Sloane Stephens in dominant mood as she joins strong Montreal semi-finals line-up

Michael Graham
Sloane Stephens looks on
Sloane Stephens looks on

US Open champion Sloane Stephens dominated Anastasija Sevastova to book her place in a strong Rogers Cup semi-final line-up.

The world number three was in fine form, romping to a 6-2 6-2 win, but she has dismissed suggestions she is peaking too early in the WTA Tour competition.

“When you’re playing good matches in big tournaments like this, I don’t think it’s peaking too soon,” she said.

“It’s just getting confidence and playing good tennis. Leading up to the U.S. Open, obviously last year it worked pretty well.”

She’ll face Elina Svitolina in the last four, who beat Elise Mertens 7-5 6-3 in her quarter-final.

“At this point when it gets to the semifinals of a tournament, everyone is good,” Stephens added

“Everyone’s ranking is high. You just got to go out and compete.”

World number one Simona Halep is also into her fourth straight Canadian Open semi-final after overcoming Caroline Garcia 7-5 6-1.

“The first set was really tough,” Halep said. “I just didn’t give up at all in the first set. After I took it, I felt more confident.

“I felt that I’m moving better, I’m playing better, stronger. [Garcia] went a little bit down with energy after she lost that set.”

She will meet Aussie Ashleigh Barty, who ousted giant-killer Kiki Bertens in straight sets 6-3, 6-1.

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