Murray out of US Open

1. Anderson wins 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-0)
2. Plays Stan Wawrinka in the last eight
3. Petra Kvitova beats Johanna Konta 7-5 6-3
4. Use audio icon to listen live (UK only)

Goodbye

I'm afraid it has been a night when, to paraphrase the Spice Girls, two became none. We started with two Britons left in the US Open and have ended with neither third seed Andy Murray nor qualifier Jo Konta able to reach the quarter-finals.

So it's goodbye from him and goodbye from her.

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But we're not leaving Flushing Meadows with them - join us later in the week for live text commentaries of the business end of the year's final Slam. In the meantime, keep tabs on all the stories from New York here. Night y'all!

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That first set tie-breaker was the key moment. Once Anderson won and had the confidence and momentum, he was tough to stop. He never stopped serving after that. Andy Murray fought as hard as he could but his tank was empty."

Murray out of US Open

David Law

BBC Radio 5 sports extra live commentator

"Andy Murray couldn't find it within himself to raise his level early on and that malaise was the question mark for me. He played well in the first set, but didn't win it, and then there was a mental capitulation in the second set."

Player reaction - Anderson

Kevin Anderson, who beat Andy Murray to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final: "I'm lost for words right now. It was a very tough match and I just kept my composure throughout, playing one of the best matches of my life.

"It's not easy playing Andy, he's such a fighter. I knew I had to stick with it. I served very well, that helped me in the fourth set. I wish I could play every tie-break like that.

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"Right now I'm so excited to be through, it feels amazing. Tomorrow we'll sit down, Stan is an amazing player and I'll to come back and do it again."

Murray out of US Open

Kevin Anderson is urged to "rip off your shirt or something" as way of celebration by the on-court interviewer at Flushing Meadows. The South African chuckles but thankfully doesn't oblige by mimicking the Incredible Hulk.

Murray out of US Open

Next up for Kevin Anderson? French Open winner Stan Wawrinka in the last eight.

Murray out of US Open

Andy Murray receives a huge round of applause as he disconsolately trudges off Armstrong. He manages a wave to the crowd, but his face cannot hide his disappointment. Kevin Anderson has the microphone thrust in his face on court, telling us it is the "best win" of his career.

Game, set and match - Anderson

All over! Kevin Anderson needs just the one match point. The South African looks delighted - and shattered - after reaching the first Grand Slam quarter-final of his career. A deserved achievement.

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Match point - Anderson

"Please," asks the umpire as the crowd can't contain their emotions. A long rally ends in Murray pushing a forehand wide. Six match points for Kevin Anderson....

Tie-break

Kevin Anderson is strolling into the quarter-finals now. A booming ace down the T. Murray looks to be a goner.

Tie-break

Anderson, firmly in control, lashes a serve out wide right. Too wide in fact. Both men clip the net when the ball is back in play, Murray's backhand looping out long. Murray staring defeat in the face...

Tie-break

An amazing forehand winner from Kevin Anderson! It's such a long way back for Andy Murray, who is two mini-breaks down. "Let's go Andy," chants New York.

Tie-break

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Murray to serve....first attempt crashes into the net. The second is met by an Anderson forehand and a couple of exchanges later Murray finds the net again. Mini-break to Anderson...

Tie-break

Murray nets, Anderson holds early on.

Murray grimaces and raises his right fist towards his box - he is a point from holding. And then...crash! The third seed spanks a wonderfully-timed ace straight down the middle. Tie-break....

Petra Kvitova, who has beaten Johanna Konta: "It was a very difficult match. She served very well. At the beginning, I was the worst player, but I kept my serve going and waited for my chance.

Reuters

On dealing with mononucleosis: "My coaches are not very happy, but I have learned that I don't have to practice that much. We are managing the schedule, because you never know how you are going to feel the next day."

Murray moves 30-0 ahead - this should be a comfortable hold. Shouldn't it? Ah, maybe not. Anderson hauls himself back to 30-30 after Murray plants a backhand into the net....

Just when you think Anderson might crumble, he bounces back with a quality hold. The possibility of reaching his first Slam quarter-final at the age of 29 is not getting him hot under the collar - at the moment. Now he is back within one game of a historic win....

Game, set and match Kvitova

It's all over for Johanna Konta, a remarkable story comes to an end. She matched Petra Kvitova for long periods, but, in the end, the class of the two-time Wimbledon champion shone through. Still, tonight's showing suggests there is much more to come from Konta.

**Four hour klaxon**

The match passes through the four-hour mark. That makes me feel tired even reading it. A weak backhand into the net gives Murray a 30-0 advantage, then he blasts an ace down the middle to move within a point of the game. Then Anderson has a nasty feeling of déjà vu as the Briton does exactly the same in the next point.

Kvitova breaks

Just as in the first set, Konta gives up a break with a double fault. Petra Kvitova will serve for the match.

There's some chat that both Konta and Kvitova currently have a faster second serve than Andy Murray. Unconfirmed, but good enough for us to print. In the New York night, Konta just begins to squander a 40-0 advantage as Kvitova finds her length. 40-0 to deuce. Oooohhh, and a loop long from Konta give Kvitova break point...

Slight delay at the start of this 10th game as Murray waits for the Armstrong crowd to take their seats after a Mexican Wave...

Anderson's career has not been built on his prowess at the net, but the big-serving South African is proving he is not a one trick pony. He moves into the net twice during the ninth game of the fourth set, helping him to hold without any reply from Murray's side of the net. Now Anderson is one break of serve away from his first Grand Slam quarter-final....

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Christophe Talbotski: Andy Murray US Open 5 set epics. Making night shifts bearable since last week

Kvitova, heavy strapping on her right thigh, is looking rock solid. A rapid hold to love. The crowd on Ashe is swelling, coming in to for An Evening With Roger Federer. The pre-show isn't bad at the moment, Johanna Konta moving herself up the tennis bill.

We're rattling through the service games now on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Murray blasts his way through Anderson's defence, finishing him off with another ace. Now can he find a chink in the South African's armour?

Anything Murray can do, Anderson can do equally as well. The South African loses the opening point to give Murray a ray of hope, only to strangle the life of the Briton with his thunderous service game. Ace! Ace! Ace! Three more quality serves nudge Anderson back ahead.

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Jonny Guy: Worth missing out on sleep for this, what a match. Murray is in real danger though, come on Andy!

Kenny Simpson: Andy shouldn't be putting us all, especially Kim, under this much stress!

Konta's slight issue is that Kvitova's earlier serving wobbles seem to have dissipated. No sign now that the fifth seed might might let the Briton in. That means Konta must keep holding, which she has done all night, bar for one lapse at the end of the first set. At the far end, she is forced to scamper, eventually being out-run for 30-30. With her brown hair tied in a ponytail, Konta holds on when Kvitova sends a return long. It's a slugfest.

Just what Andy Murray needed - a hold of serve that doesn't expend too much energy. The Briton smashes down his 15th ace of the match to wrap up the game.

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Anderson barely made it to his chair there. He was like a boxer who has taken some big hits, not knowing where to sit down. He's able to serve - he'll be able to do that until he's 95 years old, but the lateral movement is a problem."

Any hope/fear* that Kevin Anderson might run out of steam is not materialising at the moment. A minor wobble gives Murray hope at 30-30, but the South African rediscovers his quality with a backhand volley winner at the net to keep his nose in front.

* delete as appropriate

Konta turns her racquet in her hand every time she bounces the ball, a very deliberate action. She's the hunted in this second set, playing catch-up, knowing a mistake could end her golden run. Mistake, though, aren't really in the make-up of the new and improved Johanna Konta. A hold to 15.

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I was listening to that, but I couldn't watch. I was just too nervous. Andy is getting smarter, Anderson is getting a little more desperate. He'll still be able to serve, though."

Andy Murray quickly wipes his furrowed brow after saving another break point. A forehand winner puts within touching distance of an important hold, which the Briton clinches by unleashing a monster of a first serve.

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Oh my word. A ridiculous forehand from Murray, who was slipping and stretching before somehow recovering a penetrative Anderson forehand, gives him a game point. But he just can't shake off this pesky South African. Another chance for Murray to close this one out goes begging before Anderson sets ups a second break point of the game....

While the crowds roar on Armstrong, there's the merest ripple of applause on Ashe. Konta looks in a spot of bother at 0-30, but finds the angles to drag it back to 30-30. Her serve is looking a little wobbly, mind, and she has to battle to a lengthy hold. She still looks ice cool, though.

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Max Sopel: Konta should have won first set, Murray should have broken. I should be in bed.

A bullet of a forehand from the baseline flies past Murray and into the blue screen behind the Briton as Anderson goes 30-15 ahead. But Murray hauls himself level before going long with a backhand. Break point Anderson....

Murray dupes him with an undercooked first serve, Anderson pouncing too early and going long. Deuce....

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

"The longest match of the tournament so far was Marin Cilic's four hour and 11 minutes spent beating Mikhail Kukushkin, and if Murray is to win this he will need considerably longer than that. With the on-court clock approaching three and a half hours, Murray is now closing in on a punishing 12 hours of court time. Potential quarter-final opponent Stan Wawrinka has spent nine hours and 23 minutes in action."

Something has tickled Kevin Anderson, who grins cheekily at the changeover before devouring an energy gel. He might well be happy after holding off Murray to edge back in front. The big South African's 21st ace of the match helps move him into a winning position, before a stray Murray backhand seals the deal.

Game and first set Kvitova

How disappointing is that for Johanna Konta? She concedes the first set with a double fault after looking so confident for long periods against the fifth seed. Petra Kvitova saved three break points, but you just felt that she was starting to read the Konta serve. So it proved. First blood to the two-time Wimbledon champion.

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Less words, more action from Murray. The third seed keeps calm as he serves for the first time in this fourth set, dishing some punishment from the ball toss. Two booming aces clinch an easy hold to love.

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Stick your kettle on and grab yourself another cup of coffee - we're all in this together for the long haul. Anderson serves first in the fourth set of this match which is ticking close to the three-and-a-half hour mark. Murray looks shell-shocked as he is beaten by a delicate Anderson backhand winner which skims the net-cord and bounds to safety for 30-15.

Murray claws himself back to deuce as he gees himself up with some angry shouting. However, he cannot force a break point as Anderson hangs on.

Konta is jack-knifing into her serve. Crouch, toss, leap, belt. The first sign of pressure in this first set, not a great time when you're serving to stay in it. From 30-30, Kvitova can't keep the ball in the court, so we're heading into overtime.

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Ros Clarke: Guess I'm staying up a little bit longer, then.

Konta is playing superbly but Kvitova saves two break points and eventually takes the game. Konta must serve to stay in the set.

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Game and third set Murray

Do not go anywhere, Andy Murray is still in this. From Angry Andy at the end of the second, to Magic Murray here at the end of the third. He's still pointing to that group of three fans at one end of the court, as if he has made some new best friends tonight. If he wins, those guys will have tickets for the next round. We're going into a fourth.

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Anderson holds with a service winner at the second attempt. Murray matches him and is a pair of holds from winning the third set.

"Come on!!!" shouts Murray as he bounces on his heels after holding his serve. A bomb out wide cannot be returned successfully by Anderson who only finds the net.

Tie-break

Murray well in charge now as Anderson goes long. Two points ahead, the third set at his mercy.

Anderson's first serve is good, so is Murray's return. A long rally ends when Anderson wallops a stray forehand and Murray has a mini-break.

The British player trades games with her higher ranked opponent again. Full marks to her persistence. Konta not letting reputations get in the way.

Tie-break

Unreturnable from Anderson, Murray must unlock the monster South African serve to stay in this match.

Tie-break

The point of no return for Murray, the 2012 champion. Anderson wide with a backhand, on serve first up.

Murray challenges a crosscourt forehand which looks comfortably wide at 15-15. It is comfortably wide. Anderson leads 30-15 and then we have arguably the point of the match. Murray scurries across the baseline to keep returning, then going over Anderson's head. But he produces a ridiculous backhand winner to leave Murray shocked.

A tie-break is going to decide whether this match is going to be over or going into a fourth set....

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How are your nerves holding out? Andy Murray is hanging in there, keeping Anderson at bay to hold his serve and move within a game of the third set. Murray looks to the heavens as he tries to bypass the lanky Anderson with a lob....too long. That's 30-30 but Murray then he goes on the attack on the next point, springing forward to meet an Anderson return with a delicate drop-volley. And he forces the South African into a weak backhand to clinch the game.

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Ian Bradley: People whinging about the British guy going for his 19th consecutive grand slam quarter, only Brits ever could

Konta has a very idiosyncratic bounce of the ball. Lots of elbow. It may be helping her serve, it may not, but she's rock solid at the moment. Another hold to love. In three service games, the Briton has lost only one point.

Murray gees up the crowd behind him as he steps back out on to Armstrong, looking for a vital break that keeps this match alive. Anderson eases into a 30-0 lead before the Briton puffs his cheeks out then pounces on a wide return to guide a backhand down the line. But that's as good as it gets for Murray, Anderson stepping on the gas again to level.

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AG Ford: Armstrong's former home is just up the road from the stadium in Corona Park. Probably the area's most famous former resident.

Kvitova gets through, but you wouldn't know which is the world number five and which player is in a Slam fourth round for the first time.

Exactly what the doctor ordered for Murray - a routine hold. Talking of doctors, the Briton complained of feeling under the weather earlier in the tournament. Wonder if we will find out afterwards that he has not been feeling 100%. Not that we're trying to take anything away from Kevin Anderson, who has played superbly as he tries to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time.

Murray is a break away from taking this match to a fourth set...

Kvitova is one of the biggest hitters in the women's game, but Jo Konta is more than matching her. Kvitova, wobbly so far, gives away a second break point of the set with a double fault, but gets away with it when Konta trips to the net. Konta, though, gets another chance when Kvitova goes wide with a forehand...

Back to the action and Anderson, who flicked through a book of notes during the changeover, holds to 15. A smash puts him in position at 40-15 before a simple serve and return allows him to gallop to the net to crash down the winner with Murray nowhere to be seen.

Ashe is far from full as Johanna Konta skips on the line to get herself moving. Her serve is in good order early on, and the backhand isn't bad either. A brutal exchange with the black-clad Kvitova is ended with a skimmer down the line. Hold to 15. Are you sure you haven't been here before, Johanna?

Kevin Anderson doesn't strike me as the sort of character who would take pleasure in winding up an opponent. Maybe I'm wrong. The South African, who annoyed Murray earlier by taking an age to return from a comfort break, is not keen to rush back on court after the changeover. Murray gives him an icy stare.

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Paul in Manchester: There's a lot of hyper-critical comments out there. Andy Murray has been one of the best players of the last decade. You can pick apart his attitude etc. But ultimately, he's losing to a guy who's served incredibly well and played some great shots on the big points. He's not played a bad match.

A hush around Louis Armstrong Stadium* as the Murray fans sense danger as the third seed trails 15-30. But a wayward backhand from Anderson brings Murray level, then the Briton hammers down a pair of aces to keep his nose in front.

* Anyone know why this tennis court is named after the legendary jazz trumpeter? I feel like I should be telling you the answer but I don't actually know...

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Brett Curtis: Murray not in control of himself or his tennis at the moment. Even if he gets through this I think Stanimal takes him down

Murray might be bruised after letting that break slip - but his racquet is broken. The Scot slams his weapon into the blue acrylic with the power of a hammer hitting a nail. But the change of racquet doesn't really help as Anderson holds out to 15 to level.

Impressive in the early going from Konta, who is dressed in a red top and white visor. She holds to love. Nervous? Not so much.

Did you think that Petra Kvitova would wipe the blue New York floor with Johanna Konta? Think again. Konta passes to earn a break point in the very first game, but the two-time Wimbledon champion claws back a hold.

Anderson breaks back

Anderson has looked a little lost over the past couple of games, but reasserts himself on this contest to force an break point. He begins to look like the same player who was hustling Murray with powerful and precise hitting earlier on. And it pays dividends as the South African wipes out Murray's break when the Briton goes wide - too wide - with a crosscourt forehand after a bruising rally.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

"A huge moment for Jo Konta as she steps out into the biggest tennis arena in the world to face a double Wimbledon champion. Admittedly, the 23,000 seats are not yet full and, compared to the seething sweatbox of Armstrong, it's all very tranquil on Arthur Ashe Stadium right now. Petra Kvitova is sporting very bright pink trainers. They could put Konta off - they're hurting my eyes."

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"He pointed to a fan across the stadium who is jumping up after every point. Andy is pulling all the fire out of this spectator who I don't think he has ever met before in his life."

Murray goes a break up

What a turnaround! Andy Murray is back in business. Kevin Anderson looks to the heavens after gifting three break points to Murray by planting a close-range volley into the net. And the Briton snaffles his chance at the first opportunity, forcing Anderson into a rogue backhand that fails to trouble Murray's side of the court.

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Stuart Mitchell: Murray is regressing as a tennis player, this is back to his old self pre 2012, since his golden period he's been a shadow.

Laus: Both times Murray has won the Rogers Cup, he didn't make it to the QFs of the US Open. Fatigue issue?

Murray screams louder than a child enjoying their first rollercoaster ride after nabbing that break point. He's happy.

And he continues the verbal release of energy with another ear-splitting roar after a vital hold. The third seed takes advantage of a drop of energy from the South African, bashing down two aces in quick succession to battle back from 30-15 down.

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It might do Andy some good to forget who's in in his box and to focus on the crowd. He's doing a Connors out there."

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Murray breaks back

Given up hope Murray fans? Hold on. Cast your mind back to Wimbledon where Anderson choked against Novak Djokovic after leading by two sets to love up. Although he wasn't two sets and a break up though...

Anyway...back to the present. Murray has a sniff, clawing his way back from 40-15 down - helped by Anderson's fourth double fault of the evening - to set up a break point. That he can't convert but seconds later has another chance....and this time he grabs it!

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

Murray lets off some steam as Anderson takes a lengthy break off court. Umpire Jake Garner explains it is up to him to judge whether it is a reasonable break. "What's reasonable?" says Murray. "I'm the one who's serving next. I've seen him in there changing his socks."

Anderson breaks

Anderson finds his groove instantly - and that spells bad news for Murray. Three break points to Anderson and Murray's head is all over the shop. Come on Andy, focus. That he does, saving two of them, but Anderson pulls another brilliant return out of top drawer to nick an early advantage. Murray still isn't happy about Anderson waltzing back onto court at his leisure, chuntering away to the umpire....

Back under way on Armstrong. Unsurprisingly Murray ain't happy, moaning to the umpire about Anderson taking an age to return from the locker room. "I've been waiting for three minutes," he whines. Finally the South African returns and soon gets into his stride...

Philip Studd

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

"Murray has been lacklustre today, he looks like he is running close to empty. You would have expected him to make more of the Anderson serve than he has. There's been no tempo to his game."

AP

Coming up

While Murray tries to swear himself back into this game, another Briton will hopefully be much calmer over on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Jo Konta finds herself in the big time. The British number two has reached the last 16 of a Slam for the first time and is about to start against two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. Of course, we will be bringing you regular updates right here. Don't go anywhere.

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Tom Gumbleton: Muzz needs a swear jar to be honest...... he gets so annoyed and frustrated way too easily. Worrying.

Andy Murray is furious with himself. He returns to his seat before launching into a flurry of expletives. Luckily it is after the watershed. Then the Briton nips off court for a few moments - presumably to punch a locker or two and calm himself down.

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Murray is mentally tired. He doesn't seem to have a game plan. He's playing point by point 'lets see what I can do'. Anderson is upsetting him with a clear agenda."

Game and second set - Anderson

Murray laughs as he squanders a break point - but he is not finding this match very funny, I can tell you that. Anderson shows a few nerves, but finds his composure to set up a fifth set point. Boom...an ace straight down the T does the trick. Or has it? Murray challenges. But the technology tells us that it comfortably hits the line.

David Law

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

"Murray is laughing at himself in the direction of his box. He's pleading with them as if he's saying 'I'm not playing very well, why?' He's shaking with anger because he's not playing the tennis he wants to play."

Despite coming from the other side of the Pond, Andy Murray is a firm favourite at Flushing Meadows. Louis Armstrong shows its support as Murray smashes a forehand winner to move back to 30-15.

An overcooked return hands two set points to Anderson, who sees one disappear down the double fault drain. Another wayward first serve piles on the pressure - and Murray senses a chance. He pounds forward from the baseline, volleying at the net to take the game into deuce....

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Paul Christie: Anderson doesn't look like his level dropping. Murray needs to fight fire with fire

Paul: Jo Konta will soon be the last Briton in the US Open. Her best tennis week ever!

AH: Andy's not coming back from this one, won't be making QF this time

Only one person looks less happy than Andy Murray - and that's his missus. Kim Murray looks thoroughly miserable as she tries to bark some words of encouragement to her man. A sizzling Murray serve is too hot for Anderson to handle as the Briton moves 40-15 ahead. A passing forehand down the line lacks the Beckham-like bend to sneak to safety, but Anderson concedes the game with a forehand into the net. The South African is serving for the second set. Again...

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It just seems like Murray isn't able to get himself sparked up. He needs something special to happen."

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Ian in Hampshire: Murray is like the Arsenal of Tennis. Plays some fantastic stuff, wins the title occasionally but your always worried he will lose to anyone.

Murray breaks

Sublime stuff from Andy Murray tees up a break point. A backhand drop-volley from Briton gives him some hope of rescuing this set, only for Anderson to force him into a backhand error.

Murray creates two more chances, again failing to convert either. But the third seed does not let the fourth break point slip through his grasp, Anderson slapping a forehand past the baseline.

Glimmer of hope for Murray?

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Nervous start for Anderson as he serves for the second set. A double fault from the big South African gives encouragement to Murray, who is pegged back by some textbook power and placement from the Anderson serve.

A thunderous ace moves Anderson 40-30 ahead, only for another loose forehand to let Murray in through the backdoor. Deuce....

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It just seems like every time Anderson is under pressure, he comes back with bigger and bigger shots. It's almost like he thinks 'I have nothing to lose, when I'm in trouble I'm going to go for it'. Andy has been tentative."

Double break for Anderson

Oh no. Kevin Anderson is one hold away from going two set up against third seed Andy Murray.

Murray cruises into a comfortable 40-0 lead, only for Anderson show niftier footwork than Danny Zucko to negate a drop-shot. And that sparks a remarkable comeback.

Another ripper of a forehand from the South African forces deuce. And then a thrilling point - Murray scampering and lunging towards the net - leaves Anderson just one point away from moving a double break up. Another quality forehand does the trick.

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Kayley Jay: I turned around for 5 minutes and suddenly Kevin is a set and a break up? Am I in the right universe?

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

"The last time Murray failed to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final was in 2010, when he lost to Stan Wawrinka in the US Open third round on the same Louis Armstrong court. The Briton will not be panicking just yet, he has plenty of experience of digging himself out of trouble - memorably from 6-3 5-1 down against Marin Cilic on Armstrong in 2012, the year he went on to win the title. Anderson is doing a terrific job of protecting his second serve though, so far keeping Murray at arms length."

Anderson holds

No mistake from Anderson at the third time of asking. The 15th seed - aiming to reach a Slam quarter-final for the first time remember - asks questions of the Murray backhand which can't be answered. The Briton can only find the net and Anderson clings onto a potentially-vital hold.

Deuce

Of course, Murray has already battled back from two sets down in New York this year - against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. But Kevin Anderson is different kettle of fish.

A roar of encouragement from the Flushing Meadows crowd helps Murray to battle back from 40-15 to 40-40. Any signs of nerves from Anderson? A few.

A dancing Murray is seemingly trying to distract Anderson with some sharp moves as the South African prepares to serve - and it has worked. Anderson's first serve has disintegrated and he can't get over the line, despite teeing up two game points. On we go...

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David Law

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

"Murray has come from two sets down to win tennis matches on eight occasions. It's not advisable to try it against Anderson."

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Aidan Williams: No skill Anderson? What a mind numbingly stupid thing to say. I suppose by the same logic Sampras wasn't skilled.

Mr H: Anderson is a tough guy to break, but Murray is racking up too much court time in these early rounds. Doesn't look a contender.

Anderson can hardly miss at the moment, leaving Murray struggling with his returning game. Murray introduces the serve and volley to claw his way back to 15-30, then eases down a steady 78mph second serve for 30-30. The Briton is almost, er, rained on by a bird which deposits on the crystal blue surface - and that seems to bring him some luck....

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"He always comes out with six or seven bottles of water. He's finished his first one and the ball kids can't find the rest."

Murray appears to be rattled. At the changeover he has a terse exchange with the umpire, the Briton claiming that he someone has pilfered his water supply....

Neat hold from Anderson as he cruises ahead. The highlight of that game was a 130mph bomb which the 15th seed sends out wide - unstoppable. Murray has few answers at the moment, failing to hit the target with another backhand as Anderson holds to 15.

Anderson breaks

Murray's coach Jonas Bjorkman looks a little flustered as he watches on from the Armstrong stands. And it is not anything to do with the New York heat. His man's current performance is keeping him sweating. A double fault gifts two break points to Anderson.

Murray digs out the perfect response on the first, smashing down a 129mph ace to stave off the South African.

But then....Anderson pulls out some magic that Paul Daniels would be proud of. An inch-perfect dropshot drifts over Murray's furrowed brow and lands on the baseline.

Any chance of Murray nobbling a morale-boosting break at the first attempt? Nope. The British number one doesn't have his best returning game with him at the moment. Murray does, however, get back to 40-30 before Anderson steps on the gas to force Murray into sending a scrambling backhand into the net.

USA Today

Murray is wearing the expression of a sulky teenager who has just been told he can't go to the school disco. What a scowl. A swig of water washes away the bad vibes though, and he jumps back to his feet before marching back out onto Armstrong. Anderson to serve first....

* denotes next server

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Jono: It's difficult to stay awake watching players like Kevin Anderson, so one dimensional. No real skill.

Matt McGladrigan: Multiple break points at 1-2. Gotta take your chances.

Jill Craybas

Former WTA Tour professional

"It depends on Andy's mentality. Can he let that first set go?"

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I feel like we need a 10-minute break, because Andy needs to re-group. Anderson is at the peak of his career, playing so offensively. The way he calmly fist-pumped at the end of the set, his coach didn't move. It's as if they are saying 'this party is just getting started'."

Game and first set - Anderson

Murray must hold. Simple as that. However, he doesn't.

Anderson keeps his nerve as Murray pins him back by going deep. But the South African digs out a sensational forehand, leaving Murray motionless. Anderson takes the first set!

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Tie-break

You can't get a cigarette paper between these two, it might become a night match. Anderson lumbers to the net, picking up a half-volley off his laces to leave Murray scampering in vain. Set point Anderson...

Anderson has two serves for the set - and the first one goes begging. Murray clenches his fist after Anderson slams a forehand into the net.

Tie-break

Huge moment. A mini-break for Anderson as Murray gives a forehand too much and goes long. The set is on Anderson's strings.

Tie-break

Sensational stuff. Murray serves...the pair become embroiled in lengthy baseline rally. An Anderson backhand clips the tape, Murray stays calm and produces a sublime backhand winner to end the 29-shot rally.

Tie-break

The whole court in shadow, Anderson serves and volleys, putting away a formality of a forehand. Pressure on Murray.

Tie-break

Murray manages to return a booming Anderson serve, then tries to guide back the next shot. But it loops over the lanky South African's head and past the baseline. Muzza has a word with the umpire at the changeover about the disruption that led to his double fault.

AFP

Tie-break

Anderson bamboozled by the Murray serve, can't get it back. He employed the frying pan, crouching down, almost taking one in the face. How bizarre. On serve.

Murray swings round to give someone in the crowd a steely glare as he bounces the ball before his second serve. Oh no. Murray slams that into the net after being disrupted. Double fault and Anderson wipes out that mini-break.

Tie-break

As the clock ticks to the hour mark, Murray turns the air blue. Anderson misses his first serve, Murray steps in on the second... Anderson dumps into the net. Mini-break for Murray.

Tie-break

Anderson serve...his first effort swerves down the T. His second effort returned by Murray who is left wrongfooted by the 15th-seed. The Briton threatens to smash his racquet into the blue acrylic surface...

Tie-break

Forehand into the corner from Murray. Mini-hold to begin with.

Tie-break

Over to you Mr Anderson. Murray snaffles the first point as he looks to nab the break he wants to clinch the first set. But Anderson digs deep to leave Murray struggling to return his serve, then bounds up to the net to complete the point. That tactic is re-employed by the South African, Murray giving up the point as a high return is smashed to safety.

Murray isn't really in this game to be honest as Anderson cleans up. Tie-break time!

Jill Craybas

Former WTA Tour professional

"Murray got a little bit of help from Anderson. There were two forehand errors. The first was a short gift, then one sprayed long."

Oh hello! Anderson has a sniff of the break. After forcing Murray into a forehand error, the giant South African goes on the attack against the Murray second serve. He gallops towards the delivery, smashing back a fierce forehand that Murray cannot clear the tape with. That's 0-30.

But Murray roars back, wrongfooting Anderson as he lumbers across court and then smashing another winner after a well-constructed point.

That means we hear the first Murray roar of "Come on!" Anderson goes wide with a crosscourt forehand for 40-30 before Murray completes a gutsy hold.

Anderson eases into a 30-0 lead before he fails to overturn a Murray return that clings on to the baseline whitewash. One keen spectator is asked politely not to hang over the fence, before Anderson regains focus to dish out some red-hot serving that burns Murray.

Not much between these two at the moment. A baseline exchange at 30-15 could be half a chance for Anderson, but he gently probes the Murray backhand without really making the Briton sweat. And he is punished as Murray's digs out an inch-perfect crosscourt winner. That leaves him one away from the hold, and the third seed suspects he might have sweeped up with a whipped forehand that is called out. Murray challenges - and the video replay tell us that Murray was wrong. A quick pick-up from Murray leaves Anderson scrambling and the big man cannot get down quick enough. Pressure back on Anderson - can he hold out to stop Murray winning the opener?

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Jill Craybas

Former WTA Tour professional

"After the service game when he had a break point against him, Anderson has held easily. He's feeling the rhythm on that serve. It's dead even."

Murray readjusts his white baseball cap, taps his left hand with his racket and prepares to face the Anderson serve. But he barely sees yellow as the ball flies past him out wide. Murray expertly guides the next serve back over the lowest part of the tape, only to clip the net with his next return. Anderson goes wide to the Murray forehand for another ace and then whips another serve down the flank to wrap up an easy hold.

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"This is the game for Andy to break. If he doesn't, we'll be in a breaker in about eight or nine minutes. He's got to find the way. It's part of the chess-type challenge of this match."

Another Murray serve, another steady hold. The Briton is being gifted free points by the South African, who creeps up to 12 in the unforced errors count. Murray is caught off-guard as Anderson digs out a inside-out backhand for 40-30, but another ugly Anderson forehand goes long on game point.

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Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I like what Federer did against Anderson. He stood about a foot inside the service line and half-volleyed. Kevin serves just as hard as Isner, maybe harder."

Brief delay as a few latecomers saunter back into the Louis Armstrong Stadium after the changeover. We don't have all the time in the world...

And neither has Kevin Anderson. The 15th seed rattles off his service game to love, three aces and another bruiser which stings the Murray backhand.

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Cathy Bruce: Thank you, Jonathan, for letting me feel I'm actually at Flushing Meadows, when I'm really in cloudy Essex.

While Anderson toiled with the ball in his hand during that last game, Murray fares much better. A wonderful double-handed backhand from the South African - quite a rarity - is brief respite, only for Murray to slam down his fifth ace of the match to maintain a slender advantage.

Meanwhile, we see a tanned Frank Lampard - of course plying his trade with New York City FC - sitting in the Murray box with his partner Christine Bleakley. Not a bad freebie....

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Ian Bradley: Murray generally lauded for his defence but faint praise, best in world at returning good shots with interest

Anderson holds

Now then - Murray has another break point. The Briton is being worked hard in the stifling heat, scurrying across the baseline, but misjudges a forehand to let Anderson off the hook.

Anderson then puts himself back within a point of the hold, before hitting the self-destruct button again with a shank. That hands a third chance for Murray but then he gets a little heavy with the racquet as another break point goes begging. Anderson claws his way into another advantage, finally dragging himself across the line as a deep return cannot be belted back by the Murray backhand.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

"There is a bit of a breeze on Armstrong which just about takes the edge off a baking hot afternoon, and the stands are packed for this one. The queue of those still hopeful to get in stretches all the way back to Ashe several hundred meters away. The good news for the players is that, at approaching 5pm local time, the sun is dipping towards the back of the stand."

Al Bello

Murray is left standing motionless as another Anderson arrow whizzes past his eye line. But the 15th seed offers a reminder that his all-round game doesn't quite match the big boys, an unforced forehand error letting Murray back in. Anderson has another chance after Murray wrongly challenges a return that dusts the baseline, but blows that one too. On we go...

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Jiten Chandarana: What are the chances of Murray getting annoyed at least once about the backdrop (or lack of) behind the baseline or spider cam?

After a quick gulp of ice-cold water, the pair saunter back into the New York sun. Murray, standing well behind the baseline, sticks his strings on each of Anderson's first two serves to put the pressure back on the South African. Anderson claws himself level, only for a mistake to offer up an early break point to Murray.

Anderson unleashes another speedy serve, going to the Murray backhand, which is unable to guide the ball back over the cord. Deuce...

Jeff Tarango

Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Each guy is going to get a couple of opportunities to pounce and whoever deals with that best will will win the match. It will be millimetres. Andy is staying calm, taking on fluids. This is a distracting court, people coming in and out, rock n roll music playing. You have to be focused to win here."

Murray looks pretty pleased with himself at the first changeover - and rightly so. The third seed's service game is impeccable in these early stages, pinning Anderson back on the baseline as he cleans up a hold to 15 with a second serve ace.

Don't worry, the Anderson serve has arrived. The South African goes big from the off, tearing down a 136mph serve to open his ace account at the first attempt. Murray calmly wipes his brow, that's not something he wasn't expecting. The Briton hauls himself back to 30-30 but Anderson ups the tempo again, leaving his opponent unable to make another dent on his service game.

Perfect start for Andy Murray - a booming ace down the T. Another ace, this time out wide, puts him 30-15 ahead before Anderson clubs a return wide. A weak return gives Anderson a slight sniff, then the Briton pulls another ace out of the bag for the hold. Hang on, isn't it the Anderson serve which is supposed to be the big weapon?

Andy Murray ties the shoelace on his eye-watering luminous yellow trainers, hooking his wedding ring around the cotton as is now his tradition. The Briton to kick things off...

* Denotes next server

Anderson eyes maiden quarter-final

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Like Johanna Konta, Kevin Anderson is wandering into unknown territory. The South African is appearing in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the first time and aiming to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

The problem is that third seed Andy Murray is staring back across the net at him. The Briton has a 5-1 winning record over Anderson, including three successes on hard courts.

"Obviously it would mean a lot," said Anderson on the prospect of reaching the last eight. "I've been in the fourth round a few times but it's my first time here and it's obviously a small step in the right direction."

Murray unfazed by big-serving Anderson

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You would imagine that a tennis player standing 6ft 8ins tall knows how to hammer down some nuclear-strength serves. And you would be right. Kevin Anderson has hammered down 69 aces in New York so far - only Marin Cilic has clocked more having played a match more - and is high on the leaderboard for first serve points won and service speed.

But Murray has one of the best defensive games on tour - and is not fazed by Anderson's armoury.

"Getting a lot of returns in play is something that throughout most of my career I've been good at," said the Briton.

"Often the big servers come into matches used to getting a lot of free points. It changes their mindset a little bit in the way they play the match and play the points."

How Murray reached the last 16

First round: Murray 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-1 Kyrgios

You've probably heard a lot about Nick Kyrgios - not necessarily about his tennis. The talented but temperamental Aussie had a go at third seed Murray, only for the Briton's greater quality and experience to shine through.

Second round: Murray 5-7 4-6 6-1 6-3 6-1 Mannarino

No-one expected this one to go to five sets. Possibly not even France's Adrian Mannarino. Murray had not lost in the first week of a Grand Slam since 2010 and continued that fine record with a gutsy win.

Murray 6-3 6-2 7-5 Bellucci

Would that gruelling comeback against Mannarino leave Murray sapped in his next match? Not a chance. The Scot breezed through in two hours and 11 minutes against the Brazilian.

Weather latest

The New York weather can be described in a way that us Britons can only dream of seeing here in Blighty. Hot and sunny. Probably a bit stuffy for some sun-shy Britons mind. Murray is decked out in a sweat-reducing white t-shirt, with a baseball cap for added protection. Sensible.

Ever wondered how Murray warms up for a Grand Slam match? By lobbing a tennis ball across the Flushing Meadows car park to his fitness coach Matt Little. Shortly after that little game of catch, Murray wanders out on to a sun-soaked Armstrong, where a sell-out crowd whoop enthusiastically as he arrives. Anderson, the 15th seed, is greeted warmly - but the noise level is much further down the decibel meter.

Tale of the tape

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Anyway that's enough Konta-related chit-chat for now. The Briton and her Czech opponent will be strolling out of the locker room about 00:00 BST for their clash on Arthur Ashe Stadium so we will talk more about that match a little later on.

Now we are heaping our undivided attention on another patch of blue acrylic about a stone's throw away from Ashe. That's because Andy Murray is about to kick off against Kevin Anderson over on Louis Armstrong Stadium....

Murray hails Konta's progress

Not that Konta will be worried - not judging by her relaxed demeanour in the picture below anyway. And why should she be? The 24-year-old from Eastbourne has won 16 straight matches ahead of her match against Kvitova, whose record at Flushing Meadows is far from intimidating. The world number three has never reached the last eight in New York

"She's obviously been on an excellent run lately," Andy Murray said of Konta. "She's very close to being the number one in Britain.

"It suggests she has the potential to go very high if she continues on the right path."

A tale of two Britons

Murray, needless to say, is an old timer when it comes to the major tournaments. Two Slam titles, six runner-up prizes and a nine-time semi-finalist. The 28-year-old Scot has been there, done it and got several 'I love Grand Slams' T-shirts stuffed in the bottom drawer at home. Victory over the bomb-serving Kevin Anderson will stick his name in the quarter-final for a 19th successive Slam.

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Konta? Chances are that the more casual tennis fans among you probably hadn't even heard of her until these past eight days. She is the British women's number two, originally hails from Australia and is currently playing the best tennis of her career. Standing in the way of her first Slam quarter-final spot is Petra Kvitova. That's two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova. Gulp.

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One has been around the Grand Slam block, the other is stepping into unknown territory.

But today Andy Murray and Johanna Konta are eyeing up the same prize - a place in the US Open quarter-finals...

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