Stephens continues dream comeback

With all of the compelling stories at the US Open, few can top the feel-good return of Sloane Stephens. Two matches into the year’s final major, the American star has defeated two former Top-10 players in Roberta Vinci and Dominika Cibulkova. It could be just the beginning.

Stephens’ rise is astonishing considering that she had foot surgery to start the year and spent time in a walking boot. She didn't play any matches since Rio until first-round losses at Wimbledon and Washington. It seemed that her return to the Top 30 was going to take a lot of time.

Then she tore through Toronto and Cincinnati with enormous victories over Petra Kvitova (twice), Angelique Kerber and Lucie Safarova (twice). She reached the semifinals in each tournament and set herself up as one of the most dangerous dark horses in New York.

What’s made the difference for Stephen’s improved form? Was it having time to reflect and recharge during the spring when she was sidelined and providing energetic tennis analysis for Tennis Channel? Has she matured at age 24 to greater appreciate her talent?

“I just go out and play and have fun and beat people now,” she said. “That’s pretty much the story of my life.

“Obviously, going into the Open, I’m not seeded, so it’s kind of just, like, just go out and have fun. If I beat somebody, great. If not, I still have a lot of tournaments to use.”

The American is playing with the help of a protected ranking, but is already up to No. 83. She’s got Australia’s Ashleigh Barty to battle against in the third round, but nothing is going to stop her staying positive.

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