Sloane Stephens doesn’t run from the pressure of being called the future of American women’s tennis — she welcomes it. Yesterday she continued living up to that heavy mantle, rallying to beat Tatjana Malek 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 at Louis Armstrong Stadium to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open.
The daughter of a bruising NFL running back and an All-American swimmer, the 19-year-old Stephens has made a prodigious ascension up the WTA Tour ranks. She entered the Open ranked No. 44 — the youngest to crack the Top 50 — and has reached the third round in four of her last five Grand Slams.
“The girl I played didn’t play like most girls: She sliced a lot, came in, played a different style. I couldn’t find my rhythm,’’ said Stephens, who faces Ana Ivanovic tomorrow. “It was tough, it was windy, she doesn’t play a straight-up game. It was a difficult process. Once I got my rhythm, made a few good shots, I think that helped.’’
She was down a set and trailing 3-2 in the second, when she showed mettle that belied her tender age. She won four of the last five games to even the match, and then mercilessly pounced on Malek’s failing backhand to dominate the third set.
Stephens’ father was Patriots running back John Stephens and mother Sybil Smith was the first black female swimmer named first-team All-American in Division I history. But in tennis, her inspirations were Kim Clijsters and the Williams sisters. The former retired Wednesday while the latter have befriended Stephens.
“[Serena] is just a good friend. I love her to death. We were just in the training room together. She’s a really good person. I enjoy her positivity, so it’s good,’’ said Stephens. “We just enjoy, have fun. We don’t really discuss tennis things: It’s more about life, general things.’’
Meanwhile, No. 4 Serena Williams — who defeated Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez to advance — praised the player whom some feel could be her successor.
“She’s great, and phenomenal,’’ Williams said. “She’s been playing well. She’s a great player. I think she’s a great American [phenom], just a great player. She has so much potential.’’
Top-ranked Roger Federer thrashed Bjorn Phau 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round, needing just an hour-and-a-half to dispatch the German veteran. Federer hit 44 winners and looked like a favorite for his sixth title at the U.S. Open, fitting because he has been on a tear since he blew last year’s semifinal here to Novak Djokovic.
Was the loss actually good for the world’s No. 1 player?
“I guess so, yes. Not right after match point, not three weeks later. But … I knew I was actually playing really good tennis, it was just not happening for me. Then the question is, can you maintain a good level of play without getting frustrated?’’ Federer said. “I’m happy I had the right balance, was able to just keep working hard and hoping things were going to turn around for me.’’