US Open 2021: Sloane Stephens - the enigma of tennis
Sloane Stephens has probably the most difficult draw on the way to a new title at the US Open 2021. The tournament got off to a brilliant start.
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
Sep 03, 2021, 08:09 am
By Jens Huiber from New York City
An "enigma" is defined by reasonably reliable sources in this otherwise crazy Internet as a task that can be solved by guessing or thinking. The latter can be ruled out with Sloane Stephens, all attempts to explain why this wonderful tennis player has only won a Grand Slam tournament (and why she is currently only 66th on the WTA charts) are doomed to failure. So you have to guess: Maybe it was the numerous injuries? Motivation problems? Other priorities?
In any case, it is good to tear your hair down when Sloane Stephens feels herself on a tennis court. Like on Wednesday evening against Cori Gauff , who had to take note of her lack of chances against the 2017 US Open winner from the middle of the first set. Especially in comparison with the 18-year-old power player, Stephens' qualities came into play particularly well: an unbelievable anticipation, an understanding of the game that the young ball pounders almost completely lack, and yet the ability to go with every pace. Admittedly: Gauff served better. So what?
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Stephens with a very difficult draw
What a moody diva is, on the other hand, everyone has their own definition. Sloane Stephens should find herself in pretty much everyone. The key word here: "moody". The press is feeling that too, especially outside of the USA. Stephens also tends to give one-sentence answers, which is not bad, just not particularly productive. At her home game in Flushing Meadows, on the other hand, the 28-year-old chats without self-restraint after the win
In New York City, can Sloane Stephens follow up with the second four years after her first success? If so, a statue should be erected for her in the immediate vicinity of the National Tennis Center. Because the draw didn't mean it well with her: The start brought the new edition of the 2017 final against Madison Keys, then the meeting with Gauff.
Angelique Kerber is now waiting, after which it will in all probability be against Naomi Osaka. And then Sloane Stephens would only just be in the quarterfinals. So the Enigma Stephens was given some tasks itself. Which she will not be able to solve by guessing or thinking alone.
Here the single tableau of women
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