It’s an American-heavy final 8 in Australia.

It was an excellent first day of women’s fourth round matches in Australia.

A great day of women’s tennis is in store Sunday in Melbourne.

One women’s semifinal is set.

Two American women marched into the US Open quarterfinals.

Serena Willams and Sloane Stephens meet for the first time in over five years Saturday at the US Open.

Naomi Osaka looks like the woman to beat at the US Open.

American Jen Brady will try to win her first career WTA title in Lexington.

Serena Williams couldn’t pull out a third straight 3-set win.

Konta the lone Top 10 representative…Interesting starts for (4) Riske vs. (WC) Watson, and (6) Rogers vs. Vekic (winner to possibly meet (WC) Robson)…

Three Top 10ers in the field, in addition to Australian Open runner-up and former No. 1 Venus Williams

“I think she played a very high standard,” Halep said after the loss. “I had pain at my knee. For me, in the second set, it was difficult to move anymore, but she deserved to win. She was aggressive, and she hit very strong, the balls.”

“I’m definitely outside of my comfort zone already, and I keep telling myself, you belong here,” Rogers said.

Also with upsets were Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova beating a lack-luster No. 19 Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-1, and in a battle of former finalists No. 21 Sam Stosur ousting No. 11 Lucie Safarova in a marathon 6-3, 6-7(0), 7-5.

Not a lot of stars with Stuttgart looming next week…Tough starts for (8) Falconi vs. Cirstea, and (6) Rogers vs. the Spanish veteran Dominguez Lino…Wildcards went to Maria Paulina Perez Garcia, Maria Herazo Gonzalez, and Yuliana Lizarazo…Caroline Garcia beat Jelena Jankovic in last year’s final…Returning former champs in the field are Dominguez Lino (2011,’06) and Duque Marino (2010).