Sloane STEPHENS stamps authority over Leylah FERNANDEZ to advances in Charleston Open

Sloane Stephens (No. 40) defeated Leylah Fernandez (No. 24) 6-4, 6-4, advancing to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Charleston Open. The 2018 US Open champion came into the match after a dominant performance against Magdalena Frech (6-0, 6-2), while the Canadian was making her debut, having received a bye in the first round as the 14th seed.

The first set began in favor of Stephens, who claimed the early lead. However, Fernandez fought back in the sixth game to level the score. With the score tied at 4-4, the Canadian gave up a single break point, which proved to be enough for Stephens to secure the break and then close out the set 6-4 on her serve.

Both players had a first serve percentage of over 60%, although Fernandez's effectiveness was only 48%, compared to Stephens' 67%, as the American was more aggressive in her returns.

The second set saw Fernandez's service games being fiercely contested, especially the first two, which totaled 34 points. Stephens had three break points but failed to capitalize on them.

Meanwhile, the American easily held her own service games with an excellent 82% first serve percentage, winning 70% and 80% on her first and second serves, respectively. Fernandez had a 62% first serve percentage, winning 55% on her first serve and 55% on her second.

Stephens' persistence in her returns paid off in the seventh game when she finally secured the crucial break. The advantage became insurmountable for Fernandez, who never had good opportunities against the powerful serve of the former world No. 3.

Stephens clinched the victory 6-4, 6-4 and will face the recent Miami Open champion Danielle Collins, who continues her hot streak after defeating the second seed Ons Jabeur 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.