Sloane Stephens soared to glory at the 2017 US Open as an unseeded threat to claim her maiden major title in front of her native crowd.
The American backed it up with positive runs in the years that followed, but, in recent times, the 31-year-old has struggled for form at her home slam.
Stephens crashed out of this year’s tournament on Tuesday, extending her US Open woes with an agonizing loss to Clara Burel.
The manner of defeat left a particularly sour taste, having failed to capitalize on a 6-0 3-0 lead, eventually coming unstuck 6-0 5-7 5-7 to her valiant French opponent.
Sloane Stephens claims US Open loss is ‘tough to accept’
Stephens will have been happy with her start to the season, having made some impressive runs at tournaments, including a stellar showing in Rouen in April to clinch her eighth WTA singles title.
However, she has now extended her winless streak to three during this North American hardcourt swing.
Following the crushing defeat to Burel, Stephens took to X to deliver a message to her fans: “I gave it my all, so coming up short is heartbreaking. It’s tough to accept, but the setbacks are part of the journey and show just how much this means to me.
“Every loss is a lesson, and I’m ready to put in the work for the comeback. The grind doesn’t stop here. Onward and upward!”
Stephens will bounce back
Stephens is no stranger to setbacks in her career, having faced numerous challenges since her breakthrough in 2008.
Injuries, inconsistency, and the pressure of expectations have often disrupted her momentum, yet she has repeatedly demonstrated her resilience. Her ability to bounce back is rooted in her mindset and experience on the tour.
While the loss to Burel in the opening clash of her native grand slam will be a bitter pill to swallow, the former world number three has displayed the potential to re-establish herself as a formidable force in the women’s game.
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