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Stephens beats Keys to win US Open title

Published : 10 Sep 2017, 22:46

DF-Xinhua Report

Sloane Stephens of the United States holds the trophy during the awarding ceremony after winning the women's singles final match against Madison Keys of the United States at the 2017 US Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 9, 2017. Sloane Stephens won 2-0 to claim the title. Photo Xinhua.

American Sloane Stephens defeated compatriot and close friend Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 to win the US Open women's singles title on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Stephens had total control over the final, breaking twice in the opening set to draw the first blood and then won the second at love.

Stephens, who will move to 17th in the world rankings on Monday, won the last eight games of the match, with Keys putting up a brief late fight by saving two match points in the final game. Stephens just needed one hour or so to take the victory.

"It's incredible, I had surgery on January 23. If someone would have told me I'd win the US Open, I'd say it was impossible," Stephens said.

"It's a special moment. I said to her that I wished it could have been a draw. If the situation was the other way around, she would have said the same thing. It's incredible. It's what true friendship is all about."

Stephens only returned to the tour at Wimbledon after missing 11 months having undergone left foot surgery.

Her world ranking slid to 957 before semifinal runs in Toronto and Cincinnati events.

While Keys, the 15th seed at the US Open, said she felt nervous during the match.

"I definitely think my play today came down to nerves and all of that, and I just don't think I handled the occasion perfectly," admitted Keys, playing in her first Slam final.