Serena Defeats Fellow American Stephens at Aussie Open Tuneup
January 3, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
Serena Williams had a tough win over the woman she’s predicting will one day top the rankings, a heavy-hitting duel with Fed Cup teammate Sloane Stephens before winning 6-4, 6-3 at the Brisbane International. Serena converted both break points and fended off one break chance against her in each set, later saying Stephens had the potential to be ”the best in the world one day.” The 19-year-old Stephens accepted praise from Serena, her childhood idol.
”To have someone like that who I think is one of the greatest players to ever play the game say that about you is really nice,” Stephens said. ”I lost to the best player in the world today, so, you know, it’s good.”
Up next for Serena is world number one-ranked Victoria Azarenka. Serena has an 11-1 record against Azarenka and was 5-0 against her in 2012, including a win in the 2012 U.S. Open final in September.
