“This is such a bittersweet moment” Sloane Stephens stands in solidarity with Ukraine following her title at Guadalajara
Follow Us
Sloane Stephens
Sloane Stephens is an American professional tennis player. Her current ranking according to the WTA is World No. 39 and her highest ranking was World No.3. The 28-year-old made a much-awaited comeback at the Australian Open after a long absence, where she performed poorly and went out in the first round of the tournament to an admittedly tough opponent in Emma Raducanu.
However, she made an admirable comeback at the WTA Abierto Zapopan in Guadalajara, having clinched the title after a win in the final against Marie Bouzkova. Sloane had a good run at the tournament and was made to work hard to grind out the wins to claim the title, her first at the tournament.
Sloane Stephens reflects on her title win
Stephens clinched her first title in 4 long years as the 6th seed won the Akron Zapopan crown by defeating Czech Republic’s Bouzkova in a three-set thriller 7-5, 1-6, 6-2. This was the American’s 7th title overall. The American was a deserved winner in the match, hammering four aces, one more than Bouzkova. Sloane did not record a double fault, while her rival did the same five times. She also won 56% points on the first serve and 92% points on the second serve.
Stephens meanwhile, won 63% points on the first serve and 63% on the second serve. Stephens won four breakpoints while Bouzkova managed three. Following the win, the 28-year-old took to Instagram to express her thoughts and emotions on the win. The American acknowledged her amazing week in Guadalajara, thanking everyone for the support and revealing her happiness on her hard work paying off.
However, she also labelled her emotions as bittersweet due to the ongoing incidents in Ukraine. She declared her solidarity with the people of Ukraine, revealing her staunch stand against any kind of war and violence. Furthermore, she extended her prayers to the citizens of the country. Sloane ended by stating that she would donate to UNICEF, World Central Kitchen and International Rescue Committee to help the people suffering in Ukraine.
“The first title as Mrs. Altidore What an amazing week in Guadalajara! Thank you to everyone for the support! It feels so great to be out here doing what I love and getting to see my hard work pay off. This is such a bittersweet moment for me to celebrate this win as, like many of you, I’ve been watching the news all week, and I am truly heartbroken for the people in Ukraine.
“I stand in solidarity with my fellow @wta athletes in their calls and prayers for peace and with our global community, calling for an immediate end to this violence. In support of aid efforts, I will be donating to @wckitchen, @rescueorg, and @unicef.” read the caption.
Stay Updated!
Akash Mandal
(433 Articles Published)