Williams leads American charge at U.S. Open

[September 05, 2017]  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Venus Williams, looking to win her first grand slam title since 2008, leads the American charge at the U.S. Open as quarter-final action starts in Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.

The ninth seed, on a renaissance path as she reached major finals this season for the first time since 2009, faces Czech Petra Kvitova, who knocked out pre-tournament favorite Garbine Muguruza in the previous round three months after coming back from a career-threatening injury.

Kvitova, seeded 13th, was stabbed in her left playing hand by an intruder at her home in December.

"What she's gone through is unimaginable, unreasonable. The world we live in is just shocking," said Williams.

"So for her, I think to be playing well is such a blessing. To be able to come out here and do what she needs to do, to clear her head, it's such a beautiful thing to see. What else can I say except I'm glad to see her back."

American Sloane Stephens, back to her best after a year out because of a foot injury, faces Latvian 16th seed Anastasija Sevastova, who beat Maria Sharapova in the previous round.

Venus Williams of the United States in action against Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain during their fourth round match. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

She will be followed on Arthur Ashe Stadium by Williams, with Sam Querrey, the only American male player left in the draw, closing proceedings against big-serving Kevin Anderson.

Spanish 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta against Argentine Diego Schwartzman will start action on the main arena.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)

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