Serena Williams keeps US Open hopes alive with battling win over Sloane Stephens

Serena Williams came from behind to defeat Sloane Stephens (Seth Wenig/AP)

Serena Williams’ quest for a 24th grand slam singles title at the US Open remains alive after she came from a set down to defeat Sloane Stephens in the third round.

Williams’ form coming into the tournament offered little encouragement for her supporters but she has stepped up her game on the big stage so many times that it was no surprise to see her among the title favourites anyway, particularly with six of the top 10 missing.