Sloane Stephens to ‘ride the wave’ after making US Open splash

Champion: Sloane Stephens
AFP/Getty Images
11 September 2017

Sloane Stephens is the new US Open champion but feels like her comeback has only just begun. Just six weeks ago the 24-year-old American was ranked No957 in the world after returning to competition at Wimbledon following a 10-month break for foot surgery.

“If anything I’m still working my way back,” the new world No17 said in the wake of winning her first Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Madison Keys. “My ranking is a little higher but five weeks ago I was ranked No900 and something and wasn’t a threat. I’m just going to ride that wave for as long as I can.”

Stephens is not even sure what tournament she is going to play next. Until now her planning had been based around taking advantage of her “protected” world ranking — which is used to help players returning from long-term injuries — to enter tournaments. “I was horrified I wasn’t going to be able to get into a lot of tournaments,” Stephens said.

“Now my ranking is higher than my protected ranking, so that changes things. I’m going to be seeded at tournaments again. It’s so exciting how things change so quickly.”

What is certain is tennis has replaced academic work as Stephens’ main priority. During her time out the American (below) studied for a Communications degree and also did a brief stint as an analyst on the Tennis Channel. But the studies will now take a back seat.

“I’m not going to graduate,” she said. “I haven’t done any work for two weeks.

“My professors actually texted me, so maybe they’ll let me slide.”

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