US Open: Sloane Stephens edges past Madison Keys to win maiden Grand Slam
Stephens' win was particularly spectacular as she became only the fifth unseeded woman to win a major title in the Open era.
Stephens, who idolises fellow American Tennis professional and former world number one Serena Williams, beat 15th seeded Keys in straight sets, 6-3,6-0.
Just a beautiful moment at the net:@SloaneStephens and @Madison_Keys#USOpen pic.twitter.com/uRbDKCjRW9
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2017
This was the debut Grand Slam appearance for both the American professionals.
Following her win, Stephens said, "I had surgery in January and if someone had told me then that I would win the US Open, I would have said it was impossible."
"This journey has been incredible and I wouldn't change it for the world," she said.
"Madison is one of my best friends on tour. I wouldn't have wanted to play anyone else. I told her that I wished it could have been a draw," Stephens added.
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Keys, who shares a strong bond with her US Open final opponent, congratulated her friend.
"If I'm going to lose to anyone today, I'm glad it's to her," Keys said.
The runners-up added, "Sloane is truly one of my favourite people and to play against her was special. I obviously didn't play my best tennis and Sloane was very supportive."
Meanwhile, following her win, Stephens became the first American woman apart from the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena) to win a major singles title since Jennifer Capriati at the 2002 Australian Open.
Image: @usopen/Twitter
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