US Open marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with semi-final tributes

The US Open commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Friday with moments of silence before both men's singles semi-finals and a ceremony ahead of the evening session. According to BBC Sport's Russell Fuller in New York, Arthur Ashe Stadium was illuminated in light blue from dusk until dawn, while American flags flew at half-mast.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2r4oP6JsgY

Before Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe took the court for their all-American semi-final, a large American flag was spread across the playing surface. Singer JoJo performed the national anthem as part of the commemorations. The tournament holds an anniversary ceremony whenever September 11 falls within its schedule, with Friday's programme incorporating tributes before both semi-finals.

The attacks in 2001 came just two days after that year's US Open had finished, with Lleyton Hewitt having won the men's singles championship. Former American player James Blake, who had exited in the second round, told the BBC he was in Augusta, Georgia, when the attacks happened. He had travelled there for testing after experiencing cramp during the tournament.

Blake's father was still working in New York, and overloaded mobile networks delayed confirmation that he was safe. With flights grounded, Blake hired a car to return from Augusta to Tampa, Florida, where he was living. His next tournament was in Hong Kong two weeks later, but he recalled being frightened when the time came to fly again.

The New York-born player, who later rose to world number four and reached two US Open quarter-finals, described the attacks as disrupting the sense of security surrounding life on the professional circuit. His account highlighted how restrictions on travel abruptly affected players accustomed to moving regularly between international tournaments.

Sporting schedules were also disrupted beyond tennis. Numerous domestic events were suspended, and the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in England was moved back by a year. Blake told the BBC that the subsequent resumption of competition helped the country recover. Reflecting on the US Open's annual observances, he said the tournament's international character and proximity to the anniversary made the occasion an opportunity for remembrance.