Stephens seals win on ‘favourite court’
Sloane Stephens relished every moment she spent on her favourite court in the world as the she cruised to a 6-0, 6-4 first-round victory over former world No.1 Katerina Pliskova yesterday to put down an early marker at the French Open.
The 30-year-old, runner-up in Paris five years ago, gave erratic Pliskova no chance on the main Philippe-Chatrier court, speeding through the first set in 49 minutes before the Czech recovered in the second.
But she kept piling up unforced errors — 31 in total — as well as half a dozen double faults, giving Stephens, ranked in the past as high as third in the world, the chance to race back from 4-3 down, break her twice and rattle off the next three games to seal victory.
“This is my favourite court in the world and I am super happy to be back,” said Stephens, currently ranked 30th.
The American, who won her only Grand Slam at the 2017 US Open, was also a quarter-finalist in Paris last year despite struggling for form.
Stephens came into the tournament in improving form on clay after winning her first WTA 125 event and reaching the semi-finals on clay in Rabat last week.
“To start like that on your favourite court and favourite surface is great. I wanted to get matches under my belt this year [before the tournament] and I was feeling confident,” Stephens said.
Meanwhile, world No.3 Jessica Pegula is not yet a part of the burgeoning “Big Three” rivalry but the American said Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina had earned the right to receive such recognition.
No.1 Swiatek, No.2 Sabalenka and No.4 Rybakina have won seven tournaments among them this year.
Swiatek has claimed three major titles, including two French Opens, and Sabalenka won her maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open this year.
Rybakina triumphed at last year’s Wimbledon and the three-way rivalry will continue at this week’s French Open with the world No.1 spot up for grabs.
“They’ve earned that right. They’ve been playing really solid tennis. Iga, we already know from last year. Aryna I felt like broke through in Australia as far as like winning a slam, but I think her results have always been up there,” Pegula said.
“Then Elena at the end of last year as well. I mean, to see them being so consistent, I think they’ve earned that right. Obviously ranking-wise I’m still three, but I’m sure that could change.”
Asked about how she feels about being left out of the conversation about the “Big Three,” Pegula said: “Hopefully, I can be part of that, but I think either way it’s still great for women’s tennis.”