NEW YORK_Unseeded Sloane Stephens, who was ranked No. 957 in the world less than two months ago, soared to the top of the tennis world on Saturday with a powerful 6-3, 6-0 victory over 15th-ranked fellow American Madison Keys in the U.S. Open women's finals.
Stephens, who underwent foot surgery and missed 11 months of competitive play, was confident but patient from the start on Saturday in this matchup of two first-time Grand Slam finalists.
She broke Keys' serve in the first set to take a 3-2 lead, capitalizing on Keys' nervousness. She won the first set on her second chance, when Keys hit a forehand long, and needed three chances to win the match and the title.
When Keys hit a forehand into the net to end it, Stephens put her hand over her mouth as if in disbelief, closed her eyes for an instant, and then joined the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium in celebrating.
"I told her I wish there could have been a draw because I wish we would have both won," Stephens said. "My journey's been incredible and I wouldn't change it for the world."
Stephens, 24, and Keys, 22, embraced at the net for several moments. Keys, who had overcome injury problems of her own _ she had two wrist surgeries in the last year _ appeared to be crying as the two friends hugged. Afterward, they sat together and smiled as they waited for the winner's and runner-up trophies to be awarded.
"Sloane is truly one of my favorite people," Keys said on the court after the match. "Obviously I didn't play my best tennis but Sloane was very supportive. If there's someone I have to lose to today, I'm glad it's her."
It was only the seventh time in tennis' Open Era and second at the U.S. Open that two first-time finalists had played for a Grand Slam title. It also was the 10th time two American women met in the U.S. Open singles final. The last time was in 2002, when Serena Williams defeated her sister, Venus Williams.
Stephens had the more difficult path of the two in reaching the final, having defeated three seeded players _ including No. 9 Venus Williams in three sets in the semifinals. Keys played three seeded players and beat No. 20 CoCo Vandeweghe in straight sets in the semifinals.
"I should just retire now. I told Maddy I'm never going to be able to top this," Stephens said, drawing laughs from the crowd.
Stephens earned $3.7 million for her victory. Keys earned $1.83 million.
