Stephens accepts wild card into Connecticut Open

The former world No. 11 hasn't played since the Rio Olympics.

Published May 12, 2017

A quick message from our tournament director Anne Worcester, who announced a #ctopentennis wild card for @SloaneStephens 🙌 pic.twitter.com/tjBPBKiq3y
— Connecticut Open (@connecticutopen) May 9, 2017

Sloane Stephens has not played since the Rio Olympics, but Connecticut Open tournament director Anne Worcester confirmed on Tuesday that at least one of her stops back will be in New Haven.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the court, and being back in tournaments again,”Stephens said. “If I’m not here, I’ll be very disappointed...But I’ll be here, for sure.”

Last year, Stephens withdrew from the Connecticut Open due to a left foot injury, that would eventually require surgery.

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The 24-year-old will give fans plenty to look forward to when the tournament rolls around in August, but she already made locals happy by helping out with a free clinic serving 350 local third graders.

.@SloaneStephens gives New Haven 3rd graders tennis lessons and promotes a non-profit @connecticutopen is partnering with on #NBCCT at 6. pic.twitter.com/2iyO0i24F2
— Justin Schecker (@WFLAJustin) May 9, 2017

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Despite not competing, the American has been watching closer than ever, working as a reporter for Tennis Channel with appearances in Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston.

Although @JoKonta91 has withdrawn from @VolvoCarOpen w/ injury, @SloaneStephens still had a chance to catch up w/ the 2017 @MiamiOpen champ pic.twitter.com/3QQWgm9qbG
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) April 3, 2017

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Perhaps Paul Annacone, the former coach of Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, is lucky that Stephens is working toward her return to the court.

.@SloaneStephens promoted to 2nd chair on "TC Live". @paul_annacone taking it well. @TennisChannel pic.twitter.com/CQZULYBtyo
— Brett Haber (@BrettHaber) March 29, 2017

Madison Keys voiced her thoughts on her friend's second career:

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So what is it like to be interviewed by your best friend? @MadisonKeys talks about what a @SloaneStephens interview is like: pic.twitter.com/nXKSFpw9Pc
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) April 3, 2017

And Stephens certainly embraced her new lifestyle:

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Slowly but surely, Stephens is preparing for what she has said she hopes will be a return during the grass court season in time for Wimbledon.

slow and steady wins the race... EXCITED!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Vk52qLdJ3X
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) April 26, 2017

She'll have the help of a protected ranking to help reestablish her ranking.

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Stephens accepts wild card into Connecticut Open

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