Russian qualifier Anna Kalinskaya defeated 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens in straight sets at the Arthur Ashe stadium on Wednesday.
Kalinskaya, who is playing her first grand slam, secured the biggest win of her career with a 6-3 6-4 win over the 11th seeded Stephens to progress to the next round.
Stephens said that the Russian never let her in the game and did a good job.
“I was playing one good point, one bad point, one good point. The inconsistency doesn't help me at all,” said Stephens. “She did a good job just staying there, keep fighting. She never really let me in. Kudos to her. She executed her game style really well.”
“I’m very happy with my win,” said 20-year-old Kalinskaya after the match. “I’m very happy that I played on this court and I really enjoyed the atmosphere being there.”
“That’s what I practice for: to play against big players on the big courts. I think that’s what every player practices for.”
Stephens recently reunited with longtime coach Kamau Murray in the hopes to rejuvenate her game in the current season.
Kalinskaya has won one doubles title on the WTA Tour. In the ITF Women's Circuit, she has lifted seven singles and nine doubles titles.
The Russian will now face American wildcard Krisite Ahn, who beat 2004 US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova to progress to the second round.
