Talking about New York pastrami (see below) left me needing to wipe the saliva off my keyboard. Sorry. In the meantime Murray and Mannarino exchange routine service games, the Briton holding to love in a matter of seconds, before allowing his French opponent to win his with the concession of just one point.

It's official. Andy Murray is the only British man left in the US Open draw...for the time being. Aljaz Bedene will not be returning to Flushing Meadows this week after home favourite Donald Young battles back to win in four sets. At least Bedene has the small consolation of being able to hang out in Manhattan if he wishes. I'd recommend the pastrami at Katz's Deli in Lower East Side.

Any idea Murray might have of wrapping up the fourth set as quickly as he did the third are quickly batted away by Adrian Mannarino. Murray eyes up another break at 40-30 before the Frenchman sidles up and whisks the game away with a crisp forehand volley.

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"Must hold, must hold, must hold." That's what I would be muttering to myself if I was Andy Murray right now. Although I'm sure one of the world's greatest sportsmen has better psychological techniques that that. Whatever he says to himself, it does the trick. Mannarino has a crack at the Briton, who makes a forced error with the forehand for deuce. But another ace - his 17th of the match - helps him regaining control before wrapping up the hold.

Exactly what the tennis doctor ordered for patient Murray. The Briton piles the pressure onto Adrian Mannarino, who is left with that sick feeling at the bottom of his stomach as he tosses away his service game. The Frenchman doubles faults at 15-40 to hand Murray the game. Pressure...

Talk about contrasting games. After that marathon of an opener where Mannarino had to rummage deep into his mind and body to hold, Murray manages to keep level with the simplest of holds to love. Sealed with an ace.

One of those big digital clocks at courtside in Arthur Ashe Stadium tell us that the opening game of the fourth set ticked well past the eight-minute mark...

Unbelievable stuff! The crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium are whooping and hollering as Murray and Mannarino produce a thronker of an opening game. There's more magic on display here than a Paul Daniels show. Murray scrambles and scampers - left, right, forward, back - to defend his line and set up what appears to be a potentially-crucial break. But Mannarino digs deep to save FIVE break points before banging down an ace to fend off the Scot.

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The fortunes of Britain's best two male players have contrasted sharply. While Andy Murray has managed to find something nearer his best form, Aljaz Bedene appears to have lost his somewhere on Court 17. American Donald Young is closing in on the fourth set - and the match - as he serves for victory.

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Routine stuff. Murray wraps up the third set in the blink of an eye. The Briton sticks his foot on the gas, leaving Mannarino standing all alone and waving goodbye to the third set. Murray disappears off court for a moment or two - presuming for a celebratory emptying of his bladder.

Anyone planning to go to bed soon? Don't bother. Stick on the kettle, grab another coffee and prepare for the long haul. Murray is flying through the gears now, breaking the Frenchman's serve again. Now he is serving for the third set...

Andy, Andy, Andy. What are you doing to us? Dunblane's favourite son eases into a 40-0 lead before allowing Mannarino to battle back to deuce. "Dig deep son, dig deep," is what I imagine his watching mum Judy is muttering under her breath. Listen to your mum Andy - that's exactly what he does. A strong backhand winner from Murray sees off the Frenchman and sparks more animated/relieved celebrations from the third seed.

Respite for Adrian Mannarino as he cranks his side of the scoreboard into action. Murray briefly threatens at 30-30 before an unforced error is followed by a brilliant Mannarino forehand winner  for the hold.

While Andy Murray finally delivers some good news in Arthur Ashe Stadium, British hopes have taken a dive elsewhere at Flushing Meadows. Number two Aljaz Bedene, after taking the first set, is now trailing 6-3 4-6 4-6 against home hope Donald Young.

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Belief is racing around Andy Murray's mind now. As if he ever doubted himself. First real sign of the emotion that we come to expect from the vein-popping third seed, screaming 'Come on!' and vigorously fist-pumping after wrapping up a routine hold.

The great escape is on! Possibly. 

Here's a remarkable stat for you - Murray has reached at least the quarter-finals in his last 18 Grand Slam tournaments. And this is why. Murray's quality shines through as he bounces back from throwing away two break points to snatch Mannarino's serve in deuce.