John Isner plays Mikhail Youzhny in the night session at the US Open this evening.

You can bet live in-play on the US Open at bet365

This is where is started to happen for Isner last year, he took out Andy Roddick at this stage in five thrilling sets before going down to Fernando Verdasco in the fourth round. Nonetheless it set Isner up for an assault on the top 20 this year and he's gone on to win a title in Auckland and make three more finals.

However like compatriot Sam Querrey, Isner is still awaiting his big breakthrough at a major, the last 16 is as far as he's got so far. With the American hopes falling thick and fast there will be a lot of expectation on Isner to fulfil the fan's desires for a home contender.

He's had it fairly easy up to this stage – neither Federico Gil or Marco Chiudinelli looked like realistic threats on paper. Youzhny is a different kettle of fish. The Russian made the semis in New York four years ago, beating Rafael Nadal along the way and he was a grand slam quarter-finalist at the French Open earlier this year.

However along he's made fairly easy work of reaching the third round, Youzhny did not have a good summer on the hard courts, losing early in Toronto and Cincinnati. Although he has the power to hit through Isner from the back of the court, crucially he may struggle to deal with his serve particularly when it kicks up high to his single-handed backhand.

Youzhny won 6-7, 6-1, 6-3 when they played in Canada last summer but in front of partisan American crowd, things could well be different.      

You can watch ATP Tour tennis live for free at bet365. To watch, simply follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Go to bet365 and sign-up or register (it's free)
2. Click on Sports > Live Streaming > Tennis
3. Watch ATP Tour tennis for free