Sloane Stephens produced an almost faultless display to become the lowest-ranked player in history to win the US Open after brushing side a lacklustre Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0, in the final.
The highly anticipated all-American encounter turned into a tale of two different worlds. Less than two months ago Stephens was ranked outside the world’s top 900 due to a lengthy injury absence, but produced her best tennis in the final. In contrast, the higher ranked Keys struggled under the limelight as she hit a costly 30 unforced errors, 24 more than Stephens.
“It’s incredible. I had surgery on January 23rd and if somebody told me then I would win the US Open, I would have said it’s impossible.” Stephens said moments after her triumph.
“This journey has been incredible and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Saturday’s final showdown was a clash between two players that has been compared to each other throughout their careers by numerous tennis figures. Both reside in Florida, both were first time grand slam finalists and both had previously succumbed to injury. Stephens was playing in only her fifth tournament of the year following an 11-month absence due to her foot. Meanwhile, Keys underwent underwent a second surgery on her left wrist shortly after the French Open.
Gracing their presence on the Prestigious Arthur Ashe stadium, which has a capacity of over 23,000 seats, Keys’ nerves triggered a dream start for unseeded Stephens. Whose ability to hit the ball deep in the court frazzled her opponent. At 2-2, Stephens secured her first break of the match following an error-stricken Keys service game, which featured four unforced errors (three on the forehand side and one on the backhand). The nerves were visible from the 15th seed, who produced twelve unforced errors after six games. In contrast, a more composed Stephens maintained a perfect record of none.
The 24-year-old continued to exert her dominance against a frustrated keys. Stephens wasn’t the only problem for her, it was also a right thigh that was strapped. After one point Keys was seen grimacing, sending warning signs to her coach Lindsay Davenport in the crowd.
Playing a level of tennis that exceeded her current ranking of 83rd in the world, the underdog sealed the first set in a way to sum up their encounter. A deep shot towards the baseline prompting a Keys unforced error.
The anticipated tussle between the two soon turned into the Stephens show as she continued to dominate proceedings in a calm manor. Seemingly unfazed by the prospect of becoming only the third player ranked outside the top 10 to win the US Open since 1975. Taming Keys’ power with a mixture of fearless and delicate shot-making, she broke at the start of the second set with the help of a cross-court forehand winner.
Unbelievably It took 13 games to come and go before Stephens got severely tested. Keys was trying her all to get some momentum in the match, going up 40-0 on her rivals serve. Still, she couldn’t prevail as the 24-year-old fought back to move to a game away from victory. Battling her way across the finish line, two championship points bit the dust before Stephens triumphed with the help of a below-par Keys forehand slamming into the net.
“I should just retire now. I told Maddie that I am not going to be able to top this.” Joked Stephens, who was ranked as low as 934th in the world less than two months ago.
“I just know that after surgery I worked super hard to get back (to the tour). I just tried to keep the best attitude, I had the best team. Things just have to come together and the last five, six weeks they really have.”
One champion, two friends
As Stephens began to realise her achievement, the friendship between the two was on full display. Moments before the final, Keys said “who better than to be out there with a friend” when talking about playing her compatriot. A sentiment both shared after the match. Laughing and joking next to each other before the trophy ceremony got underway.
“Sloane is truly one of my favourite people and to get to play her was really special,” A disappointed Keys said. “Obviously I didn’t play my best tennis today and I’m disappointed, but Sloane is the greatest friend that she is very supportive. If there was somebody who I had to lose to today, I’m glad it’s her.”
Stephens will now be rank to 17th in the world following her triumph in New York. She exits the tournament with a prize money total of $3.7 Million.
