For years now, the dominant Williams sisters have reigned over the tennis world, especially when it comes to American contenders. Sloane Stephens has made occasional strides over her first years on the tour, with recent success bringing up the thought of her dethroning the queens of American tennis. The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, aren't getting any younger and know there will be a time soon when a player will become their better and take the spot as America's next hope. Stephens can pull that off and might own that title soon.
Stephens has taken her first step in the climb towards the top, with knocking off the elder Williams at the French Open. The Grand Slam victory against Venus showcased that Sloane has grown her game to a highly competitive level, while keeping a cool head. Stephen's newly hired coach Nick Saviano has been credited with her recent success and lets ESPN W know some of the reminders of advice he has given her:
"It's not necessarily the smile; it's the fact that I want her to play with a sense of joy. Enjoying being a great athlete, enjoying being a tremendous tennis player, and play everything as well as she can, relentlessly."
That advice has been well received by Stephens and has carried over onto her play on the court. She let it be known just how optimistic she is now to The New York Times:
"I think most importantly you've got to get out there and have fun. You've got to love to compete, and for me I have to love to run every ball down and I have to want to be there and just really be like, 'This is everything right now.' I think for me in this moment, I feel really good about my tennis, and I feel really good about the place that I'm in. I'm happy.''
Will Stephens be able to knock off Serena soon? How will Stephens do in Grand Slams this season? Tell us your thoughts below.
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