The comeback continues.
Sloane Stephens extended her career-best run in Queens, and is now just two wins from her first Grand Slam title, following the young American’s quarterfinal U.S. Open win, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (4), over 16th-seeded Anastasija Sevastova, at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Stephens, one of four American women to reach the quarterfinals, became the first American women’s semifinalist — other than the Williams sisters — in 13 years.
“I’m getting teary-eyed,” Stephens said on the court after the match. “This is just incredible. When I started my comeback at Wimbledon I never could’ve imagined this happening.”
Stephens, who missed nearly a year on tour because of a foot injury, appeared headed for her second-career major semifinal after winning the first set. The 24-year-old was dominating play, and Sevastova even looked ready to quit, requiring multiple lengthy medical timeouts for her right leg.
Sevastova recovered, and Stephens struggled to recapture her early form. After losing the second set, Stephens went down a break early in the third, but twice stole back momentum by leveling the set, riding the enthusiasm of the increasingly intense crowd.
In the tiebreak, Stephens struck first, and built a 3-1 lead, but switched ends after losing two straight points. Unfazed, Stephens took a 6-4 lead, and closes one of the biggest matches of her career with a beautiful backhand up the line.
Stephens will face the winner of ninth-seeded Venus Williams and 13th-seeded Petra Kvitova, with Americans Madison Keys and Coco Vandeweghe also looking to reach the semifinals.
“I’m hoping we can make it four,” Stephens said. “How awesome would that be?”
At the very least there will be one American with an incredible, career-altering opportunity.


