Serena Williams is through to the US Open 2018 quarterfinals after a 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 win against Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi on Sunday night. The match with Kanepi, who previously eliminated No.1 Simona Halep, proved to be the first real challenge for Williams since she dropped her first set on the tournament. Still, the 36-year-old looked comfortable under pressure and showed why she is considered one of the favorites to go all the way.
“It wasn’t an easy match at all. She obviously knows how to play,” – said Williams, who won the US Open on six previous occasions. “I was just happy to get through it.“
Serena Williams will meet eight seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova in the next stage of the US Open 2018. Pliskova previously had an easy task against Ashleigh Barty, beating the Australian 6-4, 6-4.
Sloane Stephens joins Williams in the quarterfinals. The 25-year-old, who won US Open in 2017, advances after a 6-3, 6-3 win over Belgium’s Elise Mertens. Stephens efficiently dealt with Mertens, demonstrating a versatile playing style and ability to improvise.
In the US Open 2018 quarterfinals, Stephens will play against Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova, the same player she faced in the quarterfinals of the last year’s tournament. Two women were engaged in a nail-biting third set tie-breaker in 2017, so there is a good chance that we will witness another great match.
