Scrappy Serestova Throws Stephens for a Little Latvian Lupie Loop

There will be a new women's singles champion at the US Open.

For the second year in a row, rarely heralded Anastasija Sevastova has ousted a big brand.

This time, it was defending titlist Sloane Stephens in short order, 6-2 6-3. In so doing, dudette become the first Latvian ever to make a Slam semi-final.

If she keeps this up, Sevastova could pull a few more of her fellow citizens outta the hockey rinks and onto the courts.

 

This ws actually Sevastova's third consecutive trip to the US Open quarters. She surprised tech-savvy Garbiñe Muguruza in straight sets back in 2016.

Other than that, it's been slim pickings for the unpretentius Latvian. But New York is hers again:

 

Serestova is a well-rounded player who's proficient in all tactics but not necessarily consistent with them. It's usually her backhand that sends her on a run, helped considerably by a serve that's reached 110mph/177kmh.

She'll need to be at her best with those and more in the semis. A revitalized Serena Williams is waiting.

But for now, good times.