Sloane Stephens plays Australian Open after a stroke of fate due to Corona
The 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens has to cope with several strokes of fate because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 27-year-old American lost her grandmother, her aunt and also her grandfather to Covid-19 disease within a few weeks.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Feb 06, 2021, 04:24 pm
"My grandparents were my biggest fans and obsessed with tennis. I carry their love with me every day," said Stephens. "My family cheers me on in everything I do. My successes are also their successes."
She was one of 72 players who had to spend 14 days in strict quarantine because a Covid 19 case had occurred on their approach to Melbourne. As a member of the WTA Women's Player Council, she was involved in planning the comeback of regular tennis after the break in the spring of 2020.
Stephens: Hope for a normal life
"It's great to see things improve in Australia and it gives me hope that we can have normal lives again." The former number three in the world has currently dropped to 40th place in the WTA ranking. She finished the 2020 tennis season with a score of 4-11 in matches. The third round at the US Open, where she failed to Serena Williams, was her best result.
At the Australian Open 2021, she will meet the always energetic Russian Yulia Putintseva in the first round. "I'm happy to play again. I've worked hard on myself," said Stephens. "I want to win every tournament I play. That's why I'm here. Anything can happen on the pitch."