- Stephens beats 21st seed 6-4, 6-2 to reach third round
- Former champion Angelique Kerber could await next
- Sloane Stephens v Coco Gauff – as it happened
Four years ago, Sloane Stephens made a stunning run to the US Open title as the world’s 83rd-ranked player. If the 28-year-old American keeps playing like she did on Wednesday night, there’s no reason that improbable history could not repeat itself in the week or so ahead.
Amid the steady din of violent rains from the remnants of Hurricane Ida that hammered the roof above Arthur Ashe Stadium, Stephens relied on a dialled-in serve, weapons-grade forehand and veteran sangfroid throughout a professional 6-4, 6-2 win over 21st-seeded Coco Gauff in an all-American second-round blockbuster.