World No.18 Anastasija Sevastova has become the first Latvian player in history to reach the semi-finals of the US Open after knocking out defending champion Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-3.
The 28-year-old stunned the world No.4 with a mixture of powerful hitting and carefully crafted drop shots to upset the rhythm of her opponent. Who hit a total of 28 unforced errors throughout the match. Meanwhile, Stephens appeared to be out of sorts at times as she struggled with the timing of her movement.
“I think it was a very physical (match). It was tough to play, so hot in here (the Arthur Ashe stadium).” Sevastova said during her on-court interview with ESPN. “I think that it was very important that I won the first set and I just kept fighting.”
“I showed some nerves towards the end, but that was normal. It was for a place in the semifinals of the US Open.”
The first set was a case of missed opportunities for the 2017 champion, who defeated the Latvian at the same stage of the tournament 12 months ago. Stephens had seven break point chances, including four during a marathon 11-minute Sevastova service game, but failed to convert all of them. In contrast, the 19th seed capitalized on both of her chances. Breaking for a 3-1 lead with the help of a costly drop shot mistake from Stephens. Then when leading 5-2, she broke once again with the help of a forehand winner to clinch the opening set.
Continuing to attack a rapidly faltering Stephens, Sevastova broke once again at the start of set number two. To the delight of the American audience, Stephens did briefly fight back to cancel out the break. Although it was not enough to tame Sevastova’s momentum as she stormed to a set and 4-1 lead.
Nearing towards the victory, Sevatova’s biggest test was herself. Releasing bursts of anger as she openly expressed her frustrations towards her coach in the crowd. Her mood deteriorated further when a nerve-stricken service game resulted in Stephens break back to reduce her lead to 4-3. Nevertheless, she managed to weather the storm against her lacklustre opponent as she claimed the victory on her third match point. Benefiting from a Stephens shot slamming into the net.
The triumph is a case of sweet revenge for the Latvian. Last month she could only win four games against Stephens during their clash at the Rogers Club in Montreal. Their head-to-head is now tied at 2-2.
“I didn’t play very good in Montreal, she played amazing. So I knew it would be a different match today.” Sevastova explained.
“I have been feeling good here (in New York) in my previous matches. Stick to my game plan, moving well and take my chances.”
In the semifinals, Sevastova will take on either Karolina Pliskova or Serena Williams. She has a 2-1 record against Pliskova, but is yet to play Williams on the tour.
