SHOCKING: “My life was about to fall off” – Sloane Stephens on feeling ‘lost’ and wanting to stop playing after incredible US Open title win

Sloane Stephens has laid bare the difficulties she faced after winning the 2017 US Open. According to Stephens, she would have taken a break from playing after her resounding success in New York.

However, her decision to continue competing despite physical problems stemmed from her concerns of being penalized by the WTA for not featuring in its mandatory events. In mid-2016, Sloane Stephens was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her left foot.

She eventually underwent surgery, which kept her out of action for almost a year. The Florida native made her comeback at the 2017 Wimbledon Championships, and then played at the Washington Open, the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open before heading to the US Open.

Stephens’ results spanning Wimbledon and Washington were disappointing. However, she reached the semifinals of both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open.

Entering the 2017 US Open as the World No. 83 and on a protected ranking to start the hardcourt Major in the main draw, Stephens would go on to win the event, beating compatriot Madison Keys in the final in straight sets.