Sloane Stephens advances to US Open second round

Sloane Stephens has advanced to the second round of the US Open after defeating Denmark’s Clara Tauson with a score of 6-4, 6-1. The victory marks a significant moment for the American player, who has struggled with form and injuries, including a stress fracture in her right foot that limited her play last year.

Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, entered the tournament unseeded. Following her win against Tauson, she is scheduled to face the 11th seed, Marta Kostyuk, in the next round. Stephens noted that playing in front of home crowds is “incredibly special” as she works to regain her competitive footing.