America’s best bet to take the torch for women’s tennis from Serena Williams burned out quickly – again.
After reaching the fourth round in six straight Grand Slams, 21st-seeded Sloane Stephens stumbled to an early exit in her second straight major, falling 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, to 96th-ranked Johanna Larsson in the second round of US Open on Wednesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 21-year-old, who also lost in the first round at Wimbledon, hadn’t lost before the third round in her previous three appearances at Flushing Meadows.
Up a set and a break on the 26-year-old Swede, Stephens quickly crumbled with 63 unforced errors (33 more than Larsson) and quietly bowed out in a lightly attended late-morning affair.
“Things just got a little shaky,” Stephens said. “I had many opportunities, but just couldn’t convert. Didn’t take advantage of the times I could have.”
Stephens, whose all-around game and infectious personality seemed to change the landscape of US tennis after her quarterfinal win over Williams in the 2013 Australian Open, followed it up with a quarterfinal run months later at Wimbledon.
A certain star in the making who had grown into a second-week staple at the Slams, the young American’s ascent has been halted by an inconsistent season even she doesn’t quite understand.
Prior to her opening-round loss at Wimbledon this year, her run of six straight majors reaching the fourth round was the longest on the women’s side.
Now, another major season has ended with what can only be considered a major step back.
“I haven’t had that great of a season, but I’m not going to dwell on it,” Stephens said. “There is always room for improvement. Everyone has their ups and downs. Everyone goes through times like this. I’m not the first person and won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to the next tournament and that’s all I can really do, just look forward.
“I mean, there’s no magic that [coach Thomas Hogstedt] can tell me or do that will just all of a sudden I’ll be top 10 or whatever. That’s not how it works. You have to keep working hard and do better every day. That’s all. Think about this as a little speed bump and work through it and I will get better.”
With her 22nd birthday more than six months away, it is easy to look forward. Stephens is still ahead of the curve, more accomplished than most her age in an era when talent takes longer to develop.
At her press conference following the loss, Stephens didn’t display shock or anger, only a mild disappointment, armed with the knowledge there likely will be many more times back at the Open, playing on the biggest court on the biggest stage.
“Everyone works at their own pace,” Stephens said. “I’m sure you guys will be here every tournament to see me get through it. So welcome, and I’m glad you guys are along for the ride.”