In the third round of the US Open 2018, the women’s competition between defending champions Sloane Stephens and Viktoria Azarenka was a thrilling one. Last year’s winner won 6:3 and 6:4 and is now in the round of 16.
This clearly looks like last year’s title that Sloane Stephens will play at the US Open. In the third round against a dangerous Viktoria Azarenka, the 25-year-old kept the upper hand.
In front of her home crowd, the local heroine got off to an early break against a strong Azarenka. With the 2:1 lead in his back, Stephens could not resist the first round and, above all, remained confident in his own service. “Vika” on the other side should only get a break chance to compensate, which she could not use.
As usual, Stephens acted strongly from the baseline and always used her strong forehand dangerously. With self-confidence the defending champion stuck to the baseline and took the necessary time to build her opponent’s game. A schedule that should also lead to success in round two.
In set two, the US player started for the early knockout and took a 3-1 lead with another break. However, the alleged preliminary decision should not last long and Azarenka replied with an immediate re-break. This gave the Belarussian player a boost and Azarenka was rewarded with another break for 4:3.
After the onset of rain, the game continued in the middle of the second set with the roof closed. Stephens could use the short break for regeneration and Azarenka took the serve for 4:4 compensation.
After a successful service play Stephens increased once more and put Azarenka under strong pressure. She could not withstand the 25-year-old’s attacks and had to take the decisive break after 1’48”. Stephens used her first match point for a deserved two-set success.