Challenging Stephens

Stephens, the Plantation native who pulled off a stunning victory at the U.S. Open, will be attempting to get her game back on track. Since knocking off Venus Williams in the semifinals and winning convincingly over Boca Raton’s Madison Keys in the U.S. Open final, Stephens has lost seven consecutive matches.

After Stephens lost Monday in Sydney in straight sets to qualifier Camila Giorgi, Broward County’s most accomplished tennis figure Chris Evert threw down a challenge for Stephens.

“I question whether she has a burning desire to win more Grand Slams or be No. 1,” Evert, an ESPN commentator, said during a conference call with tennis writers. “I don’t see it as much as I do with other players.”

Stephens, ranked 13th, appeared rusty in Sydney in her first match after a two-month layoff.

“I don’t know what’s going on with Sloane,” Evert said. “This is what happens to surprise winners; we’ve seen that. It changes your whole life. There’s more press, more appearances, she’s doing her charity work, plus she’s been injured. It’s taken a toll.”

Other South Floridians in the main draw in Australia include Keys and Lauren Davis.

Stefan Kozlov, another former Orange Bowl champ from Pembroke Pines, is attempting to earn a spot in the men’s draw through qualifying. Kozlov won his secondround qualifying match Thursday against Yannick Hanfmann, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4.

cldavis@ sun-sentinel.com; Twitter @CraigDavisRuns; here on Facebook