US Open 2017: Anastasija Sevastova ends Maria Sharapova journey in the 4th round
New York: Maria Sharapova's Grand Slam return after a 15-month doping ban ended in defeat Sunday at the US Open but the former world number one considered it a major step in her comeback.
Latvian 16th seed Anastasija Sevastova rallied to eliminate the five-time Grand Slam champion 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, booking a quarter-final against American Sloane Stephens, who ousted Germany's Julia Goerges 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.
Sharapova, the 2006 US Open winner, was able to find the positives after making 51 unforced errors to to only 14 by Sevastova, whose 21 winners were half Sharapova's total.
"Reflecting back on the week, I can be happy," Sharapova said. "It has been a really great ride. Ultimately, I can take a lot from this week."
In the 30-year-old Russian's first Slam since she tested positive for the banned blood booster meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open, she ousted second-ranked Simona Halep in the first round and served notice her game remains formidable to any contender.
"She played unbelievable throughout the first and second set and I just kept fighting, running for every ball," Sevastova said. "I had to stay pumped up and run and make her work for every point.
"I was confident. I was feeling it. But still you have to beat her. She was playing one of the best matches here."
Sharapova returned from her suspension in April, was snubbed for a French Open wildcard and missed Wimbledon with a thigh injury but received a US Open wildcard despite only one hardcourt tuneup match due to a left forearm injury.
"It's great to get that major out of the way," Sharapova said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity. I did my best and I can be proud of that."
Sharapova, expected to jump from 146th to around the 100 mark in the world rankings, said a blistered right middle finger in the final set played no role in her defeat.
"I don't think I was as aggressive or stepping in as much as I did in the first set," Sharapova said. "I definitely took a few steps back a little bit and gave her the time to dictate play and get more balls back."
