After a premature retirement due to ongoing injuries, Anastasija Sevastova’s career – Part II – is flourishing.
On Thursday, the Latvian No.7 seed easily accounted for unseeded Serb Aleksandra Krunic to reach the semifinals of the Brisbane International with a 6-2, 6-4 result.
The world No.15 has sounded her 2018 intentions early. She has not gone close to dropping a set in her opening three matches – over Sam Stosur, Sorana Cirstea and now Krunic.
“I think today I got lucky winning in two sets. My serve saved me again,” Sevastova said. “But mentally, it could have been better.”
The run continues a steady rise from the 27-year-old. She won her first title in seven years on grass in Mallorca last year and went on to reach a second straight US Open quarterfinal.
A fifth career final beckons. She will start a heavy favourite against Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich for a place in Saturday night’s final.
“I practised with her a couple of times, but I know her pretty well,” Sevastova said. “We were talking outside of the court, but I haven’t seen any matches here.
“She’s solid. I think she’s on fire here. You have to win six matches in one tournament. It’s tough. It’s almost like [winning] a tournament.”