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NEW YORK (AP) – Serena Williams advanced to the US Open round of 16 as the tournament suffered a new controversy after New York health officials ordered the women’s doubles pair to be withdrawn out of fear of the coronavirus.
Williams, who is chasing a record 24 Grand Slam titles, came out of a set down to defeat 2017 champion Sloane Stephens 2-6, 6-2, 6-2, in what she called an “intense” encounter. at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“In that first set I don’t think he made any mistakes, honestly. He was playing so clean and I just said, ‘I don’t want to lose in straight sets,'” Williams said.
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“It’s great that the players can see each other. It’s interesting, I like it,” said Williams, who will play 15th seed Maria Sakkari for a place in the quarterfinals.
Off the court, number one seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos were expelled from the women’s doubles competition after Mladenovic was instructed to quarantine for coming into contact with Benoit Paire, who tested positive for COVID- 19 last weekend.
“All persons who were identified as having prolonged close contact with the infected player will be quarantined in their rooms for the remainder of their quarantine period,” the United States Tennis Association said in a statement.
READ: Serena advances to US Open last 32, Murray falls
The USTA said local public health concerns had issued the quarantine notices, preventing players from traveling from their hotel to the USTA’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“The USTA is required to adhere to government guidance at the state, city and county level,” the agency said.
