Sloane Stephens's Australian Open buildup suffered a blow after the former Flushing Meadows champion lost 6-4 3-6 7-6(5) to China's Yuan Yue in the first round of the Hobart International on Tuesday. The duo slugged it out for nearly three hours before the Chinese world number 73 clinched the third set tie-break for a memorable victory. Having split the first two sets, Yuan broke Stephens when the American was serving for the match at 6-5. Stephens led 5-4 in the tie-break but could not hold on to her advantage and crashed out.

"I'm very happy and excited to win," a beaming Yuan. "She's a Grand Slam champion. At home, I'd (often) watch her play on the TV. I'm happy to be here (playing against her)," she said of her opponent.

Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin began her campaign at the Melbourne Park warm-up event with a 6-3 6-3 win against Greet Minnen of Belgium. Kenin, who saved all three break points she faced in the match, will meet Daria Saville for a spot in the quarter-finals. In the first round of the Adelaide International, sixth seed Jelena Ostapenko came back from a sluggish start to beat Sorana Cirstea 2-6 6-2 6-4.

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Ostapenko, a quarter-finalist at last week's Brisbane International, needed nearly two hours to settle the match at the Australian Open tune-up event, enjoying a modicum of revenge after the Romanian beat her at Wimbledon last year. Cirstea won four games in a row to race through the opening set but former French Open champion Ostapenko hit back in the second and fired back-to-back aces to force the decider.

The Latvian then raced to a 5-2 lead but was broken serving for the match. She blew two match points at 5-3 but went on to seal victory with her sixth ace. Laura Siegemund, who was part of the Germany team that won the United Cup title last week, upset world number 14 Liudmila Samsonova 6-7(1) 6-4 6-4.

Returning to the tour for the first time since last year's Wimbledon, Denis Shapovalov lost 6-4 6-2 to Sebastian Ofner at Auckland Classic.

Sloane Stephens's Australian Open buildup suffered a blow after the former Flushing Meadows champion lost 6-4 3-6 7-6(5) to China's Yuan Yue in the first round of the Hobart International on Tuesday.

Sloane Stephens's Australian Open buildup suffered a blow after the former Flushing Meadows champion lost 6-4 3-6 7-6(5) to China's Yuan Yue in the first round of the Hobart International on Tuesday. The duo slugged it out for nearly three hours before the Chinese world number 73 clinched the third set tie-break for a memorable victory. Having split the first two sets, Yuan broke Stephens when the American was serving for the match at 6-5. Stephens led 5-4 in the tie-break but could not hold on to her advantage and crashed out. "I'm very happy and excited to win," a beaming Yuan. "She's a Grand Slam champion. At home, I'd (often) watch her play on the TV. I'm happy to be here (playing against her)," she said of her opponent. Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin began her campaign at the Melbourne Park warm-up event with a 6-3 6-3 win against Greet Minnen of Belgium. Kenin, who saved all three break points she faced in the match, will meet Daria Saville for a spot in the quarter-finals. In the first round of the Adelaide International, sixth seed Jelena Ostapenko came back from a sluggish start to beat Sorana Cirstea 2-6 6-2 6-4. Also read: Australian Open: Ankita Raina edges closer to main draw after thrilling win over Jessica Maneiro in qualifiers Ostapenko, a quarter-finalist at last week's Brisbane International, needed nearly two hours to settle the match at the Australian Open tune-up event, enjoying a modicum of revenge after the Romanian beat her at Wimbledon last year. Cirstea won four games in a row to race through the opening set but former French Open champion Ostapenko hit back in the second and fired back-to-back aces to force the decider. The Latvian then raced to a 5-2 lead but was broken serving for the match. She blew two match points at 5-3 but went on to seal victory with her sixth ace. Laura Siegemund, who was part of the Germany team that won the United Cup title last week, upset world number 14 Liudmila Samsonova 6-7(1) 6-4 6-4. Returning to the tour for the first time since last year's Wimbledon, Denis Shapovalov lost 6-4 6-2 to Sebastian Ofner at Auckland Classic.

Sloane Stephens ousted in Hobart, Jelena Ostapenko beats Sorana Cirstea in Adelaide

Britain`s teenage sensation Emma Raducanu cleared a dangerous first-round hurdle at the Australian Open, seeing off experienced American Sloane Stephens 6-0 2-6 6-1 in a topsy-turvy contest on Tuesday. Raducanu, who rocketed to fame in September with a fairytale run to the U.S. Open title as a qualifier without dropping a set in what was only her fourth senior tournament, raced through the opening set in 17 minutes, leaking only four points.

But former world number three and 2017 U.S. Open champion Stephens finally found her rhythm and range to take charge of the second set from 2-2, reeling off four games as errors began creeping in to 17th seed Raducanu`s game. 
It looked ominous at that point for the 19-year-old Raducanu whose build-up to her Australian Open debut had hardly been ideal, having had COVID-19 and suffering a heavy defeat in her opening match in Sydney.

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But she showed the same coolness under pressure that swept her to the title in New York, settling down and finding another gear to dominate the decider with some precision baseline hitting as the Stephens game unravelled again. 
Stephens avoided another rout as she held serve at 0-5 but there was not to be another twist on a sparsely-populated Margaret Court as Raducanu closed out the win on serve despite a sixth double-fault on her first match point.

It was an encouraging start for Raducanu despite the second-set wobble and she will be heavily fancied to get past 99th ranked Danka Kovinic of Montenegro in the second round.

Britain`s teenage sensation Emma Raducanu cleared a dangerous first-round hurdle at the Australian Open, seeing off experienced American Sloane Stephens 6-0 2-6 6-1 in a topsy-turvy contest on Tuesday.

Britain`s teenage sensation Emma Raducanu cleared a dangerous first-round hurdle at the Australian Open, seeing off experienced American Sloane Stephens 6-0 2-6 6-1 in a topsy-turvy contest on Tuesday. Raducanu, who rocketed to fame in September with a fairytale run to the U.S. Open title as a qualifier without dropping a set in what was only her fourth senior tournament, raced through the opening set in 17 minutes, leaking only four points. But former world number three and 2017 U.S. Open champion Stephens finally found her rhythm and range to take charge of the second set from 2-2, reeling off four games as errors began creeping in to 17th seed Raducanu`s game. It looked ominous at that point for the 19-year-old Raducanu whose build-up to her Australian Open debut had hardly been ideal, having had COVID-19 and suffering a heavy defeat in her opening match in Sydney. ALSO READ | Showman Nick Kyrgios goes from sick-bed to Australian Open second round after win over Liam Broady But she showed the same coolness under pressure that swept her to the title in New York, settling down and finding another gear to dominate the decider with some precision baseline hitting as the Stephens game unravelled again. Stephens avoided another rout as she held serve at 0-5 but there was not to be another twist on a sparsely-populated Margaret Court as Raducanu closed out the win on serve despite a sixth double-fault on her first match point. It was an encouraging start for Raducanu despite the second-set wobble and she will be heavily fancied to get past 99th ranked Danka Kovinic of Montenegro in the second round.

Teen sensation Emma Raducanu survives Sloane Stephens scare on Australian Open debut

American Sloane Stephens received a torrent of angry messages on social media, including racist and sexist abuse, following her third round loss to Angelique Kerber at the US Open, the tournament's 2017 champion said on Saturday.

Stephens, who is Black, said she got over 2,000 messages of abuse after Friday's 5-7 6-2 6-3 defeat.

"It's so hard to read messages like these, but I'll post a few so you guys can see what it's like after a loss," she wrote in an Instagram story.

What followed was a series of racist and sexist messages aimed at the 28-year-old Stephens.

"This type of hate is so exhausting and never ending," she said.

"This isn't talked about enough, but it really freaking sucks... I'm happy to have people in my corner who support me. I'm choosing positive vibes over negative ones.

"I choose to show you guys happiness on here, but it's not always smiles and roses."

Stephens, who has been ranked as high as world number three, then posted supportive messages she received from her team after the loss, the people she called "the only ones who matter."

"Tough one yesterday but let me say I really like the way Sloane is progressing and where we are heading to," one message said.

"Feel super confident about the next steps. Let's get ready to win Indian Wells and finish the year strong and start preparing to win majors and come back to the top 10."

The WTA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

American Sloane Stephens received a torrent of angry messages on social media, including racist and sexist abuse, following her third round loss to Angelique Kerber at the US Open, the tournament's 2017 champion said on Saturday.

American Sloane Stephens received a torrent of angry messages on social media, including racist and sexist abuse, following her third round loss to Angelique Kerber at the US Open, the tournament's 2017 champion said on Saturday. Stephens, who is Black, said she got over 2,000 messages of abuse after Friday's 5-7 6-2 6-3 defeat. "It's so hard to read messages like these, but I'll post a few so you guys can see what it's like after a loss," she wrote in an Instagram story. What followed was a series of racist and sexist messages aimed at the 28-year-old Stephens. "This type of hate is so exhausting and never ending," she said. "This isn't talked about enough, but it really freaking sucks... I'm happy to have people in my corner who support me. I'm choosing positive vibes over negative ones. "I choose to show you guys happiness on here, but it's not always smiles and roses." Stephens, who has been ranked as high as world number three, then posted supportive messages she received from her team after the loss, the people she called "the only ones who matter." "Tough one yesterday but let me say I really like the way Sloane is progressing and where we are heading to," one message said. "Feel super confident about the next steps. Let's get ready to win Indian Wells and finish the year strong and start preparing to win majors and come back to the top 10." The WTA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sloane Stephens suffers abuse on social media after US Open loss

Experience trumped youth as former champion Sloane Stephens` deadly forehand sealed fellow American Coco Gauff`s fate 6-4 6-2 in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday. 
 
The pair appeared evenly matched early on but the 17-year-old Gauff handed Stephens a critical break with a double fault on the last point in the ninth game and never regained the momentum from her 28-year-old opponent. 
 
In the second set, Gauff failed to convert the only break point opportunity she had against the 2017 champion, who had eight forehand winners across the one hour and six minute meeting on Arthur Ashe Stadium. 
 
"The forehand was key today," Stephens said "I wanted to come out here and really execute and play my game." 
 
Stephens won the last seven points in a row, as she dominated from the baseline and had a two break advantage headed into the final game. 
 
Stephens got 84% of her first serves in across the match. Gauff committed four double faults. 
 
"Serving that high percentage for me is always really key just because I can get into the points and I can start off aggressive with me dictating play, which is what I want to do," said Stephens. 
 
The off-court friends hugged at the net after the match and Stephens heaped praise on the 23rd-ranked Gauff, a fan favourite at Flushing Meadows who reached the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros earlier this year, the best major performance of her career. 
 
"I love Coco, I think everyone knows I love Coco," said Stephens. "I`ve seen her game really transition and change ... I know there`s going to be great things ahead for her." 
 
In the third round she faces either Anhelina Kalinina or 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, whose second-round match was postponed on Wednesday due to inclement weather.

Experience trumped youth as former champion Sloane Stephens` deadly forehand sealed fellow American Coco Gauff`s fate 6-4 6-2 in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday.

Experience trumped youth as former champion Sloane Stephens` deadly forehand sealed fellow American Coco Gauff`s fate 6-4 6-2 in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday. The pair appeared evenly matched early on but the 17-year-old Gauff handed Stephens a critical break with a double fault on the last point in the ninth game and never regained the momentum from her 28-year-old opponent. In the second set, Gauff failed to convert the only break point opportunity she had against the 2017 champion, who had eight forehand winners across the one hour and six minute meeting on Arthur Ashe Stadium. "The forehand was key today," Stephens said "I wanted to come out here and really execute and play my game." Stephens won the last seven points in a row, as she dominated from the baseline and had a two break advantage headed into the final game. Stephens got 84% of her first serves in across the match. Gauff committed four double faults. "Serving that high percentage for me is always really key just because I can get into the points and I can start off aggressive with me dictating play, which is what I want to do," said Stephens. The off-court friends hugged at the net after the match and Stephens heaped praise on the 23rd-ranked Gauff, a fan favourite at Flushing Meadows who reached the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros earlier this year, the best major performance of her career. "I love Coco, I think everyone knows I love Coco," said Stephens. "I`ve seen her game really transition and change ... I know there`s going to be great things ahead for her." In the third round she faces either Anhelina Kalinina or 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, whose second-round match was postponed on Wednesday due to inclement weather.

US Open: Former champion Stephens sends teen sensation Gauff packing in second round

Big-hitting Czech Barbora Krejcikova powered past former French Open finalist Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-0 in a clash of unseeded players to reach the quarter-finals on Monday.

The 33rd-ranked Krejcikova, who won the 2018 doubles title at Roland Garros with Katerina Siniakova, has not lost since a maiden title-winning run in Strasbourg and dominated the 2017 U.S. Open winner on a sun-bathed Suzanne Lenglen court.

Former world number three Stephens, who reached the final in Paris in 2018, did not have any answer to Krejcikova's powerful but effortless stroke-making in their first meeting and did not help her cause by committing 26 unforced errors.

Krejcikova was the third Czech opponent for Stephens in a row and the American was forced to hurry her shots in the face of clean hitting from her opponent.

"I was just thinking I have to play my game, I have to be aggressive because I was expecting she's going to play like high, really topspin balls," Krejcikova told reporters.

"And it was actually happening. And then, you know, I just think that I was playing smarter. I was actually playing all those important points really well, so I think that was actually the key.

"I felt a little bit that I actually wasn't the favorite. I felt that Sloane was the favorite. That's how I actually approached the match."

The 25-year-old Krejcikova broke the American's serve twice in the opening set and then wiped her out in the second.

The Czech won 82% of her first serve points and saved all three break points she faced.

Krejcikova converted her second match point with a forehand winner, her 10th of the match, and will meet another American in 17-year-old Coco Gauff, who thrashed Tunisia's Ons Jabeur 6-3 6-1, for a place in the semi-finals.

Big-hitting Czech Barbora Krejcikova powered past former French Open finalist Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-0 in a clash of unseeded players to reach the quarter-finals on Monday.

Big-hitting Czech Barbora Krejcikova powered past former French Open finalist Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-0 in a clash of unseeded players to reach the quarter-finals on Monday. The 33rd-ranked Krejcikova, who won the 2018 doubles title at Roland Garros with Katerina Siniakova, has not lost since a maiden title-winning run in Strasbourg and dominated the 2017 U.S. Open winner on a sun-bathed Suzanne Lenglen court. Former world number three Stephens, who reached the final in Paris in 2018, did not have any answer to Krejcikova's powerful but effortless stroke-making in their first meeting and did not help her cause by committing 26 unforced errors. Krejcikova was the third Czech opponent for Stephens in a row and the American was forced to hurry her shots in the face of clean hitting from her opponent. "I was just thinking I have to play my game, I have to be aggressive because I was expecting she's going to play like high, really topspin balls," Krejcikova told reporters. "And it was actually happening. And then, you know, I just think that I was playing smarter. I was actually playing all those important points really well, so I think that was actually the key. "I felt a little bit that I actually wasn't the favorite. I felt that Sloane was the favorite. That's how I actually approached the match." The 25-year-old Krejcikova broke the American's serve twice in the opening set and then wiped her out in the second. The Czech won 82% of her first serve points and saved all three break points she faced. Krejcikova converted her second match point with a forehand winner, her 10th of the match, and will meet another American in 17-year-old Coco Gauff, who thrashed Tunisia's Ons Jabeur 6-3 6-1, for a place in the semi-finals.

French Open: Barbora Krejcikova swats aside Sloane Stephens to book quarter-final spot

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday.

Konta, the 26th seed, downed last year's runner-up 6-1, 6-4 and will face either Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova or Croatian 31st Petra Martic for a place in the final.

Jo Durie was the last British woman to make the French Open semi-finals in 1983.

The 28-year-old Konta had not won a match at Roland Garros in any of her previous four visits.

However, she now finds herself in her third semi-final at a major after runs to the last-four at the 2016 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017.

"To play on the new Chatrier court for the first time was wonderful especially against one of the world's best players," said Konta after her third win in 2019 over Stephens.

"I am super happy because the conditions were so windy and Sloane is the kind of player who can run away with a match.

"So I had to be prepared to keep her on the back foot and control the points."

Konta made sure of emulating Durie by breaking former US Open champion Stephens in the fourth and sixth games of the first set.

The Briton fired four aces and 12 winners past her 26-year-old opponent in the 35-minute opener.

The 26th seed tightened her grip with a break in the opening game of the second set and that proved more than enough.

Such was Konta's domination that she allowed Stephens just one point on her serve in the entire second set which ended with a whimper when the American sent a groundstroke wide of the mark.

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday.

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday. Konta, the 26th seed, downed last year's runner-up 6-1, 6-4 and will face either Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova or Croatian 31st Petra Martic for a place in the final. Jo Durie was the last British woman to make the French Open semi-finals in 1983. The 28-year-old Konta had not won a match at Roland Garros in any of her previous four visits. However, she now finds herself in her third semi-final at a major after runs to the last-four at the 2016 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017. "To play on the new Chatrier court for the first time was wonderful especially against one of the world's best players," said Konta after her third win in 2019 over Stephens. "I am super happy because the conditions were so windy and Sloane is the kind of player who can run away with a match. "So I had to be prepared to keep her on the back foot and control the points." Konta made sure of emulating Durie by breaking former US Open champion Stephens in the fourth and sixth games of the first set. The Briton fired four aces and 12 winners past her 26-year-old opponent in the 35-minute opener. The 26th seed tightened her grip with a break in the opening game of the second set and that proved more than enough. Such was Konta's domination that she allowed Stephens just one point on her serve in the entire second set which ended with a whimper when the American sent a groundstroke wide of the mark.

Johanna Konta first British woman in Roland Garros semis in 36 years

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career&nbsp;as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore.

Ukrainian Svitolina had arrived in Singapore woefully out of form, but the baseliner gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, winning all three pool matches and semi-final before subduing a fast-starting Stephens.

Stephens, who looks deceptively casual but possesses supreme speed and athleticism, settled the quicker and moved 3-0 ahead before going on to take the opening set with relative comfort.

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I am incredibly happy to end the season with a victory at <a href="https://twitter.com/WTAFinalsSG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTAFinalsSG</a> 💥 Many thanks to those who trusted in me!💙💛 <a href="https://t.co/s0th1bMm6b">pic.twitter.com/s0th1bMm6b</a>
— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/1056595978084646912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was Svitolina's turn to make the initial breakthrough in the second set when she capitalised on untidy play from Stephens to edge a break ahead, and she broke twice more to send the match to a decider.

The world number seven was dictating terms as a leaden-footed Stephens struggled to match Svitolina's relentless pace, and the Ukrainian broke three times once more to see off the American.

Svitolina's triumph was her 13th victory in 15 finals and should fill her full of confidence as she looks to make a Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019.

In the women's doubles final, second seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos ousted top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets, 6-4 7-5.

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore.

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore. Ukrainian Svitolina had arrived in Singapore woefully out of form, but the baseliner gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, winning all three pool matches and semi-final before subduing a fast-starting Stephens. Stephens, who looks deceptively casual but possesses supreme speed and athleticism, settled the quicker and moved 3-0 ahead before going on to take the opening set with relative comfort. I am incredibly happy to end the season with a victory at @WTAFinalsSG 💥 Many thanks to those who trusted in me!💙💛 pic.twitter.com/s0th1bMm6b — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) October 28, 2018 × It was Svitolina's turn to make the initial breakthrough in the second set when she capitalised on untidy play from Stephens to edge a break ahead, and she broke twice more to send the match to a decider. The world number seven was dictating terms as a leaden-footed Stephens struggled to match Svitolina's relentless pace, and the Ukrainian broke three times once more to see off the American. Svitolina's triumph was her 13th victory in 15 finals and should fill her full of confidence as she looks to make a Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019. In the women's doubles final, second seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos ousted top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets, 6-4 7-5.

Elina Svitolina defeats Sloane Stephens to claim WTA Finals triumph

World number six Sloane Stephens cruised into the summit showdown of the ongoing 2018 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals after brushing aside Karolina Pliskova in Singapore on Sunday.

After losing the first set, the 25-year-old made a thrilling comeback and conquered Pliskova in the next two games to eventually clinch a 0-6, 6-4, 6-1 win.

Reflecting on her victory, Stephens said that she knew that the match was going to be a tough one, but after she won one point, it helped to build up her confidence against Pliskova.

“Obviously, I knew playing Kaja [Pliskova] was going to be a really tough match," the Women Tennis Association (WTA) quoted Stephens, as saying.

“I had a bit of an adrenaline dump after I finally won one game - I was really fired up, so I was like ‘Okay, come on, let’s do this. I can win one game, maybe I can win two, then three’," she added.

Stephens, who is going to play her first final in Singapore, also expressed her happiness as she has outshined some great players in the tournament.

“I have done qualifying for my first final here, beating some amazing players, playing four really great matches.

You know, I'm happy with that. I just got one more to go. I'm just going to give it my all and see what happens,” she said.

Following the turnaround victory, Stephens will now face world number seven Elina Svitolina in the finals of the WTA Finals later today.&nbsp;

World number six Sloane Stephens cruised into the summit showdown of the ongoing 2018 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals after brushing aside Karolina Pliskova in Singapore on Sunday.

World number six Sloane Stephens cruised into the summit showdown of the ongoing 2018 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals after brushing aside Karolina Pliskova in Singapore on Sunday. After losing the first set, the 25-year-old made a thrilling comeback and conquered Pliskova in the next two games to eventually clinch a 0-6, 6-4, 6-1 win. Reflecting on her victory, Stephens said that she knew that the match was going to be a tough one, but after she won one point, it helped to build up her confidence against Pliskova. “Obviously, I knew playing Kaja [Pliskova] was going to be a really tough match," the Women Tennis Association (WTA) quoted Stephens, as saying. “I had a bit of an adrenaline dump after I finally won one game - I was really fired up, so I was like ‘Okay, come on, let’s do this. I can win one game, maybe I can win two, then three’," she added. Stephens, who is going to play her first final in Singapore, also expressed her happiness as she has outshined some great players in the tournament. “I have done qualifying for my first final here, beating some amazing players, playing four really great matches. You know, I'm happy with that. I just got one more to go. I'm just going to give it my all and see what happens,” she said. Following the turnaround victory, Stephens will now face world number seven Elina Svitolina in the finals of the WTA Finals later today.

WTA Finals: Sloane Stephens thumps Karolina Pliskova, enters final

Elina Svitolina put on a defensive masterclass to stifle the power of Kiki Bertens and advance to the WTA Finals title match with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4 victory over the Dutchwoman in a gripping encounter on Saturday.

The Ukrainian advances to meet either versatile American Sloane Stephens or big-hitting Czech Karolina Pliskova, who face off later on Saturday, in the final of the season-ending event being played in Singapore for a fifth and final time.

Svitolina arrived in Singapore out of form yet determined to "silence the haters", who she said believed she did not deserve to be in the tournament, and the Ukrainian has played brilliantly to win all three pool matches and her semi-final.

"In the end, it was just about running and chasing every ball... the level was very tough, we were both playing such good tennis, I was just happy to close it out," Svitolina said in a post-match interview.

A pumped-up Svitolina made the better start, chasing down every ball to earn an early break but the aggressive Bertens broke back as she began to find her range with a blistering forehand loaded with heavy topspin.

Svitolina had been a virtual spectator during the fightback but shook off her passive play and concentrated on depth as opposed to direction, taking advantage of mental lapses from Bertens to claim the opener when her opponent double-faulted.

A pep talk from coach Raemon Sluiter seemed to help Bertens iron out her unforced errors but the world number nine collapsed completely with the second set at her mercy, failing to convert four opportunities to level the match.

Svitolina just kept the ball in play and rallied from 3-5 down to send the contest into a tiebreaker, which the Dutchwoman edged after rediscovering her poise.

The Ukrainian emerged on top of three consecutive breaks at the start of a tense third set to stake an early lead in the decider and somehow rode the advantage all the way to the finish line, sealing the win with an epic hold in the 10th game.

"It feels amazing but there's still lots of work ahead of me tomorrow. It's going to be very, very tough but it will be my last match of the season, so I will leave everything out on the court," the 24-year-old world number seven added.

&nbsp;

Elina Svitolina put on a defensive masterclass to stifle the power of Kiki Bertens and advance to the WTA Finals title match with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4 victory over the Dutchwoman in a gripping encounter on Saturday.

Elina Svitolina put on a defensive masterclass to stifle the power of Kiki Bertens and advance to the WTA Finals title match with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4 victory over the Dutchwoman in a gripping encounter on Saturday. The Ukrainian advances to meet either versatile American Sloane Stephens or big-hitting Czech Karolina Pliskova, who face off later on Saturday, in the final of the season-ending event being played in Singapore for a fifth and final time. Svitolina arrived in Singapore out of form yet determined to "silence the haters", who she said believed she did not deserve to be in the tournament, and the Ukrainian has played brilliantly to win all three pool matches and her semi-final. "In the end, it was just about running and chasing every ball... the level was very tough, we were both playing such good tennis, I was just happy to close it out," Svitolina said in a post-match interview. A pumped-up Svitolina made the better start, chasing down every ball to earn an early break but the aggressive Bertens broke back as she began to find her range with a blistering forehand loaded with heavy topspin. Svitolina had been a virtual spectator during the fightback but shook off her passive play and concentrated on depth as opposed to direction, taking advantage of mental lapses from Bertens to claim the opener when her opponent double-faulted. A pep talk from coach Raemon Sluiter seemed to help Bertens iron out her unforced errors but the world number nine collapsed completely with the second set at her mercy, failing to convert four opportunities to level the match. Svitolina just kept the ball in play and rallied from 3-5 down to send the contest into a tiebreaker, which the Dutchwoman edged after rediscovering her poise. The Ukrainian emerged on top of three consecutive breaks at the start of a tense third set to stake an early lead in the decider and somehow rode the advantage all the way to the finish line, sealing the win with an epic hold in the 10th game. "It feels amazing but there's still lots of work ahead of me tomorrow. It's going to be very, very tough but it will be my last match of the season, so I will leave everything out on the court," the 24-year-old world number seven added.

Elina Svitolina rallies past Kiki Bertens to reach WTA final

A calm Sloane Stephens picked her shots to perfection to pull clear for a 7-5 4-6 6-1 victory over Japan`s Naomi Osaka in a battle between the last two U.S. Open champions at the WTA Finals on Monday.

Both women are making their debuts at the season-ending event, and it was the American who opened Red Group action with a win built on the foundations of solid defence from the baseline and a devastating forehand when she attacked.

"I just competed really well and never gave up," Stephens said in a post-match interview. "I knew I would have to play some really good tennis to beat her, stayed tough and tried to stay as positive as I could and took my opportunities when they presented themselves."

After trading early breaks, the match settled down as the pair enjoyed more success on serve, until Stephens, content to adopt a patient approach from the baseline, broke again in the seventh game when Osaka made a slew of unforced errors.

But Osaka is not one to back down and the 21-year-old Japanese broke straight back to level the contest at 4-4, thanks to some sublime stroke-making aided by a couple of double-faults from her opponent.

After a solid hold from Stephens, Osaka was struggling to contain her emotions as she found the net or went long with her increasingly erratic backhand and the American secured her third break of the match to move a game away from taking the set.

TACTICAL SWITCH

Stephens was growing in confidence as Osaka battled her emotional demons and the American fittingly sealed the opener on her third set point, when the world number four sent another backhand into the net.

Osaka changed her tactics at the start of the second set, finding success by drawing Stephens into the court and away from her baseline comfort zone to hold far more comfortably, but the American used her potent forehand to stay in touch.

Stephens looked the more composed at that stage, but Osaka dug deep and battled back from 15-40 to hold in the fifth game and came out on top of three breaks of serve to send the contest into a decider when the American double-faulted on set point.

The world number six broke immediately at the start of the third set and after Osaka wasted a chance to level things up when she declined to challenge a call that would have been ruled in her favour, Stephens took command of the match.

A pair of easy holds and another break took her to 5-1, and the 2017 U.S. Open winner sealed the contest on her second match point when an anguished Osaka double-faulted for the fourth time in the match.&nbsp;

"We played a really tough and competitive match so its always an honour to share the court with somebody that good," Stephens added.

Red Group play continues on Monday when Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber takes on Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, who was the last player to make it into the eight-woman tournament when world number one Simona Halep withdrew through injury.

A calm Sloane Stephens picked her shots to perfection to pull clear for a 7-5 4-6 6-1 victory over Japan`s Naomi Osaka in a battle between the last two U.S. Open champions at the WTA Finals on Monday.

A calm Sloane Stephens picked her shots to perfection to pull clear for a 7-5 4-6 6-1 victory over Japan`s Naomi Osaka in a battle between the last two U.S. Open champions at the WTA Finals on Monday. Both women are making their debuts at the season-ending event, and it was the American who opened Red Group action with a win built on the foundations of solid defence from the baseline and a devastating forehand when she attacked. "I just competed really well and never gave up," Stephens said in a post-match interview. "I knew I would have to play some really good tennis to beat her, stayed tough and tried to stay as positive as I could and took my opportunities when they presented themselves." After trading early breaks, the match settled down as the pair enjoyed more success on serve, until Stephens, content to adopt a patient approach from the baseline, broke again in the seventh game when Osaka made a slew of unforced errors. But Osaka is not one to back down and the 21-year-old Japanese broke straight back to level the contest at 4-4, thanks to some sublime stroke-making aided by a couple of double-faults from her opponent. After a solid hold from Stephens, Osaka was struggling to contain her emotions as she found the net or went long with her increasingly erratic backhand and the American secured her third break of the match to move a game away from taking the set. TACTICAL SWITCH Stephens was growing in confidence as Osaka battled her emotional demons and the American fittingly sealed the opener on her third set point, when the world number four sent another backhand into the net. Osaka changed her tactics at the start of the second set, finding success by drawing Stephens into the court and away from her baseline comfort zone to hold far more comfortably, but the American used her potent forehand to stay in touch. Stephens looked the more composed at that stage, but Osaka dug deep and battled back from 15-40 to hold in the fifth game and came out on top of three breaks of serve to send the contest into a decider when the American double-faulted on set point. The world number six broke immediately at the start of the third set and after Osaka wasted a chance to level things up when she declined to challenge a call that would have been ruled in her favour, Stephens took command of the match. A pair of easy holds and another break took her to 5-1, and the 2017 U.S. Open winner sealed the contest on her second match point when an anguished Osaka double-faulted for the fourth time in the match. "We played a really tough and competitive match so its always an honour to share the court with somebody that good," Stephens added. Red Group play continues on Monday when Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber takes on Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, who was the last player to make it into the eight-woman tournament when world number one Simona Halep withdrew through injury.

Stephens stays calm to run away from Osaka in Singapore

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=simona+halep">Simona Halep</a> remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row.

"Finishing the season as the world number one last year was a huge honour for me," Halep said in a WTA news release.

"To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year."

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki is at number two followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan is at number four.

The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth after her final run at the Tianjin Open. While France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> has moved back into the Top 5 after her final run at the <a href="https://twitter.com/TianjinOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TianjinOpen</a>! 
 
Complete Rankings--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM">https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM</a> <a href="https://t.co/suT6bgf8J9">pic.twitter.com/suT6bgf8J9</a>
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The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows:

1. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,421 points

2. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 6,461

3. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,400

4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740

5. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4,465

6. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 4,350

7. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255

8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,022

9. Julia Gorges (Germany) 3,785

10. Kiki Bertens (The Netherlands) 3,740.

Simona Halep remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row.

Simona Halep remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row. "Finishing the season as the world number one last year was a huge honour for me," Halep said in a WTA news release. "To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year." Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki is at number two followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber. US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan is at number four. The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth after her final run at the Tianjin Open. While France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday. .@KaPliskova has moved back into the Top 5 after her final run at the @TianjinOpen! Complete Rankings--> https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM pic.twitter.com/suT6bgf8J9 — WTA (@WTA) October 15, 2018 × The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows: 1. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,421 points 2. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 6,461 3. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,400 4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740 5. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4,465 6. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 4,350 7. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,022 9. Julia Gorges (Germany) 3,785 10. Kiki Bertens (The Netherlands) 3,740.

Simona Halep remains on top of world tennis rankings

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens on June 9, Friday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Sloane Stephens | #10

Sloane Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of French Open.

Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will meet world number one Simona Halep.

The 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings.

Simona Halep | #1

Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final.

World number one Simona Halep is eyeing her first Grand Slam title. She has lost three previous Grand Slam finals, including two at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.

"I think I played one of my best matches on clay," Halep said. "Every day I play better and that makes me happy."

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens on June 9, Friday at Philippe-Chatrier. Sloane Stephens | #10 Sloane Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of French Open. Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will meet world number one Simona Halep. The 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings. Simona Halep | #1 Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final. World number one Simona Halep is eyeing her first Grand Slam title. She has lost three previous Grand Slam finals, including two at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017. "I think I played one of my best matches on clay," Halep said. "Every day I play better and that makes me happy."

French Open: Sloane Stephens, Simona Halep to meet in women's singles final

Sloane Stephens maintained her perfect record against fellow American Madison Keys as she blazed into the French Open final with a 6-4 6-4 win on Thursday in a repeat of last year's U.S. Open final.

In the first all-American Roland Garros semi-final since 2002, the 10th-seeded Stephens stayed composed throughout as Keys, who has not won a set against her in three meetings, peppered the court with unforced errors.

Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will take on twice French Open runner-up and world number one Simona Halep of Romania in Saturday's final.

Regardless of the result, the 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys's coach - in 2006.

"It's always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I'm happy I played my tennis," Stephens said.

"This is one of my favourite tournaments and I'm looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t'aime.

"I love playing here. So like I said, making the quarter-finals here was a big deal for me. I was really pleased. And obviously making the semis and finals, there is not much more you can ask for in a player."

Next up is Halep, who has won their last four meetings but Stephens, who has a 6-0 win-loss record in finals, is feeling confident.

"I think that I have done really well, but I'd like to keep going," she said.

After a timid start, Stephens found her rhythm and took control of the opening set by breaking in the third game with a forehand winner down the line.

But Keys, who made 23 unforced errors in the first set, hit back hard and set up a break point at 3-2, only for Stephens to save it with a service return winner.

Stephens continued to dominate and broke in the first and seventh games of the second set to put herself in a position to serve for the match.

Keys briefly rallied to pull one break back, but Stephens did not waste her second opportunity, sealing victory on her first match point with a glorious backhand winner down the line.

Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 to enter the finals of this years's French Open

Sloane Stephens maintained her perfect record against fellow American Madison Keys as she blazed into the French Open final with a 6-4 6-4 win on Thursday in a repeat of last year's U.S. Open final. In the first all-American Roland Garros semi-final since 2002, the 10th-seeded Stephens stayed composed throughout as Keys, who has not won a set against her in three meetings, peppered the court with unforced errors. Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will take on twice French Open runner-up and world number one Simona Halep of Romania in Saturday's final. Regardless of the result, the 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys's coach - in 2006. "It's always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I'm happy I played my tennis," Stephens said. "This is one of my favourite tournaments and I'm looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t'aime. "I love playing here. So like I said, making the quarter-finals here was a big deal for me. I was really pleased. And obviously making the semis and finals, there is not much more you can ask for in a player." Next up is Halep, who has won their last four meetings but Stephens, who has a 6-0 win-loss record in finals, is feeling confident. "I think that I have done really well, but I'd like to keep going," she said. After a timid start, Stephens found her rhythm and took control of the opening set by breaking in the third game with a forehand winner down the line. But Keys, who made 23 unforced errors in the first set, hit back hard and set up a break point at 3-2, only for Stephens to save it with a service return winner. Stephens continued to dominate and broke in the first and seventh games of the second set to put herself in a position to serve for the match. Keys briefly rallied to pull one break back, but Stephens did not waste her second opportunity, sealing victory on her first match point with a glorious backhand winner down the line.

French Open: Sloane Stephens beats fellow American Madison Keys to reach final

Madison&nbsp;Keys reached her maiden French Open semi-final, rallying from a break down in the opening set to claim a solid 7-6(5) 6-4 victory against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva on Tuesday.

The American 13th seed, playing in her third consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, was 5-3 down in the first set when she stepped up a gear to advance without having lost a set.

She will take on either Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens, nine months after her compatriot beat her in the U.S. Open final.

"Thank you everyone for coming and supporting me, I did need a lot of support today," said Keys.

"In the first set, I just needed to focus more and trust my game.

"I'm obviously very happy to win in straight sets again and I look forward to the next match."

In humid conditions on Court Suzanne Lenglen, both players were solid on their serve with no break points in the first six games.

The unseeded Putintseva, who played more safely, had the first break opportunity in the seventh game, which she converted when Keys buried a backhand into the net.

Keys, however, broke back for 5-5 with a stunning forehand winner down the line and the set would be decided in a tiebreak.

Putintseva, who was hoping to become the first Kazakh player -- female or male -- to qualify for a Grand Slam semi-final, opened up a 2-0 lead, only for the American to score four points in a row and take control.

Keys bagged the set at the end of a long rally in which her opponent defended ferociously, gradually stepping into the court to end the exchange with a backhand winner.

Keys had the first break chance in the second set and a lightning quick service return gave her the edge as she moved 4-3 up.

She held serve until the end, prevailing on her first match point thanks to a powerful ace.

Madison Keys will either play Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens in the semi-final

Madison Keys reached her maiden French Open semi-final, rallying from a break down in the opening set to claim a solid 7-6(5) 6-4 victory against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva on Tuesday. The American 13th seed, playing in her third consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, was 5-3 down in the first set when she stepped up a gear to advance without having lost a set. She will take on either Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens, nine months after her compatriot beat her in the U.S. Open final. "Thank you everyone for coming and supporting me, I did need a lot of support today," said Keys. "In the first set, I just needed to focus more and trust my game. "I'm obviously very happy to win in straight sets again and I look forward to the next match." In humid conditions on Court Suzanne Lenglen, both players were solid on their serve with no break points in the first six games. The unseeded Putintseva, who played more safely, had the first break opportunity in the seventh game, which she converted when Keys buried a backhand into the net. Keys, however, broke back for 5-5 with a stunning forehand winner down the line and the set would be decided in a tiebreak. Putintseva, who was hoping to become the first Kazakh player -- female or male -- to qualify for a Grand Slam semi-final, opened up a 2-0 lead, only for the American to score four points in a row and take control. Keys bagged the set at the end of a long rally in which her opponent defended ferociously, gradually stepping into the court to end the exchange with a backhand winner. Keys had the first break chance in the second set and a lightning quick service return gave her the edge as she moved 4-3 up. She held serve until the end, prevailing on her first match point thanks to a powerful ace.

French Open: Madison Keys reaches her first semi-final on Parisian clay

Sloane Stephens was pummelled by Anastasija Sevastova at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai on Wednesday, her third successive defeat since winning the US Open.

The American seeded third in the tournament was beaten by the Latvian fifth seed in two straight sets 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 28 minutes at the Hengqin International Tennis Centre.

Stephens, 24, was a first-round loser at the Wuhan Open and the China Open in Beijing before pulling out of Hong Kong, but insisted Monday she wasn`t feeling under pressure.

&quot;I don`t think I played terribly,&quot; she said of Wednesday`s match.

&quot;I was happy to be playing better than my last matches, so that`s a good thing.&quot;

French top seed Kristina Mladenovic was also defeated Wednesday by Slovakia`s number one Magdalena Rybarikova 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), in a tight match that saw Rybarikova squander six match points before finally sealing her victory.

Twenty-four-year-old Mladenovic, ranked at a career-high number 10, still has a chance to qualify for the semis but Rybarikova was confirmed out late Wednesday given the round robin format.

&quot;(There were) ups and downs from my side, but... there`s a lot of things to take out from this match, lots of positives,&quot; Mladenovic told journalists.

But her first-match loss in Zhuhai also follows a recent poor run, including an upset by Croatian Jana Fett at the Japan Women`s Open in September, where she was again top seed.

Earlier in the season, she reached the semi-finals at Indian Wells -- a result which saw her break into the world top 20 for the first time, temporarily overtaking Caroline Garcia as French number one.

&quot;(It was) a pretty unique season,&quot; she said.

&quot;The second part is dramatic, is terrible. The first part is also dramatic but in a positive way.&quot;

Despite &quot;the tricky journey&quot;, the French number two said she had improved a lot.

Separately, the tournament`s youngest player and ninth seed Ashleigh Barty cruised to victory over Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in just one hour and 11 minutes, firing nine aces for a 6-4, 6-1 triumph.

The 21-year-old, who began the year ranked outside the top 300, made the final in Wuhan and recently became Australia`s top player.

&quot;I feel like I`m playing really well this whole year,&quot; she told media, adding that she wants to finish &quot;strong&quot;.

On Thursday she faces German Angelique Kerber who she met in Brisbane at the start of the season. Kerber, then world number one, survived a big scare from the Australian wildcard entry.

&quot;I think I`m in a bit of a different position than I was in January when we played against each other,&quot; Barty, now ranked 20 in the world, said.

&nbsp;

Stephens, 24, was a first-round loser at the Wuhan Open and the China Open in Beijing before pulling out of Hong Kong, but insisted Monday she wasn`t feeling under pressure.

Sloane Stephens was pummelled by Anastasija Sevastova at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai on Wednesday, her third successive defeat since winning the US Open. The American seeded third in the tournament was beaten by the Latvian fifth seed in two straight sets 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 28 minutes at the Hengqin International Tennis Centre. Stephens, 24, was a first-round loser at the Wuhan Open and the China Open in Beijing before pulling out of Hong Kong, but insisted Monday she wasn`t feeling under pressure. "I don`t think I played terribly," she said of Wednesday`s match. "I was happy to be playing better than my last matches, so that`s a good thing." French top seed Kristina Mladenovic was also defeated Wednesday by Slovakia`s number one Magdalena Rybarikova 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), in a tight match that saw Rybarikova squander six match points before finally sealing her victory. Twenty-four-year-old Mladenovic, ranked at a career-high number 10, still has a chance to qualify for the semis but Rybarikova was confirmed out late Wednesday given the round robin format. "(There were) ups and downs from my side, but... there`s a lot of things to take out from this match, lots of positives," Mladenovic told journalists. But her first-match loss in Zhuhai also follows a recent poor run, including an upset by Croatian Jana Fett at the Japan Women`s Open in September, where she was again top seed. Earlier in the season, she reached the semi-finals at Indian Wells -- a result which saw her break into the world top 20 for the first time, temporarily overtaking Caroline Garcia as French number one. "(It was) a pretty unique season," she said. "The second part is dramatic, is terrible. The first part is also dramatic but in a positive way." Despite "the tricky journey", the French number two said she had improved a lot. Separately, the tournament`s youngest player and ninth seed Ashleigh Barty cruised to victory over Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in just one hour and 11 minutes, firing nine aces for a 6-4, 6-1 triumph. The 21-year-old, who began the year ranked outside the top 300, made the final in Wuhan and recently became Australia`s top player. "I feel like I`m playing really well this whole year," she told media, adding that she wants to finish "strong". On Thursday she faces German Angelique Kerber who she met in Brisbane at the start of the season. Kerber, then world number one, survived a big scare from the Australian wildcard entry. "I think I`m in a bit of a different position than I was in January when we played against each other," Barty, now ranked 20 in the world, said.

Tennis: US open champ Stephens suffers fresh Asian defeat

US&nbsp;Open champion Sloane Stephens is determined to end the season on a positive note at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, China after failing to win a match since her shock victory at Flushing Meadows.

The 24-year-old American stunned the sport in September when in her first grand slam final she became the lowest-ranked woman (83) to win the U.S. Open singles title.

However, despite her impressive triumph and surge up the world rankings she suffered first-round defeats at the Wuhan Open and the China Open in Beijing before pulling out of the Hong Kong Open earlier this month.

Stephens, who will play her first round-robin event at this week&#39;s Elite Trophy, blamed her recent defeats on a lack of preparation.

&quot;I&#39;d say winning the US&nbsp;Open isn&#39;t the best preparation to go play two tournaments right after,&quot; she told a news conference on Monday.

&quot;But I had to get out there and play because it was on my schedule. Before winning the U.S. Open, having those good results, I was basically trying to get into the Australian Open. These tournaments were really necessary for me to play.&quot;

Stephens, seeded third, is placed at the top of the Camellia Group alongside Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic.

Angelique Kerber, who clinched both Australian and US&nbsp;Open titles last year, said the Elite Trophy will allow her to lay a foundation for a fresh start in 2018.

&quot;I&#39;m trying to look ahead and trying to end the year as well as I can by putting everything on the court,&quot; said the 29-year-old German.

&quot;It&#39;s a tough tournament but it&#39;s an opportunity to get better, have good competition and maybe also going with a good feeling to next season.&quot;

Kerber was drawn in the Rose Group alongside fourth seed Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Ashleigh Barty of Australia.

The Elite Trophy features the world&#39;s top 12 singles players who did not qualify for the WTA Finals last week. The round-robin format will see the winners from each of the four groups advance to the semi-finals.

Stephens, who will play her first round-robin event at this week's Elite Trophy, blamed her recent defeats on a lack of preparation

US Open champion Sloane Stephens is determined to end the season on a positive note at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, China after failing to win a match since her shock victory at Flushing Meadows. The 24-year-old American stunned the sport in September when in her first grand slam final she became the lowest-ranked woman (83) to win the U.S. Open singles title. However, despite her impressive triumph and surge up the world rankings she suffered first-round defeats at the Wuhan Open and the China Open in Beijing before pulling out of the Hong Kong Open earlier this month. Stephens, who will play her first round-robin event at this week's Elite Trophy, blamed her recent defeats on a lack of preparation. "I'd say winning the US Open isn't the best preparation to go play two tournaments right after," she told a news conference on Monday. "But I had to get out there and play because it was on my schedule. Before winning the U.S. Open, having those good results, I was basically trying to get into the Australian Open. These tournaments were really necessary for me to play." Stephens, seeded third, is placed at the top of the Camellia Group alongside Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic. Angelique Kerber, who clinched both Australian and US Open titles last year, said the Elite Trophy will allow her to lay a foundation for a fresh start in 2018. "I'm trying to look ahead and trying to end the year as well as I can by putting everything on the court," said the 29-year-old German. "It's a tough tournament but it's an opportunity to get better, have good competition and maybe also going with a good feeling to next season." Kerber was drawn in the Rose Group alongside fourth seed Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Ashleigh Barty of Australia. The Elite Trophy features the world's top 12 singles players who did not qualify for the WTA Finals last week. The round-robin format will see the winners from each of the four groups advance to the semi-finals.

Stephens eyes quick rebound at WTA Elite Trophy

Australian top seed Samantha Stosur, defending Washington Open champion Sloane Stephens and German teen star Alexander Zverev are setting aside Zika virus fears to compete at the Rio Olympics. 
 
But Sam Querrey, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, isn&#39;t going to Brazil because it just isn&#39;t that big a deal to him. 
 
Differing views over the mosquito-carried Zika virus and the rash of recent tennis withdrawals from Rio came out Monday on day one of the ATP and WTA event, the first hardcourt stop on the path to the US Open. 
 
&quot;It`s not something you want to take lightly,&quot; Stosur said after beating Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-0. 
 
&quot;Other people say there are going to be far worse things going on than Zika. It`s about being smart, following all the guidelines. I`ve had all the vaccinations. It certainly has entered my mind this time around.&quot; 
 
Several top NBA players, more than 20 men&#39;s golfers and several top tennis players have withdrawn from Rio, many but not all citing the potential for contracting Zika, which causes severe illness and has been linked to birth defects. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m kind of scared but I`m not having any kids any time soon so I should be OK,&quot; said Stephens, a 23-year-old American set to make her Olympic debut. 
 
&quot;Some people are way more sensitive and some people aren`t. It just depends on the person.&quot; 
 
Canada&#39;s seventh-ranked Milos Raonic, who lost the Wimbledon men&#39;s final to Britain&#39;s Andy Murray earlier in July, eighth-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and Austria&#39;s ninth-rated Dominic Thiem all said no to Rio. 
 
So did 16th-ranked John Isner, the Washington men&#39;s top seed, and Querrey, who doesn&#39;t see tennis or golf as true Olympic sports. 
 
&quot;For tennis and golf, the Olympics isn&#39;t a top priority,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;We have four other Grand Slams. Those are the main focus. 
 
&quot;Some sports in the Olympics, (tennis) and golf, I feel like maybe shouldn`t be in there. It just wasn&#39;t a priority of mine at all.&quot; 
 
That&#39;s a stark contrast to 19-year-old Zverev, who at 27th in the world has become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006. 
 
And Zverev has even suffered severe illness after a bug bite. 
 
&quot;I was at the US Open and something bit me,&quot; Zverev said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m going to be very careful because of that. I only won one match the rest of the year. My leg got a lot swollen. I was really sick with fever, lost a lot of weight, couldn`t eat. 
 
&quot;You think about it, that&#39;s quite a serious thing. You don&#39;t want to get something but the Olympics is a very big event. 
 
&quot;I`m a little bit worried about the Zika virus. A lot of people have pulled out. But it&#39;s going to be a lot of fun.&quot; 
 
Isner has a first-round bye and a round-two date with Australian qualifier James Duckworth, who ousted American Tim Smyczek 7-5, 6-1. 
 
Aussie John Millman, Rio bound as well after Olympic pullouts by Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, advanced to a second-round match with Cypriot Marcus Bagjdatis by downing American Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-0. 
 
(AFP)

Alexander Zverev as become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006

Australian top seed Samantha Stosur, defending Washington Open champion Sloane Stephens and German teen star Alexander Zverev are setting aside Zika virus fears to compete at the Rio Olympics. But Sam Querrey, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, isn't going to Brazil because it just isn't that big a deal to him. Differing views over the mosquito-carried Zika virus and the rash of recent tennis withdrawals from Rio came out Monday on day one of the ATP and WTA event, the first hardcourt stop on the path to the US Open. "It`s not something you want to take lightly," Stosur said after beating Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-0. "Other people say there are going to be far worse things going on than Zika. It`s about being smart, following all the guidelines. I`ve had all the vaccinations. It certainly has entered my mind this time around." Several top NBA players, more than 20 men's golfers and several top tennis players have withdrawn from Rio, many but not all citing the potential for contracting Zika, which causes severe illness and has been linked to birth defects. "I'm kind of scared but I`m not having any kids any time soon so I should be OK," said Stephens, a 23-year-old American set to make her Olympic debut. "Some people are way more sensitive and some people aren`t. It just depends on the person." Canada's seventh-ranked Milos Raonic, who lost the Wimbledon men's final to Britain's Andy Murray earlier in July, eighth-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and Austria's ninth-rated Dominic Thiem all said no to Rio. So did 16th-ranked John Isner, the Washington men's top seed, and Querrey, who doesn't see tennis or golf as true Olympic sports. "For tennis and golf, the Olympics isn't a top priority," he said. "We have four other Grand Slams. Those are the main focus. "Some sports in the Olympics, (tennis) and golf, I feel like maybe shouldn`t be in there. It just wasn't a priority of mine at all." That's a stark contrast to 19-year-old Zverev, who at 27th in the world has become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006. And Zverev has even suffered severe illness after a bug bite. "I was at the US Open and something bit me," Zverev said. "I'm going to be very careful because of that. I only won one match the rest of the year. My leg got a lot swollen. I was really sick with fever, lost a lot of weight, couldn`t eat. "You think about it, that's quite a serious thing. You don't want to get something but the Olympics is a very big event. "I`m a little bit worried about the Zika virus. A lot of people have pulled out. But it's going to be a lot of fun." Isner has a first-round bye and a round-two date with Australian qualifier James Duckworth, who ousted American Tim Smyczek 7-5, 6-1. Aussie John Millman, Rio bound as well after Olympic pullouts by Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, advanced to a second-round match with Cypriot Marcus Bagjdatis by downing American Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-0. (AFP)

No Zika bite fright for Rio-bound Stosur, Zverev

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