Maria Sharapova is ousted, but star power is big loser at US Open

Sharapova's exit was the end of her return to the Grand Slam scene

It was not a good day for blond players with Russian family roots at the United States Open, or for those attracted to the sizzle of celebrity tennis.

With the roof closed on Arthur Ashe Stadium on a rainy Sunday morning, the tournament first lost the major intrigue from the lower half of a star-depleted men’s draw when Denis Shapovalov, an 18-year-old Canadian and the summer’s breakout newcomer, went out to Pablo Carreño Busta, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3).

After Shapovalov, who had become a quick crowd favorite in three successive matches on Ashe, left to a thunderous ovation,