Monday 4 September 2017 18:05, UK
Maria Sharapova has described her run at the US Open as a "great ride" after losing in the fourth round to Anastasija Sevastova.
The Russian, who was playing in her first Grand Slam following a 15-month doping suspension, won the first set but could not maintain the momentum and lost the match 5-7 6-4 6-2.
The 30-year-old exceeded most people's expectations by getting to the fourth round after being absent from the big stage for so long and Sharapova was pleased with her performance.
She said: "It's been a really great ride in the last week. It's great to get that major out of the way. It was an incredible opportunity. I'm very thankful for the opportunity. I did my best. I can be proud of that.
"I think there are a lot of positives. Playing four matches, playing in front of a big crowd and fans. Just competing, being in that competitive environment. That's what I missed.
"You can't replicate that anywhere, especially at a Grand Slam. Monday night was a special night for me. I will always remember it."
"I came in not playing a lot of matches. We all know that. I didn't have much practise. Obviously it's always disappointing to be on the losing end of things. But reflecting back on the week, I can be happy."
There will be some players delighted about Sevastova's victory but the Latvian insists she did not feel any extra incentive to win.
"I think some players have that," she said. "I don't' have that. I have great respect for her [Sharapova]. I was 14 years old, I was playing Under-14, at a tournament, and she was winning Wimbledon the same day basically."
Sevastova is through to a quarter-final match against Sloane Stephens while Sharapova will turn her attention to tournaments in Beijing and Tianjin, where she has already been given wild cards.
Sky Sports Tennis will have all the action from the US Open covered via our website www.skysports.com/tennis with our live blogs and updates throughout the fortnight as the Grand Slam year reaches its climax.
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We will also have coverage of the World Tour Finals in November with every match live on Sky Sports.
