Stephens Shocks Schiavone at U.S. Open
Sloane Stephens defeated number 22 seed and former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone in the first round of action at the U.S. Open Tuesday. Shortly after her 6-3, 6-4 victory, Stephens spoke about her match and her overall mindset heading into the second round as she prepares to face Germany’s Tatjana Malek.
Have you seen yourself on some posters around town?
Stephens: Yeah, I’ve heard a lot about them. I know there’s one when you come off the subway. I heard they’re on the 7 Train. Yesterday, I went to the American Express Experience, saw myself. I just think it’s so cool. There’s a blow up
picture of me. I’m like, Wow, that is awesome. Everyone else who walks by, I’m sure they’re like, That’s awesome. That’s cool. No, I love myself. So seeing myself is like unbelievable. I don’t know if you feel that way, but when I see myself I like freak out.
Could you have imagined the runs you’ve had in Paris and London and now beating Francesca?
Stephens: Amazing experiences. Like this year has been unbelievable. And it’s been so much fun. Everything that I’ve gone through this year, even like really terrible things, really good things, I think I’ve learned so much that I’m like, Wow, 2012 has been pretty good to me.
What do you take from this match going forward?
Stephens: Uhm, I think I played well and I did everything that my coach asked me to do. I just really stayed within myself and tried to do my best. For me that’s a big step. If you do everything you want to do in your match, if you accomplish all your goals for today, which I did, I’m pleased, very pleased with myself. That’s something that gives you confidence, and that takes you far.
