Stephens goes for the double
In US Open history 22 women have successfully defended their singles title, but only three have done so within the past 20 years. Sloane Stephens will be hoping to become the fourth player to do so. Last year she stunned the field by winning the title after using her protected ranking to enter the draw. Stephens was playing in only her fifth tournament after returning from a 11-month absence from the tour due to a foot injury.
“For me being here is super cool. But as defending champion, there is obviously a lot of stress, a lot of pressure.” Stephens said during the US Open media day.
“I’m just going to go out and handle it as best I can, just try to play my best. Obviously it’s a completely new tournament this year. Just got to go out and do your absolute best and see what happens.”
Since her heroics at Flushing Meadows, the 25-year-old has shown that she is not a one hit wonder in the women’s game. This season she has reached the final of two Premier tournaments, winning the Miami Open title. Then at the French Open she finished runner-up to Simona Halep.
“I can always do better. I think obviously putting my tennis first, making sure I’m able to have more success, have some good results is the most important thing. I think I’ve done the best I could with that.” Stephens evaluated about her season so far.
“I mean, what happened has happened. I’m proud of my results. I just hope to keep going forward, have some more success.”
Stephens is seeded third in the women’s draw and will play Russia’s Evgeniya Rodina in the first round on Monday.