The Latest: Defending Open champ Stephens gets past Azarenka
NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the U.S. Open tennis tournament (all times local):
2:10 p.m.
Defending U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens grabbed the last three games after a brief break while the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof was shut because of a light rain and beat two-time runner-up Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round.
Stephens had gone from leading 3-1 to trailing 4-3 in the second set when drops fell and the decision was made to close the arena.
When Stephens ended the match with a cross-court forehand winner, she pumped both arms repeatedly. After shaking hands with Azarenka, Stephens again celebrated that way.
The No. 3 seed Stephens will face No. 15 Elise Mertens next.
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1:50 p.m.