Sloane Stephens entered the tournament unseeded and ranked № 957 in the world.
Sloane Stephens’ victory at the 2017 US Open was a remarkable moment in tennis history.
In January 2017, Sloane Stephens underwent foot surgery, which led to an 11-month hiatus from the tour. During her recovery, Stephens was confined to a wheelchair, making her US Open victory even more extraordinary. She entered the tournament unseeded and ranked №957 in the world. By the end of the summer, she had risen to №83 and found herself in the final of a Grand Slam for the first time.
On September 9, 2017, Stephens faced her close friend and fellow American Madison Keys in the US Open final. Keys, the 15th seed, was also making her Grand Slam final debut. The match, however, was one-sided, with Stephens winning 6–3, 6–0 in just an hour.
Stephens’ game plan involved hitting deep, loopy topspin ground strokes to neutralize Keys’ powerful shots, forcing Keys into making numerous unforced errors. Stephens’ athleticism and swift movement around the court made it difficult for Keys to find her rhythm. Stephens committed only six unforced errors compared to Keys’ 30, highlighting her control and consistency.
The match concluded with an emotional embrace at the net between the two friends. Stephens was visibly stunned by her achievement, raising her arms in disbelief. During the championship ceremony, Stephens and Keys shared a light-hearted chat, reflecting their camaraderie. Stephens even joked, “I told Maddie I should just retire now. It’s never going to get better than this.”
Stephens held her nerve and played controlled and consistent tennis throughout the match. Her strategy of hitting loopy topspin ground strokes deep into the court countered Keys’ powerful weapons, forcing her into a rash of unforced errors. Stephens, known for her athleticism and fleet-footed movement, moved smoothly around the back of the court, making Keys hit more balls than she was comfortable with on a day when she was unable to summon her best game.
Sloane Stephens’ victory at the 2017 US Open was historic on several fronts. She became the lowest-ranked player to win the US Open title. The previous record holder, Kim Clijsters, had been unranked when she won the title in 2009 after returning to tennis following the birth of her daughter. Stephens’ triumph also marked her fifth career title and her first Grand Slam win. Before this, her best result in a major tournament was reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open in 2013.
Her win was significant not only for her career but also for American tennis. She became the first American champion other than Serena and Venus Williams since Lindsay Davenport won the US Open in 1998. Additionally, Stephens was the fifth unseeded player in the Open Era to claim a Grand Slam title, underlining the unpredictable nature of the sport and the potential for unexpected champions.
Stephens’ victory was a testament to her extraordinary comeback from injury. Her success story resonated widely, as it illustrated how quickly fortunes can change in professional tennis. From a challenging year of surgery and recovery to winning a major title, Stephens’ journey was nothing short of remarkable.
Reflecting on her achievement, Stephens remarked, “It’s incredible. I had surgery on January 23. If someone had told me then that I would win the US Open, I would have said, ‘It’s impossible.’ This journey has been incredible, and honestly, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Stephens’ win also highlighted the strong bond between her and Keys, both of whom had been seen as future Grand Slam champions. Their match showcased the depth of talent in American tennis and the potential for future stars to emerge. For Stephens, it was not just about winning a title but also about the personal and emotional fulfillment of achieving such a feat after a challenging period.
In summary, Sloane Stephens’ 2017 US Open victory was a defining moment in her career. It marked a dramatic rise from an extended injury layoff to capturing her first Grand Slam title, reflecting her ability to overcome significant obstacles. The win solidified her place in tennis history and was a notable achievement for American tennis, resonating as a powerful narrative of triumph and perseverance.
