Hello and welcome to LIVE updates of the men's US Open semi final between world number one, Novak Djokovic and French maverick, Gael Monfils. The players are due on Arthur Ashe stadium court from 8pm BST.

Indeed!

Stats...

DJOKOVIC 5-0 MONFILS. Novak so comfortable out there. At 30-15 he tries an audacious, sliced dropshot from deep that comes up just short. He shrugs and re-focuses for the next two points to back up the double break. Just 16 minutes in and Monfils is on the verge of dropping the opening set.

BREAK! - DJOKOVIC 4-0 MONFILS. This is bordering on a disaster for Monfils. He double faults again and finds himself 15-40 down. An ace helps him make it to deuce, but Nole grabs a third opportunity and it's deja vu as a double fault hands him the double break.

Would have thought it would be Gael looking for reasons for his poor start....

DJOKOVIC 3-0 MONFILS. Eight minutes gone and it's a bit of a disaster for Gael. Novak saunters to a love hold to consolidate and give the Frenchman much food for thought.

BREAK! - DJOKOVIC 2-0 MONFILS. Nerves, nerves, nerves! La Monf looks in control but the errors creep in from 30-30 and he offers up BP. Djoker's mere presence and the stature of the occasion seem to have got into Monfils' mind and he double faults to gift the world number one the early break.

DJOKOVIC 1-0 MONFILS. A nice taster to whet the appetite. Monfils unloads a devastating crosscourt forehand to move 15-30 up, illustrating just how well he is playing right now. Nole responds and moves ahead with a delicate drop volley. A whipped forehand into the right corner is then called out, but the Serb wins the challenge and gets through with a hold to 30.

Here we go, Djoker to serve....

Monfils wins the toss and opts to receive. Time for a quick photo and that's it, the pre-match pleasantries are out of the way and it's time for the warm up.

Is Djoker well rested or could he be rusty? The Serbinator has played only six sets in his last four scheduled matches, sailing into the final four without being given a real test. Asked about his unusual progress, he said: "Whatever happened is behind us. Now it's the semi finals and I look forward to it." And on the subject of the danger Monfils may pose, he added: "He's one of the best athletes around. He moves great and gets a lot of balls back. Obviously he's very motivated to get to his first grand slam final, so it's going to be a good battle."

Monfils asked how he can beat Djoker as he makes his way onto court. His response is simple: 'Play my game and be solid.'

Monfils is hoping to pull off a surprise and secure a first Grand Slam final appearance. He has featured in a semi final once before, back in 2008 at the French Open.

Detailed analysis from the coach...

HEAD-TO-HEAD: This will be the 13th meeting between the two players. Djokovic has won on the previous 12 occasions, including a 6-3 6-2 success in the semi finals of the Masters 1000 in Canada earlier this year. Monfils has beaten Djokovic, but it was way back in 2004 in an Italy F4 futures clash.