and game - In a classic late-night US Open battle that will be remembered for years to come, 14th-seeded American Tommy Paul outlasted Portugal's Nuno Borges in a five-set marathon that concluded in the early ho...
urs of Friday morning at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match, which began as Thursday's nightcap, stretched to 4 hours and 25 minutes before Paul finally secured a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 7-5 victory. The finish at 1:46 AM marked the 17th-latest finish in tournament history and the second-latest ever for a second-round match.
Paul appeared to be cruising after winning the first two sets and holding match points in the third. However, Borges showed remarkable resilience, forcing the match to five sets by taking the third and fourth sets. The final set was a testament to both players' determination, with Paul ultimately breaking Borges in the decisive game.
The American thanked the dedicated fans who remained in the stands throughout the marathon match, even suggesting that tournament officials should allow spectators to move closer to the court during these late-night encounters to enhance the atmosphere.
The match, which began as Thursday's nightcap, stretched to 4 hours and 25 minutes before Paul finally secured a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 7-5 victory. The finish at 1:46 AM marked the 17th-latest finish in tournament history and the second-latest ever for a second-round match.
Paul appeared to be cruising after winning the first two sets and holding match points in the third. However, Borges showed remarkable resilience, forcing the match to five sets by taking the third and fourth sets. The final set was a testament to both players' determination, with Paul ultimately breaking Borges in the decisive game.
The American thanked the dedicated fans who remained in the stands throughout the marathon match, even suggesting that tournament officials should allow spectators to move closer to the court during these late-night encounters to enhance the atmosphere.