North American Sloane Stephens Makes an Impact on the WTA Tour at 18 Years Old

Having attuned myself to the women’s game and working as a press aide for tournaments down here in Florida, I hope to impart some knowledge to readership.

Let me know through your comments if I’m making or missing the mark. I hope to make more than I miss, and I desire for you to gain new insight into the game of tennis.

First, I’d like to discuss Sloane Stephens. This 18 year old has her future set before her.

She is one of several Americans who work out of the Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York—home of the U.S. Open.

She comes on tour with great potential and a sublime character. You can find her in the “getting to know” series on the WTA Tour website. Not only is the USTA excited to have her within the ranks, so is all of the tennis family.

As a junior (the proving grounds of the pro tour), Stephens reached the French Open semifinals, coming through the main draw as a qualifier. She has put in the hard work and dedication into her craft, and she is just starting her career on the tour.

She reached the quarterfinals at junior Wimbledon en route to a career-high junior ranking of No. 5 in the world. In 2010, she won junior Grand Slam doubles competitions at the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon championships, all with partner Timea Babos. If that is not an indication of her talent, then know her #5 ranking in the World juniors gives her a platform to set her eyes upon championships now and into the future.

Is Melanie Oudin and Sloane Stephens the answer to the next generation womens champions? I'd have to say, maybe they did not slay the dragon like the Williams sisters did in the 90's and the 21st century, but plenty has been said about these two formidable teenagers ascent up the ranks on the WTA Tour. No one ever said tennis was an easy sport, but whence you put the hard work in, it is inevitable you will reap the rewards.

Stephens just missed out on collecting a true Grand Slam in a one-year revolution. She has also played for the New York Buzz of the World Team Tennis franchise. The time the pros give to Team Tennis is a sign of respect, the wish to have lots of fun, and to be fostered by pros far and wide. Billie Jean King started the franchise, and will show up to events, both as a mentor and a contributor to players on the WTA and ATP Tours.

Most recently, she defeated Melanie Oudin, fellow Fed Cupper, in a battle of American teenagers.

Stephens may be one to watch as her career forms on the WTA Tour.