Rafael Nadal v Kevin Anderson LIVE: Latest US Open 2017 final updates from New York

Nadal has won at Flushing Meadows before, lifting the trophy in 2010 and 2013, but has often been criticised for underperforming in New York.

And he has not always been convincing in 2017, dropping sets on three occasions – against Taro Daniel, Leonardo Mayer and Juan Martin del Potro.

But he has made it through the rounds and remains the overwhelming favourite for the title against Anderson, who is two matches deeper in a Grand Slam than he has ever been before.

• Martina Hingis wins 24th Grand Slam title in mixed doubles
• Nadal and Anderson due on court at 9pm UK time

Rafael Nadal v Kevin Anderson – US Open 2017 final LIVE

(*denotes next to serve)

*Nadal 0-1 Anderson

Anderson is on the board which is obviously important, banging down his 115th ace of the fortnight at 30-30 to get a chance for game point but the next point sees Nadal produce some classic defence, getting a huge forehand from Anderson back in and forcing the error.

The South African wins the game with a second ace. Good to get that into his legs.

9.25pm: Here we go then – Anderson to serve first…

9.20pm: “First thing I’ve got to do is walk out there,” says Anderson, who I reckon looks a bit nervous. But then you would be, wouldn’t you?

“I’m going to have to play some good tennis. I’m sticking to my game. Keeping it simple is going to be the most important thing.”

Nadal meanwhile looks as relaxed as he ever does – he’s quite a twitchy chap so it’s tough for him to look that at ease.

“I’m four years older than my last final but I’m very happy to be back,” Nadal says.

“I’m excited to have the chance to play on one of the most amazing courts in the world.”

9pm: As I expected, the players aren’t out yet. First of all, Broadway star and Tony Award nominee Corey Hawkins is singing God Bless America on the red carpet as the 23,000 fans file into the stadium.

I would expect we will then have the national anthem at some point – although we’ve already had a military flyover so that might be that for pre-match nationalism.

Tennis anyone?

8.30pm: The weather has been the subject of many a news story in America this week – sadly for more serious reasons than merely delaying tennis matches.

But New York has seen some rain too this week with the new roof on Arthur Ashe keeping things moving.

However, conditions are perfect at Flushing Meadows today, with neither rain nor excessive heat likely to bother the players.

8pm: So it’s not the final many, perhaps any, expected. Rafael Nadal, two-time winner here, world No 1 and top seed, was always going to be in the mix and while his presence in the final is no surprise, Kevin Anderson’s is.

The big-serving South African, born just a few weeks before Nadal, reached the quarter-finals here two years ago and is in the form of his life, having demolished Pablo Carreno Busta in the semi-finals.

It’s an intriguing match-up – the bombastic server against the ultimate grinder – and one I can’t wait for.

By schedule, they should be on in about an hour but given how slovenly the Flushing Meadows organisers have been this year, I would expect a 9.20pm kick-off. Hit-off. Serve-off. Start.