Sloane Stephens Wins 2017 U.S. Open Women’s Championship Title: ‘Wow! What a Moment’ [VIDEO]
Tennis sensation Sloane Stephens won the U.S. Open Women’s championship title by beating her oppenent and close friend, Madison Keys, 6-3, 6-0 on Saturday night (Sept. 9) in New York.
The 24-year-old player, who is currently ranked 83rd in the world, made history by becoming the second unseeded woman to win the tournament in the Open era, which began in 1968. Add the fact that a year ago, Stephens had foot surgery and wasn’t sure that she would be able to play at the elite level to win the Gland Slam trophy.
"I should just retire now," Stephens joked (via ESPN). "I told Maddie I'm never going to be able to top this. I mean, talk about a comeback."
In addition to the trophy, Stephens also took home a hefty payday for her efforts - $3.7 million. Stephens' reaction to the winner's check was priceless and noticed by fans on Twitter.
Stephens and Keys have know each other for years. They became the best of friends last year through phone and texting after both sat out of the Australian Open because of operations -- Keys on her left wrist, Stephens on her left foot. Although she lost to Stephens, Keys said she was proud of her friend.
"Sloane is truly one of my favorite people and to get to play her was really special," she said. "But Sloane, being the great friend that she is, was very supportive. And if there's someone I have to lose to today, I'm glad it's her."
During an interview with the media, Stephens asked how she felt winning the U.S. Open after a long uphill battle through foot surgery and recovery. "Wow! What a moment," she said. "Winning a tournament is extremely special but winning a U.S. Open, being an American player, is even more incredible. It's just insane."
Congrats to Sloane Stephens!