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By Jordaan Sanford Jan 25, 2022

WATCH: Stephens can't believe the $3.7 million prize

The new US Open champion was unprepared for the reward.

Published Sep 11, 2017

Sloane Stephens was flawless in winning the biggest match of her career, 6-3, 6-0 on Saturday. But her show of friendship with her final opponent, Madison Keys, was almost as memorable.

Sloane Soars!@SloaneStephens captures FIRST Grand Slam title! 🏆 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/nmTv7sHLOr
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 9, 2017

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Comic relief came when Stephens found out that her winner’s check nearly doubled her career earnings.

Rinaldi: "The winner's check for $3.7 million..."
Sloane: "What? Oh my god,"
Madison: "I'll hold it for her" #usopen
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) September 9, 2017

Yes, the winner gets a whopping $3.7 million.

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"Of course girl! Did you see that check that the lady handed me!?" Sloane Stephens. If you need a laugh, watch this clip + RT! pic.twitter.com/ERVP2gQG7d
— COMMON (@common) September 11, 2017

She really couldn't believe it.

There's some great @SloaneStephens photos out there but her reaction to being handed a check for $3.7 million takes the cake. pic.twitter.com/vo7IMemugP
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) September 10, 2017

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Jokes aside, the two friends paid tribute to each other, and Keys was all class in a very tough moment.

"Sloane is truly one of my favorite people...If there's someone I have to lose to today, I'm glad it's her," Keys said.

The new US Open champion reciprocated similar feelings for Keys.

"To share this moment on court is just amazing. I'm so happy that Maddy & I were able to play in the final today." @SloaneStephens #USOpen pic.twitter.com/8OGpRNDMSC
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2017

Stephens deserves to lap up all of the attention after her incredible fortnight.

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BEST. DAY. EVER. 🇺🇸🏆 pic.twitter.com/R8ARc09Qwb
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) September 10, 2017

Her celebration on Saturday night was followed by the customary champion's photoshoot, held this year in Central Park.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sloane Stephens (@sloanestephens)

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Stephens moves up to No. 17 for her efforts in New York.

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