A rematch with a twist
Marta Kostyuk's US Open match against Sloane Stephens on Wednesday came full circle. Fifteen days earlier, Kostyuk had beaten Stephens 7-5, 7-5 in Cincinnati. This time, she won 6-1, 7-5, but not without drama: she lost a 4-2 lead in the second set, saved a set point, and then won the final three games.[S1]
The pair had met before at Flushing Meadows. Kostyuk recalled that as a junior, she won the doubles title on the same day Stephens won the women's singles title, and they took a picture together in the players' lounge. She joked she might post that photo to honor the match.[S1]
Stats and grit
Kostyuk served eight aces and hit 30 winners, 20 more than Stephens. She saved a set point with an unreturnable serve and later denied Stephens a game point at 5-5. The win brings her to 34 match victories on the WTA Tour this year.[S1]
Kostyuk admitted to feeling nervous, knowing Stephens would try to change something. She acknowledged the different stakes of a Grand Slam, but her recent win gave her confidence. The match showcased her resilience under pressure.[S1]
