US Open: Defending Champion Sloane Stephens Ousted

Sloane Stephens entered the 2018 US Open as the defending champion in women’s singles. She falters, however, in the quarterfinals.

American tennis star Sloane Stephens was a massive favorite on the women’s singles side at this year’s US Open. She entered the grand slam at Flushing Meadows as the defending champion and third seed in the women’s draw. She meets her match, however, in Latvian tennis player Anastasija Sevastova during the quarterfinals.

Defeating Stephens in straight sets, Sevastova cruises to a seemingly dominate victory. She takes the quarterfinals meeting 6-2 6-3.

The quarterfinals victory over Stephens sets Sevastova up for another historic meeting. Taking on American tennis legend Serena Williams next, the Latvian will need to keep up her newfound momentum. Williams is somewhat of an underdog this year, not having played much on the WTA Tour since becoming a new mother. She is a six-time champion in women’s singles at the US Open though. And, as Williams has shown in recent tournaments, a little time off does not necessarily matter. She ought to be considered the favorite in their upcoming semifinals match.

Elsewhere at the US Open, Madison Keys takes on Carla Suarez Navarro in the quarterfinals. Lesia Tsurenko also takes on Naomi Osaka.

On the men’s singles side of the draw, Roger Federer has seen a highly unexpected upset at the hands of Australian tennis player John Millman. The 29-year-old Millman reaches his first career quarterfinals at the US Open. He faces Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic next at the grand slam. Stay tuned to see how the women’s and men’s sides of the field unfold as we near the finals rounds of action. Check back for updates throughout the rest of the week as the 2018 US Open unfolds. Sevastova and Williams face off in the semifinals on Thursday at Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows.