Aryna Sabalenka thanks Billie Jean King after Australian Open win
It's Sabalenka's first title.
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Former champion Sloane Stephens is out at the US Open.
The American fell to No.16 Angelique Kerber 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 in the third round at Flushing Meadows on Friday.
🗣 ANGIE KERBER IS INTO ROUND 4 pic.twitter.com/4gu489nz1P
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2021
Stephens’s US Open looked promising despite her early exit, showing flashes of her 2017 championship self. The American has been working on her form since personal tragedy sidelined the beginning of her season. Stephens lost three family members in a matter of weeks around January’s Australian Open.
The 28-year-old’s mid-season reset following the Grand Slam has altered her perspective, allowing her to be less focused on results.
“It may not happen now,” Stephens said of her return to top form, adding, “It may happen in the middle or end of next year. I don’t know. But at this rate, I know I’m not a bad tennis player. At some point, it will click.”
Kerber will next face off against 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez, who upset No. 3 Naomi Osaka in the fourth round.
It's Sabalenka's first title.
Instead, she'll set her sights on the doubles bracket.
Pegula is the last American woman standing.
Both lost in straight sets.