Sloane Stephens on Saturday beat Madison Keys in straight sets to capture the US Open — the first major title of her career.
After winning the match, the two players met at the net and shared an extremely long embrace filled with words that seemed like a message from Stephens. Keys appeared to tear up as the two hugged.
.@SloaneStephens is the @usopen champion after thrashing @Madison_Keys. WATCH the trophy presentation LIVE NOW on @SBS! #sbstennis #USOpen pic.twitter.com/ICKigLGpIx
— SBS Radio Sport (@SBSRadioSport) September 9, 2017
Even after their embrace, the two were still friendly as they awaited the trophy presentation.
The two athletes have long been friends. Before the final, Keys even described them as “close friends.”
“It’s really amazing. I have known Sloane for a long time and she’s a close friend of mine. To be able to play her in both of our first finals is a really special moment, especially with everything that we have gone through this year,” Keys said prior to the final.
Then in an interview on the court with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi, Keys talked about the hug she shared with Stephens.
“Sloane is truly one of my favorite people,” Keys said. “To get to play her was really special. Obviously I didn’t play my best tennis today and was disappointed, but Sloane being the great friend that she is was very supportive.
“If there’s someone that I had to lose to today, I’m glad it was her.”
The two dealt with injuries earlier this year. Stephens was recovering from a broken foot, while Keys was recovering from wrist surgery. Making it to the US Open finals is a big deal for both of them. In fact, it was the first major final for both of them.
The only thing that makes the loss more bearable for Keys is that if she had to lose to anyone, she would pick Stephens, just as she said.
