Sloane Stephens Continues Comeback Reaching US Open Quarterfinals
(September 3, 2017) FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY – Sloane Stephens has reached the US Open quarterfinals for the first time by beating No. 30 Julia Goerges 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The American was sidelined for eleven months with a foot injury.
She returned to the tour at Wimbledon, so this is just her second major back.
“I’m just really happy” she said. “Obviously before or when I started playing again at Wimbledon and D.C. I didn’t expect much. I was just playing and having fun, having a good time. I’m still playing and having a good time. That’s really all there is to it.”
Stephens talked about missing tennis while she injured.
“I obviously was upset that I was injured. But in that time I got to do all of the things that I would never have been able to do. Looking back, like, it was probably the best, I don’t know how long, 10 months or however long it was, that I’ve had in my life because I got to enjoy all those things.
“But I really did miss tennis. So it was kind of, like, yeah. But now that I look back, I’m so happy I got to do all that stuff. Now I’m so happy that I’m back playing and in the quarterfinals of the US Open. It’s kind of a give-and-take.”
Stephens talked about her experience working with Tennis Channel during her time off the tour and the ability to enjoy everyday events she usually does not get to to.
I tried to stay in tennis, did the stuff with the Tennis Channel. Stayed active. Tried to enjoy my life as much as possible because I knew I probably wouldn’t get that time back again, wouldn’t be able to do the things I wanted to.”
“It was fun, ” commenting about working with Tennis Channel. “I had a great time. I got to hang out with – I said this before – Tracy (Austin), Paul (Annacone), Lindsay (Davenport.) We talked about tennis all day long. I mean, there’s really nothing better.
Stephens will play Anastasija for a spot in the semifinals.
“Well, she’s a great player, ” said Stephens. “I will obviously talk to my coach, just go out and play the game that I’ve been playing. Obviously tweak a few things here and there, but pretty much the same thing.
“I mean, I played a lot of matches in the last couple weeks. I can’t really change too much. But I’m sure I’ll have a good game plan going into it. That will be that.”
Stephens began her summer ranked 954 in the world, due to being sidelined with an injury, now she’s close to being Top 50.