Novak Djokovic vs Juan Martin del Potro, US Open final as it happened: Serbian favourite wins 14th Grand Slam

Follow game-by-game coverage of the New York final

Serena Williams says she is sticking up for women's rights following a heated Umpire Exchange at the US Open

Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro meet for the first time in a Grand Slam final as they contest the men’s US Open singles title.

Both are former winners at Flushing Meadows but the occasion is all the bigger for the Argentine, who is making his second only appearance in the US Open final – nine years on from that memorable win over Roger Federer.

Djokovic, as the reigning Wimbledon champion and a 13-time Grand Slam winner, heads into the match as the favourite but Del Potro holds all the qualities needed to pull off a surprise shock in this year’s final.

Follow our game-by-game coverage below:

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What time does it start?

The final gets underway at 4pm local time, which is 9pm BST.

How can I watch it?

You’ll have to subscribe to Amazon Prime to watch the final after the internet giant bought exclusive rights to the tournament earlier this year. Alternatively, follow updates from the live blog above!

[9 September 2018 20:42 · Jack Austin]

Good evening and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the men's US Open final at Flushing Meadows!

After the drama of yesterday when Naomi Osaka's maiden Grand Slam victory was overshadowed by claims of sexism by Serena Williams against the chair umpire, will we see a little less controversy tonight? 

It's Novak Djokovic vs Juan Martin del Potro and they are due on court in about 20 minutes to contest the final Grand Slam of the year.

[9 September 2018 20:45 · Jack Austin]

Before we start on today, here is Jonathan Liew's brilliant take on what happened between umpire Carlos Ramos and Serena Williams which overshadowed a dominant display by Naomi Osaka.

[9 September 2018 20:52 · Jack Austin]

But now let's look ahead to tonight's final between Djokovic and Del Potro. Two men united by respect and pain - could we be in for a classic in New York this evening?

Here's Paul Newman's big-match preview:

[9 September 2018 21:01 · Jack Austin]

Less than five minutes to go now at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Del Potro has not won a Grand Slam for nine years, when he triumphed on this very court in 2009 - his only Slam to date.

Injuries have ravaged his career since then - will tonight be a night of redemption? Or will Djokovic claim Slam number 14?

[9 September 2018 21:06 · Jack Austin]

It's time for the opening ceremony of the men's US Open final as America the Beautiful is being played on Arthur Ashe.

[9 September 2018 21:13 · Jack Austin]

A little late starting, they players were due on court 10 minutes ago, but here they come. On US coverage, they give a short pre-match interview which is probably the last thing either man wants to do but fair play, they are doing it. 

And now they're finally making their way onto court. First up, Serbia's Novak Djokovic and then Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, who incidentally gets the bigger cheer. The underdog looks set to have the crowd tonight.

[9 September 2018 21:20 · Jack Austin]

Incidentally, outside the cover of the roof on Arthur Ashe, it is New York showers. Thank goodness they decided to finally build a roof here!

[9 September 2018 21:22 · Jack Austin]

Here we go then! Djokovic to serve...

[9 September 2018 21:26 · Jack Austin]

Djokovic 1-0 Del Potro*

The women's final yesterday started with Serena looking shaky but no such problems for Djokovic opening the final on serve. A couple of wayward shots from Del Potro and the Serbian holds serve.

[9 September 2018 21:29 · Jack Austin]

Djokovic* 1-1 Del Potro

Like Djokovic, Del Potro has no issues holding his serve either. Both men are just trying to suss each other out, find out their game plans.