On Monday at the Miami Open, Sloane Stephens looked a lot like her US Open-winning self. The American stayed laser sharp throughout a 6-3, 6-4 win over world No. 3 Garbine Muguruza.
While it may seem unusual to see the two 2017 Grand Slam champions facing off in the fourth round, Stephens is still outside the Top 10 at No. 12, putting her in the no-man’s land below a Top 8 seeding. She has struggled to string together wins since capturing her first Slam at the US Open.
“I think after winning a Grand Slam it’s not easy come right out and keep playing again,” Stephens said on Monday. “I think I was so excited after winning the US Open that I was living my life to the fullest and now I’m back to my day job.”
As expected though, the 25-year-old has stayed positive even through losses to players outside the Top 100 and a first-round exit at the Australian Open.
“I wouldn't say it's a crash, but I think that there's a lot that comes with winning a Grand Slam, and I think there is a lot that comes with winning a Grand Slam as an American player,” Stephens said in Indian Wells. “So I think now I'm kind of getting back into it, and I'm just looking forward to playing again. And obviously being in the States is, you know, the fans are incredible and it's a good vibe. Just try to do my best.”
The fans were eager to see Stephens do well. She has the benefit of local support in Miami given her status as a South Florida native. Growing up, the American spent a lot of time training at the Nick Saviano High Performance academy in Fort Lauderdale, and the USTA training center.
"I grew up playing here, and I have been here so many times," Stephens said. "But just the fact that the tournament is in South Florida and all my family and friends and everyone can come and support, it's incredibly special."
Stephens got an immediate 2-0 lead to start the match, with Mugurza looking shaky—completely missing contact with an overhead in the first few games. She would misjudge contact again, whiffing a forehand slice at 4-5 in the second set. Ultimately, she piled together 32 unforced errors to Stephens’ 20.
