Stephens secured a 6-0, 6-Four victory over former world primary Katerina Pliskova on Monday, sending a robust message to her opponents.
The 30-year-old, who reached the ultimate in Paris 5 years in the past, dominated the match from the beginning, leaving Pliskova little alternative to seek out her rhythm on the famend Philippe-Chatrier courtroom. Stephens swiftly claimed the primary set in simply 49 minutes.
Whereas Pliskova managed to regroup within the second set, Stephens capitalized on her opponent’s inconsistent play. Pliskova gathered a complete of 31 unforced errors and struggled with six double faults.
This allowed Stephens, a former world quantity three, to stage a comeback after trailing 4-3. She broke Pliskova’s serve twice and gained the subsequent three video games, in the end securing a well-deserved victory.
Stephens’ efficiency showcased her prowess and willpower, setting a robust basis for her journey within the French Open.
“That is my favorite courtroom on the earth and I’m tremendous completely satisfied to be again,” stated Stephens, at present ranked 30th.
Regardless of going through a wrestle with type not too long ago, Stephens, the American participant who clinched her solely Grand Slam title on the 2017 U.S. Open, showcased her resilience in final 12 months’s French Open by reaching the quarter-finals.
Within the present season, Stephens arrived on the event in Paris with an upswing in her clay courtroom efficiency.
She demonstrated this by profitable her first WTA 125 occasion and making it to the semi-finals in Rabat only a week prior, additional boosting her confidence and momentum on clay surfaces.
“To start out like that in your favorite courtroom and favorite floor is nice. I needed to get matches underneath my belt this 12 months (earlier than the event) and I used to be feeling assured,” Stephens stated.
