US Open champ Stephens upbeat despite early exit

SLOANE Stephens says she will not try not to “get too down” after becoming a big name casualty of the Australian Open yesterday.

The US Open champion, whose preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year was hampered by an ongoing knee injury, crashed out 2- 6, 7- 6 (7/2), 6-2 to Zhang Shuai in an error-strewn performance.

The American extended her losing streak since winning at Flushing Meadows in September to eight matches against the 34th-ranked Chinese number two, a surprise quarter-finalist in Melbourne two years ago.

Stephens came back from a longterm injury to record her US Open victory but has since endured fitness niggles which forced her out of her Sydney warm-up event last week.

“I did everything that I could to be ready for Sydney last week and for here,” said Stephens when asked about her knee problem.

“It’s just unfortunate, but it’s definitely only the beginning of the season, first two tournaments. Not going to get too down.

“I’m just going to stay positive and keep working to get back in the best shape and best place possible to do well for my next tournaments.”

Known as “Sloane Ranger”, she had seemed in control as she raced to the first set 6-2 in 38 minutes.

But Chinese battler Zhang would not lie down and gradually got herself on top, winning the second set on a tiebreak for the loss of only two points. — AFP