US Open 2020 - Serena Williams survives scare against Sloane Stephens as quest continues

ByCarrie Dunn

Updated 05/09/2020 at 20:16 GMT

The 23-time Grand Slam champion will be in the fourth round after coming back from a set down to beat the 2017 winner.

Serena Williams survived a first-set scare against compatriot Sloane Stephens to move into the US Open fourth round, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.

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The 23-time Grand Slam champion began slowly and sluggishly, and the 2017 winner outhit and outran her.

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But Williams improved her serving massively in the second set, increasing the percentage of points won on her first serve.

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And her daughter Olympia was looking on as she won the decider, breaking the Stephens serve to 15 in the final game.

"I forgot she was coming out! I hope she saw her momma fighting...I don't think she was paying attention!" Serena laughed afterwards.

Turning her analysis to the match, she said: "It was intense, I have to say. We always have some really incredible matches, and it brings out the best in my fitness when I play Sloane."

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