Pam Shriver picks Sloane Stephens as her dark horse for the upcoming US Open as she lauds the former champ for being a leader of the Tour

Sloane Stephens lifted her maiden US Open title way back in 2017.

Pam Shriver picks Sloane Stephens as her dark horse for the upcoming US Open as she lauds the former champ for being a leader of the Tour

Sloane Stephens with her US Open trophy (Image via WTA Tour)

Sloane Stephens will be Pam Shriver’s dark horse at the 2023 US Open because the American is capable of playing at the highest levels. Stephens, who lifted the year’s last Grand Slam in 2017, has fared decently in tournaments leading to the year’s last Grand Slam. The American is in line to play at the Flushing Meadows and Shriver feels Stephens can surprise the top seeds. 

The Tennis Channel commentator heaped massive praise on Stephens as she claimed that the 30-year-old has one of the two or three best forehands in the sport when she is in full flow. “When Sloane’s forehand is in full flight, it’s one of the two or three best in the sport,” said Shriver (via Tennis Channel).

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“She’s a leader for women’s tennis. She has a rich, full complicated life. But I have a feeling that deep inside, she still burns with it. I still think she can have a great run at a major“. Meanwhile, Stephen’s former coach Nick Saviano backed the American to come good at the year’s fourth and last Major even though the fitness standards are touching the roof.

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How has Sloane Stephens fared at Grand Slams in 2023?

Sloane Stephens
Sloane Stephens in action (Image via Tennis.com)

While Pam Shriver backs the 30-year-old American to pull off a few heists at the 2023 US Open, Sloane Stephens’ performance in 2023 is not too encouraging. The 30-year-old has faced first-round exits at most of the high-profile tournaments this year. At the 2023 Australian Open, where Stephens once defeated Serena Williams, she lost to Anastasia Potapova in the first round. 

At The Championships, Stephens survived in the first round but could not hold her fort against Donna Vekic in the second round. Stephens had to face first-round exits at Italy Open, Madrid Open, Miami Open, as well as Pacific Open. However, the long run at the 2023 French Open and recent success at Canada Open and Cincinnati Masters might have boosted Stephen’s confidence. 

Now, it is to be seen if the World No. 38 justifies the backing Pam Shriver and her former coach Nick Saviano have shown. The 30-year-old would want to shine at her home slam but it won’t be easy considering how the top seeds have been playing this year.

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