Sloane Stephens absolutely stunned Anastasia Potapova, the WTA World No. 25, in a straight set demolition during the second round of the Cincinnati Open! This isn’t just another win; the 2017 US Open champion is finally finding her stride again, and it is a sight to behold. Potapova isn’t some pushover either, her biggest victory this year was knocking out defending champ Coco Gauff in the third round of the 2026 French Open. So, yeah, this win? It means something.
The Comeback Story Nobody Expected
Let’s be real, Stephens has been through it. She spent last year on a long injury hiatus, literally broadcasting tennis instead of playing it. But guess what? She is healthy now, back in the thick of the action, and playing her best tennis in years. You can feel the energy building! The timing couldn’t be more perfect either, because the US Open is currently weighing its wildcard decisions, and after a performance like this, Sloane has got to be in line for one. Everyone watching knows what she can do when she is on her game. This isn’t just a comeback, it is a statement.
Huge Test Coming, And The Stakes Are Sky-High
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Stephens faces a massive challenge tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18, when she squares off against Marta Kostyuk in the Round of 32. Kostyuk is no joke, clocking in at 11th in the live WTA rankings, especially after she took out American Sofia Kenin on Sunday. Stephens, meanwhile, rocketed up 65 spots to 207th in the live WTA rankings thanks to her Cincinnati Open run. It is a crazy jump, but it reminds you of her peak form when she hit a career high of World No. 3 back in July 2018 after being a French Open finalist. We are talking about a serious climb against a top-tier opponent.
Sloane is 33, so how much longer she wants to dominate is up to her, but fans are absolutely clamoring for more. Remember a couple years ago when she won the Charlotte Open doubles title with Ashlyn Krueger? That was her only WTA doubles title, but it was a blast, showing how well doubles suits her style and personality. Could US Open women’s doubles be in her future too? We are manifesting it! You absolutely cannot miss Stephens taking on Kostyuk live on Tennis Channel tomorrow from the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, OH. This one is going to be epic!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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