Stephens continues to make waves in the US Open, following a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Julia Georges in the fourth round. Stephens has made some loud noises in the tennis scene of late, having reached the semifinals of two previous tournaments. Although she failed to bag a title in either events, she’s done just enough for opponents feel at least some mild chills down their spines.
Stephens will next face Sevastova, whom the American hasn’t met before. While unfamiliar with her opponent, Stephens will look to impose her game on the Latvian. Stephens’ service game worked to her favor against Georges, as the 24-year-old American put 70 percent of his first serves in, and won 75 percent of those. Her second serves were just as impressive, winning 64 percent of her second serve points.
Stephens will also be feeding off her hard court momentum. She’s 7-1 in her last eight matches on the surface.
Sevastova’s fourth-round experience wasn’t as smooth as Stephens’, but she got the W nonetheless. Sevastova sent herself to the last-eight round thanks to a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 upset triumph over Maria Sharapova. While the match gave her first set loss in this tournament, Sevastova’s form shouldn’t be questioned heading into the quarters.
Sevastova now shifts her focus to Stephens, whose serves she should be very wary of. That said, Stephens should also sweat Sevastova’s return game. If Sevastova’s win over Sharapova was any indication, Stephens will really have to expect a trickier match this time around. Against Sharapova, Sevastova converted five of six break point opportunities, and won 42 percent of her return points.
Ranked 17th in the world, Sevastova has one title this year, having reigned supreme in Mallorca back in June.
Writer’s Prediction
Stephens (-175) rolls past Sevastova in three sets.
