Stephens battles Sevastova, and fly, at the US Open

By now Sloane Stephens might have already wrapped up both Comeback Player of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year through a scorching run in the US Open series. The 24-year-old American’s latest win was sealed in a third-set tiebreaker, and she’s into the semifinals to face veteran superstar Venus Williams.

Stephens was just trying to regain her footing and timing in July after nearly a year off with a foot injury, but she has returned somehow better than ever.

Her past month has produced one of the biggest ranking leaps in history.

The most impressive part of Stephens’ fine play has been her consistency and renewed patience. Her quarterfinal victory over Anastasija Sevastova was thanks to the difference on the big points.

And if the Stephens vs. Sevastova match seems like a toss up, perhaps it’s not a coincidence that both stars entered their showdown after defeating their opponents in identical fashion.

The American is the holder of this proud statistic in 2017.

Williams won her own third-set tiebreaker over Petra Kvitova on Tuesday night, and will face Stephens for just the second time in her lengthy career. Over two years ago, Stephens beat Williams on the French Open clay:

But the 37-year-old Williams has pretty much forgotten that match.

"I don't think I have ever played her. Did I?" she said. "Oh, I don't know. Regardless, whatever happens, I have to focus on what's happening on my side of the court. Make evaluations out there when I'm out there in terms of strategy and see what's working."

Even Stephens recognizes her dream journey so far. She’s going to give it her all against an aging legend who is carving out her own comeback story this season.

Stephens may seem unstoppable on court, but off of it, she's still human, as proven by her freakout over a fly in the pressroom.

Williams or Stephens? Something’s got to give, but American tennis is going to be the biggest winner.