US Open 2017: Maria Sharapova comeback grinds to halt as she falls to Anastasija Sevastova
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ByEurosport
Updated 04/09/2017 at 02:39 GMT
Maria Sharapova's eye-catching run at the US Open ended on Sunday night when she fell 5-7 6-4 6-2 to Anastasija Sevastova in the fourth round.
Maria Sharapova, US Open, 2017
Image credit: Getty Images
Former world number one Sharapova moved a step closer to the second week at Flushing Meadows after edging a close first set, but 16th seed Sevastova responded in style to reach her second consecutive quarter-final in New York.
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Sevastova shows what it means to beat Sharapova
It was ultimately an error-strewn performance from Sharapova, as though she hit 42 winners to Sevastova's 21, a staggering total of 51 unforced errors flew off the Russian's racquet in comparison to the Latvian's 14.
"It's been a really great ride in the last week," said Sharapova. "Obviously coming off a loss it's a quick turnaround in order to reflect all the positives that happened in the last eight or nine days.
But ultimately I can take a lot from this week. It's great to get that major out of the way. I'm very thankful for the opportunity. I did my best. I can be proud of that.
The reward for Sevastova’s battling performance is a quarter-final clash against world number 83 Sloane Stephens, with the American reaching her first ever US Open quarter-final after beating Julia Goerges in three sets.
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Sevastova: I'm pretty empty after the match!
It was advantage Sharapova in the first set after breaking in the fourth game, but Sevastova responded to take it back on serve soon after.
However, with the set seemingly heading for a tie-break, Sharapova converted just her second break-point opportunity to clinch it 7-5.
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Studio analysis: Croft breaks down Sharapova defeat
The five-time Grand Slam champion looked to take that momentum into the next set, but after failing to convert a break point in the second game, she went on to drop her next service game.
Sevastova continued to stay ahead, while Sharapova was forced to improvise by switching hands twice in one rally to close out her own serve at 4-3.
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Sharapova switches hands twice while winning epic point with Sevastova
The 2006 winner missed two break-back opportunities in the eighth game, and she was made to pay for those missed opportunities when Sevastova closed out the set two games later.
The decider swung firmly in Sevastova’s favour as she won 14 of the first 15 points to break Sharapova twice and lead 3-0.
Sharapova was handed a lifeline with one break back a game later, but Sevastova broke again to lead 5-2 and find herself serving for the match.
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US Open 2017 highlights: Sharapova beaten by Sevastova
Two match points came and went – with Sharapova saving the second thanks to a stunning return – and after missing out on the third opportunity, it was fourth time lucky for Sevastova, who now faces home favourite Stephens in the last eight.
"I think there are a lot of positives, playing four matches, playing in front of a big crowd and fans," said Sharapova. "Just competing, you know, being in that competitive environment. That's what I missed.
You can't replicate that anywhere, especially at a grand slam. I think the competitiveness and the desire and the love for what I have, I mean, I think there are a lot of things that can be taught in tennis, but maybe those things just have to come from within.
Womens's fourth-round results:
- 16-Anastasija Sevastova (Latvia) beat Maria Sharapova (Russia) 5-7 6-4 6-2
- 9-Venus Williams (U.S.) beat Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) 6-3 3-6 6-1
- Sloane Stephens (U.S.) beat 30-Julia Goerges (Germany) 6-3 3-6 6-1
- 13-Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) beat 3-Garbine Muguruza (Spain) 7-6(3) 6-3
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