NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dan Evans came through a punishing four-hour contest to triumph over Alexei Popyrin in a five-setter on Friday but the Briton had more than one Australian to contend with, comparing a chatty fan courtside to their test cricket captain Tim Paine.

Evans came from behind to beat Popyrin 4-6 3-6 6-3 6-4 7-6(1) in a thrilling third round contest that had the crowd going wild at Court 17.