Stephens accepts wild card into Connecticut Open
The former world No. 11 hasn't played since the Rio Olympics.
Sloane Stephens has not played since the Rio Olympics, but Connecticut Open tournament director Anne Worcester confirmed on Tuesday that at least one of her stops back will be in New Haven.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the court, and being back in tournaments again,” Stephens said. “If I’m not here, I’ll be very disappointed...But I’ll be here, for sure.”
Last year, Stephens withdrew from the Connecticut Open due to a left foot injury, that would eventually require surgery.
The 24-year-old will give fans plenty to look forward to when the tournament rolls around in August, but she already made locals happy by helping out with a free clinic serving 350 local third graders.
Despite not competing, the American has been watching closer than ever, working as a reporter for Tennis Channel with appearances in Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston.
Perhaps Paul Annacone, the former coach of Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, is lucky that Stephens is working toward her return to the court.
Madison Keys voiced her thoughts on her friend's second career:
And Stephens certainly embraced her new lifestyle:
Slowly but surely, Stephens is preparing for what she has said she hopes will be a return during the grass court season in time for Wimbledon.
She'll have the help of a protected ranking to help reestablish her ranking.
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