The rise of a late-blooming player is always an impressive, feel-good story. But in the case of Anastasija Sevastova, it's quite an unlikely one.
The Latvian, at age 27 and 11 years after turning pro, is one of the newest members of the Top 20. Less than three years ago, she wasn't even playing, having stepped away from tennis for almost two entire seasons, as persistent back trouble became too much to endure.
But returning healed and with an impressive comeback season in 2015 under her belt, Sevastova enjoyed a Grand Slam breakthrough last year at the US Open when she stunned reigning Roland Garros champion Garbiñe Muguruza under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, eventually progressing to the quarterfinals.
She carried that momentum through to 2017, reaching semifinals at Premier events in Dubai and Madrid and winning her first WTA title in seven years on the grass courts of Mallorca.
Having risen to a career-high ranking of No. 16, Sevastova – who possesses delightful variation and versatility in her game – sits in 14th place in the Race to Singapore, proof of her stellar season to date. Another strong run at Flushing Meadows could push her even higher.
She recently spoke with USOpen.org.
USOpen.org: What's the adjustment been like to see yourself as a Top 20 player and the top seed at tournaments?
Anastasija Sevastova: Well, for sure, it's tough. From one side, it's nice to be seeded at a tournament and be Top 20, but from the other side, you have more to lose, maybe, and everybody wants to beat you. But I'm still happy with my season.
USOpen.org: Does it make it extra special to achieve what you have, given you retired from the sport after suffering so many physical problems?
Sevastova: I think it's a little bit stupid question to ask that (smiling). For sure, it's special to be as high as I am right now. It's my highest ranking, and to start from nothing in 2015 and then come up that high, of course, it's very special.
USOpen.org: How excited are you to return to the US Open, where last year you had your best Grand Slam result? And how are you feeling about your chances there for this year?
Sevastova: I'm very excited about US Open. It's my favorite tournament. It was amazing atmosphere last year, and I hope I can achieve something there. But you never know. Women's tennis is so strong. My chances there? It depends if you get a good draw and some openings, you always have a chance, as you can see with [what happened at] Roland Garros and Wimbledon. They were unpredictable winners maybe, as you can see. But anyway, it's tough. The first rounds are always tough at a Grand Slam, so we'll see.
USOpen.org: Everyone talks about how high the level in women's tennis is right now and how anyone can beat anyone. You've been on tour since 2006. What is your view on how much the level has improved in that time?
Sevastova: Everybody plays much faster than 2006 and 2007. The girls are fitter, there are no easy points. I mean, you have to play for every point. You have to serve better because they're returning bombs here and there (laughter). So it's tough. It's much faster, much more physical.
USOpen.org: In addition to your success, Jelena Ostapenko won at Roland Garros and Ernests Gulbis reached the third round at Wimbledon. What is the mood like around Latvian tennis right now?
Sevastova: The mood in Latvia – it's like we are the best tennis nation in the world right now (laughter). No, it's a joke. Of course, everybody's a bit hyped about that, about all the success that Jelena and Ernests had, and me, maybe. But we are still a small country, and it's still the same for me.
