Anastasija Sevastova is now in unknown territory. With a 6-4, 7-5 win Sunday over Johanna Konta, the 13th seed, she is now in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, farther than she has ever been in a Grand Slam.
"I still cannot believe it," Sevastova said. "Mentally I'm spent. Totally spent. But it's amazing."
Sevastova bowed out of tennis in 2013 with back injuries and muscle issues and returned in 2015. The Latvian is ranked 48th in the world, an accomplishment in itself. This was her second victory at Ashe Stadium, having taken No. 3 seed Garbine Muguruza there. And that's likely where she will play her quarterfinal against Caroline Wozniacki.
"I think I'm playing better in my second career," Sevastova said. "I'm handling pressure sometimes better than before. It's always thought to finish the match, but I think I'm handling it better."
