Austin Open: Gracheva advances to semi-finals, defeating Stephens

Russian Varvara Gracheva beat American Sloane Stephens, the No 5 seed, 7-6 (4), 6-3 to move into the last four of the Austin Open at the Westwood Country Club on Saturday night.

Gracheva, ranked No 88, will play Katie Volynets next.

The 22-year-old Russian edged out Pole Magda Linette, the top seed (6-3, 4-6, 6-4) and won against Anna Blinkova (6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1) ahead of her victory.

Stephens, ranked No 51, defeated Taylor Townsend (6-3, 6-3) and qualifier Heather Watson (6-4, 6-4).

Austin WTA 250, other quarter-finals results (Westwood Country Club, hard, USD 259.303, most recent results first):

• Danielle Collins (4) beat Anna Kalinskaya: 3-6, 6-2, 6-1
• Katie Volynets beat Peyton Stearns (WC): 7-5, 6-3
• Marta Kostyuk (8) beat Anna-Lena Friedsam: 7-6 (6), 6-2