Sevastova stuns Stephens as another big name falls at Flushing Meadows

Defending champion Sloane Stephens became the latest big name to fall at the US Open.

In stiflingly hot conditions, the American went down 6-2 6-3 to Latvian Anastasija Sevastova, who is through to her first grand slam semi-final.

Sevastova said: “It was very physical today, it was tough to play, it’s so hot. The first set was very important and I just kept fighting. We showed some nerves in the end but it’s normal. I’m so happy.”

The 28-year-old retired in 2013 after a succession of injuries drained her motivation. She spent two years studying leisure management but returned to tennis once she felt fully healthy.

She has had her best results in her second career, particularly in New York, where she has now reached the quarter-finals twice and the semifinals once in the last three years.

Sevastova said: “It was an amazing journey, this three, four years. Right now you’re in the tournament, you’re playing next tournament next week, and you don’t feel it.

“But in the end it’s amazing, yes? You can’t believe. So, after I stop, at some point I will look at it and I will be proud of myself, for sure.

Maria Sharapova’s longunbeaten record in night session matches at Flushing Meadows was ended in the fourth round by Carla Suarez Navarro.

Sharapova, pictured, the champion in 2006, had won 23 straight matches under the lights, including her previous three contests this year, but Suarez Navarro, on her 30th birthday, clinched a 6-4 6-3 victory to reach her second quarter-final in New York.

It was well deserved for the Spanish 30th seed, who next plays Madison Keys, as she drew the errors from the Sharapova racket – 38 of them unforced.