ASB Classic: Smiling Naomi Broady bows out after ‘unforgettable’ week

Broady followed up a surprise win over former world No 1 Ana Ivanovic with a battling victory on Wednesday over Jelena Ostapenko

Naomi Broady of Great Britain lost to American Sloane Stephens in Auckland yesterday (Getty Images)

British No 3 Naomi Broady bowed out with a smile after her run in the ASB Classic in Auckland came to an end with a quarter-final defeat to Sloane Stephens yesterday.

After the American sealed a 7-6, 6-3 victory with a backhand winner, Broady posted on Instagram: “Don’t think I’ve ever walked off court after losing with a smile on my face. Auckland I love you!!!

“Thanks for such an amazing tournament and the best support I’ve ever experienced outside of my home country. Totally unforgettable.”

Broady followed up a surprise win over former world No 1 Ana Ivanovic with a battling victory on Wednesday over Jelena Ostapenko, in which she called for the Latvian to be disqualified after throwing away her racket which hit a ball boy.

Despite having a set point in the tie-break against Stephens, Broady was unable to take the first set. She did manage to break Stephens’ serve to lead 2-1 in the second set but from there the American won four straight games to lead 5-2 before wrapping up victory.

Afterwards Stephens paid tribute to her opponent, saying: “It was a tough one. Naomi’s a great player. She has had such a great week here.”