Sevastova beats Sharapova, into US Open quarters again

For the second straight year, Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova had advanced to the US Open quarterfinals.

This year, her progression was made possible with victory over returning star Maria Sharapova, the Russian playing her first Grand Slam tournament in more than 18 months following a doping ban.

Sevastova completed the 5-7 6-4 6-2 win in two hours, 16 minutes, ending Sharapova’s eye-catching, controversial campaign at the tournament.

“It’s been a really great ride,” Sharapova said. “Ultimately, I can take a lot from this week. It’s great to get that major out of the way. It was an incredible opportunity. I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”

Sevastova’s victory sets up a clash with American Sloane Stephens, who reached her first US Open quarterfinal thanks to a three-set win over 30th seed Julia Goerges.

It was Sevastova’s variety and tidy game – she finished with 21 winners to 14 unforced errors – that proved the difference against an error-prone Sharapova, who misfired 51 times.

“I only have great memories here. It helped me a lot because I knew I could play well here. So I came pretty confident,” said Sevastova, who beat then reigning Roland Garros champion Garbine Muguruza en route to last year’s quarterfinals.

“She played unbelieveable, but I kept fighting, running down every ball and I stayed there with her. Of course, emotions are very high in the end, and it’s difficult to close at 5-2.”

Sharapova lamented her lack of match toughness following the defeat.

Prior to the tournament, she’d played just one competitive match since May, a first-round win in Stanford prior to his withdrawal from that event.

Hip and left forearm injuries have plagued her, forcing her to skip the entire grasscourt season and most of the US hardcourt swing.

“I allowed the match to become physical,” she said.

“Three-set matches are challenging. I love being part of them. There’s an element of concentration, focus, physicality that goes into all of it. And you have to put it all together. You just have to get through it.

“There’s no doubt that not playing those matches certainly cost me today. I did feel like I was thinking a little bit too much and not playing by instinct.”