“She Has Beaten Me Before”: Serena Williams Prepares for Tough Battle Against Sloane Stephens

Former World No.1 Serena Williams continued her march towards the record-equalling 24th Grand Slam as she beat Margarita Gasparyan in straight sets in the second round of the US Open 2020. And now has set up a 3rd round clash with compatriot Sloane Stephens.

Although Serena was always in the driving seat in her 2nd round tie, she was very exhausted towards the end of the match. Huffing and puffing in her post-match interview, Serena spoke about the prospect of facing Stephens.

Serena was impressed with the smoothness in Stephens’ game. And she is looking forward to the tough clash.

“She is such a good player. She plays so smooth and she looks like has not taken a lot of energy and then there are five winners so she has obviously won here before and she has beaten me before so she knows how to play well so yeah it is not easy I mean I am glad I had a tough match today so getting ready for that one,” Serena said.

Sloane Stephens vs Serena Williams  Head to Head

Serena has played Stephens 6 times in her career and she leads the head to head 5-1. This will be their 2nd meeting in the US Open. Serena won the last match at the US Open 6-4, 6-1.

Last time Sloane Stephens overcame Serena Williams was back in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2013.

Stephens charges into the match in great form. She comfortably beat Olga Govortsova in the second round and not unlike Serena, she is yet to drop a set.

For over a year she has suffered lackluster performances; a deep run in the US Open could change the trajectory of Stephens’ career.

Serena has a lot of emotions associated with the US Open. She has been trying to equal Margaret Court’s Grand Slam tally of 24. Since she gave birth in 2017, Serena has reached numerous finals but has failed to cross the final hurdle.

Will she make this opportunity count?

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