The youngest of the Williams sisters, ranked 8th in the WTA, recovered from a difficult first set to finally clinch a 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Stephens, 39th in the world.
In the first run, I don’t think she made a single mistake. His game was perfect. But I didn’t want to lose in two rounds
, Williams said.
It was very intense. I have to be physically at the top to play against Sloane.
The finalist in New York the last two years, in search since January 2017 of a 24th grand slam title, which would allow her to equal the record of the Australian Margaret Court, will cross the racket with the Greek Maria Sakkari (no 15 ) in the fourth round.
Sakkari had no difficulty securing his pass to the round of 16. The 22nd-place holder in the women’s standings easily defeated American Amanda Anisimova (No. 22) in two sets of 6-3, 6-1.
You know, Serena, it’s Serena. You have to play really good tennis or you don’t stand a chance against her.
Sakkari said.
Last week, the Greek had indicated the exit door to the American in the round of 16 of the Cincinnati tournament, exceptionally played in Flushing Meadows, not in Ohio, because of the health crisis.
Williams has been in action every time in the second week of activities in New York since 1999 when she entered the tournament. She stood out for her absence during the 2003, 2010 and 2017 editions.
Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos excluded
The sixth day of the tournament was once again marked by a health issue, with the ban on Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic from leaving her hotel room to play her second round match in doubles.
The duo that she forms with the Hungarian Timea Babos was therefore excluded from the tournament
, announced the American Tennis Federation (USTA). The favorites in the women’s doubles had to do battle with the Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski and the American Alison Riske.
Public health officials in Nassau County, New York, have issued quarantine advisories for anyone who has been in prolonged close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
, she explained in a statement.
As the players reside in Nassau County, quarantine notices prevent these people from going to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York
, I continued l’USTA.
