Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova crashes out of US Open after losing to Latvian star Anastasija Sevastova
The 30-year-old was competing in her first Grand Slam since returning from her drugs ban, but lost 5-7 6-4 6-2 to the 16th seed at Flushing Meadows
MARIA SHARAPOVA last night crashed out of the US Open - after losing in three sets to Anastasija Sevastova.
The Russian was bidding to make the second week of her first Grand Slam since returning from a drugs ban.
But she ran out of steam as her 16th seed opponent came through 5-7 6-4 6-2.
Former world No1 Sharapova had been granted a wild card to compete in the main draw at Flushing Meadows.
And she had impressed in the early rounds including knockout out second seed Simona Halep.
But after winning the first set against Sevastova, the 30-year-old’s consistency let her down with a massive 51 unforced errors.
Latvian Sevastova will now meet Sloane Stephens in the quarter-finals after winning on her fourth match point.
She said: “It was an amazing atmosphere, every time. It makes it fun to play here.
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“The first set was very close, it could have gone either way.
"She played unbelievable throughout the first and second set and I just kept fighting, running every ball, and just stayed there.
"I wanted to close it so much.
“Sloane has had a great summer, she’s playing so well, so I hope it’s going to be on Ashe and I hope we’re going to put on a show!”