Bethanie Mattek-Sands' 6-2, 6-0 upset of 16th-ranked Sloane Stephens in the second round of Charleston ensured her a spot in the main draw of Roland Garros next month. It came a day after Mattek-Sands beat Anastasia Rodionova in three hours and 42 minutes—the longest WTA match of the year. Mattek-Sands, who has been battling injuries and food allergies, believes people appreciate her candor.
“I have always been pretty open and honest when I do anything with the media,” she told reporters. “It's just kind of my personality. I'm pretty outgoing. Obviously, there are certain things that you want to say sometimes and you just don't. Every person deals with [it], if they are upset over something, personal issues on the court, off the court. My philosophy is you've just got to enjoy the moment and be yourself and I think people appreciate that. And even if you slip up here and there, if you are honest, I think everyone can kind of give you a little space and a little forgiveness.”