How Sloane Stephens Needs to Improve Before Winning Her First Grand Slam

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 25, 2013

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Sloane Stephens is knocking at the door of a Grand Slam final. But before she can walk through, she needs to upgrade her game.

Stephens, ranked No. 15, has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA tour. 

She reached the third round or better at the last six Grand Slam events.  

Despite a slump earlier in the year, Stephens advanced to the semifinals at the Australian Open, where she defeated Serena Williams. She made it to the fourth round at the French Open and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

She was the last American to exit Wimbledon, outlasting Williams, who lost in the fourth round against Sabine Lisicki.

However, a quarterfinals loss to eventual winner Marion Bartoli highlighted Stephens' weaknesses.

If Stephens wants to move beyond "promising American" to Grand Slam champion, she has to mend the following holes in her game.



 

Get More Aggressive 

Stephens has such a powerful forehand. She can hit winners from three feet behind the baseline.

The problem is that's where she lives, two to three feet behind the baseline.

That works against players outside the Top 20. But no way can she take that game into a Grand Slam final and hope to emerge hoisting a trophy.

Stephens must become more aggressive. She has speed and excellent court coverage. She would benefit from charging in and taking the ball out of the air. She needs to use that wicked forehand motion on some drive volleys.

 

Improve Mental Toughness 

After upsetting Williams at the Australian Open, Stephens lost five of her following seven matches. Worse, she seemed to collapse in matches. In a 6-4, 2-6, 0-6 loss to Agnieszka Radwanska at the Sony Open, Stephens lost 12 of the last 14 games. In the last set she won only two points on her serve.  
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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