Sloane Stephens fans are delighted to see the 2017 US Open champion in form and winning a big match at the 2026 Cincinnati Open over WTA World No. 25 Anastasia Potapova. Potapova’s biggest win of the year was defeating defending champion Coco Gauff in the third round of the 2026 French Open.
Stephens spent a long injury hiatus last year broadcasting tennis. She is now healthy, back in the thick of things, and playing her best tennis in years.
Her timing could not be better as the US Open is mulling wildcards, and she may be in line to get one.
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Stephens faces Marta Kostyuk in Round of 32
Her biggest test is coming on Tuesday, August 18 when Stephens faces Marta Kostyuk. Kostyuk took out American Sofia Kenin on Sunday.
Kostyuk is 11th in the live WTA rankings. Stephens is 207th, up 65 spots as a result of her Cincinnati Open success. She achieved a career high WTA ranking of World No. 3 in July 2018 as a result of finishing as French Open finalist to champion Simona Halep.
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We want more Sloane
Stephens is 33 so no one knows how long she wants to play. However, fans want to see more of Sloane while she is still an active player. A couple of years ago, she won the Charlotte Open doubles title with Ashlyn Krueger. Though that is her only WTA doubles title, it was a fun ride. Doubles suits her game and personality. Could US Open women’s doubles also be in her future? We are manifesting it.
Aug 14, 2026; Mason, OH, USA; Sloane Stephens (USA) reacts after returning a shot against Sinja Kraus (AUT) during the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Watch Stephens take on Kostyuk on Tuesday at the Cincinnati Open airing live on Tennis Channel.
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