Right, let's leave it there. I need a lie-down. And some food. But you don't worry about that when you're watching an entertaining epic, do you?

Thanks for your eyes over the past three-and-a-half hours.

Let's dance again in New York City. See you then!

Raducanu leaves the court and we will see her again next at the US Open.

You know, where she won the title in 2021. Plenty of hope for a strong run there - especially if she ends up as one of the seeds.

She's into the top 32 provisionally because of the injured Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa not playing because of injury, but can be overtaken by those still playing in Cincy.

Like in their Wimbledon match, it was a valiant effort from Raducanu against the standout player om the WTA Tour.

She showed she can mix it with the very best and has the game to cause them problems.

But the 22-year-old Brit did not quite have enough to get over the line.

This will sting I'm sure, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Blimey! What a contest. Where do we start with that? I'm not sure.

Sabalenka roars her relief and raises both hands in the air. That was a heck of a battle and she knows it.

Raducanu raises a smile as Sabalenka props herself up on the net. Both can barely believe it. A warm hug between the pair indicates their mutual respect.

A first match point to Sabalenka... saved by a Raducanu ace!

Sabalenka in command now.

Another Sabalenka error and Raducanu recovers the mini-break.

First blood to Sabalenka. Raducanu goes straight back at her and the top seed gets the ball back to safety.

Sabalenka finds a first serve to level again, then is incredibly brave with a second serve. Raducanu is dragged out wide and Sabalenka puts away the winner.

Raducanu is still not wavering though, holding her serve to sneak back ahead.

Sabalenka has a formidable tie-break record, having won her last 15, wins the first point.

Exactly what Raducanu needed... a straightforward hold to love.

Another tie-break will decide this marathon match...

This is so tense I'm squirming in my seat. Let's see how Raducanu's nerves are.

Solid so far. I'd go as far as saying steely as she cracks down an ace to start this crucial game.

Sabalenka pushes a backhand long for 30-0 - as the clock ticks past the the three-hour mark.

A shank from Sabalenka in a routine rally sums up her woes really.

That enables Raducanu to level at 30-30 but Sabalenka resets to construct a neat point and wallop away a forehand winner.

A body serve and step into the net follows, with the Belarusian putting away a volley to leave Raducanu serving again to stay in the match.

The grit and determination from Raducanu has been mightily impressive.

But she might not take that as a positive if she can't turn this performance into an eye-catching victory.

Raducanu has never beaten a world number one remember.

Raducanu, serving to stay in the set, is still struggling with that first serve and it helps Sabalenka lead 15-30.

Can she stick her foot down and get over the line here? No, not with the amount of errors she is continuing to make.

From 15-30 we go to 40-30, and Raducanu comes through another deuce thanks to Sabalenka belting an overhead into the net.

On we go...

This marathon match might have even drained Francisco Roig. We haven't heard from him for a while.

The television commentator wonders if he took a siesta or whether the microphones turned off. Could be either in truth.

How Sabalenka would love a simple service game here to try and quickly get back at Raducanu's serve.

The three-time Grand Slam champion makes things difficult by missing a few first serves but it returns at the right time as she holds.

It was far shorter than 22 minutes, that's for sure...

Phew, I need a breather after that. The players don't have that luxury, so neither do we. We crack on.

Losing that marathon game - lasting 22 minutes!! - would be a big blow to most players. Let's see how Sabalenka can recover...