Six-time U.S. Open champion Serena Williams overcame her early struggles to defeat 2017 winner Sloane Stephens in three sets, 2–6, 6–2, 6–2 on Saturday to advance to the second week at the U.S. Open.
Stephens, 27, opened the third-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium appearing as the smoother competitor after she took the first break 2–1. Williams bounced back and saved double break point to hold serve but continued to look sluggish with Stephens ahead 3–2. The 38-year-old's struggles to keep up in the rallies continued, allowing Stephens to take the first set.
However, Williams found her rhythm early in the second set and delivered her second hold with an ace to take a 2–1 lead.