Defending champion Sloane Stephens stays the course at US Open
Sloane Stephens produced another solid display to stay on course to successfully defend her US Open title.
The third seed proved too good for Elise Mertens as she secured a 6-3, 6-3 victory over the Belgian to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows.
Sealed with a forehand 🚀!@SloaneStephens blasts her way past Mertens 6-3, 6-3 to reach the QF…#USOpen pic.twitter.com/EJWYf152h9
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2018
Stephens broke a couple of times in the opening and three times in the second, although the 15th seeded Mertens did have the consolation of breaking the American once in each set.
Next up for Stephens is Anastasija Sevastova after the Latvian upset seventh seed Elina Svitolina from Ukraine 6-3, 1-6, 6-0.
“Obviously it won’t be easy,” Stephens said. “Quarter-finals of a Grand Slam is always really tough. A big opportunity for both of us. Being defending champion, being able to get to the quarter-finals again, is incredible.
“I’m just going to try to keep building on that and keep going.”
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
WimbledonExclusive – Tim Henman’s prediction as Serena Williams returns at Wimbledon
Williams will have to wait until Tuesday to play her first singles match in 12 months after she limped out of Wimbledon last year.
-
WimbledonExclusive – Emma Raducanu set for Centre Court debut John Lloyd makes bold Andy Murray prediction
Raduanu will make her Wimbledon Centre Court debut against Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck.
-
NewsPetra Kvitova sounds Wimbledon warning with Eastbourne title win
Kvitova controlled a one-sided encounter from the outset en route to triumphing 6-3 6-2.
-
NewsSerena Williams on working vacation at All England Club
The 40-year-old is playing in her first singles tournament for a year.
-
News‘Fearless’ Jodie Burrage wants to show what she can do at Wimbledon
The British number five, who has a flat in SW19, will break into the world’s top 150 on Monday.
-
NewsWimbledon’s Centre Court scheduling still skewed to favour men
The All England Club is celebrating 100 years of its main show court in 2022.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray pays tribute to motherly Sue Barker ahead of her final Wimbledon
Former World No 1 Andy Murray and…
-
WimbledonNick Kyrgios a ‘legit contender’ according to Special Ks partner
The other half of the Special Ks has put his tag team partner over.
-
WimbledonBeing an inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur
Being a role model and inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur.
-
Wimbledon
Jodie Burrage adding to the momentum behind Brits ahead of Wimbledon
Burrage’s journey, not only on grass courts but on tour as a whole, has not been smooth sailing.