espnW Blog: Sloane Stephens
WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty ImagesI thought my Aussie Open semifinal against Vika was a good match, close at times, 1 and 4. It was a bit stressful, but it was OK. I was definitely nervous, but that just comes with the territory. I was focused on executing things that I've been working on with my coach, David, such as coming into the net a bit more.
Julian Finney/Getty ImagesI really can't put words to the feeling of making my very first Grand Slam semifinal. But it feels awesome, and I can say I really like it.I have been very comfortable and relaxed here in Melbourne all tournament long, and that has helped me a lot so far.
AP Photo/Andrew BrownbillI'm happy to report that I'm two-for-two so far here in Melbourne! I've come out with two victories against Romania's Simona Halep and France's Kristina Mladenovic.Although the conditions were again very hot Thursday against Kristina, it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Mark Metcalfe/Getty ImagesMELBOURNE, Australia -- I'm here in Australia, and I love this country. I don't like that it is so hot, but I do love Australia. Everyone is so nice, and the tournament is amazing. It's run so smoothly and everyone is so accommodating, which makes it really nice and fun to be here.
Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty ImagesHey guys!I have had an amazing experience this year at the U.S. Open, and I want to thank all of you guys for all the support. The crowds at my matches gave me so much support. It was awesome! It was a great feeling to see the people on the site stopping me and asking for a picture or an autograph -- so cool.
Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesNEW YORK -- Well, I slept in until 9:45 on Friday morning. I could have slept longer, but I could hear the cars on the street, so I figured it was time to get up. I headed right out to Starbucks to get coffee for my Grandparents (my Mom, brother, aunts and uncle).
I love New York, I really do! The crowd on Thursday cheered like no other. Thank you, thank you, thank you!I started Thursday at Moonstruck and you know what I had (pancakes and eggs). My brother, Shawn, arrived that morning, so we had breakfast together.
Courtesy of Sloane StephensIt was a mixed doubles day Wednesday with Rajeev Ram! I had a take-out lunch. We grabbed sandwiches (Italian sub for me!) and ate on our way to the tournament site. I arrived onsite early because I had a couple of commitments with Esurance and American Express.
Tuesday was a good day! I had a tough battle with Francesca Schiavone but I managed to get through to the second round. Yay! Must have been the pancakes and eggs from Moonstruck. Or maybe it was the prematch dinner at Les Halles.
It was an interesting first day of the U.S. Open, to say the least. I had a nice practice with my South African friend Chanelle Scheepers, then had a fun autograph session at the American Express Experience.
Sloane Stephens... New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made ofThere's nothin' you can't doNow you're in New YorkThese streets will make you feel brand newBig lights will inspire youLet’s hear it for New York, New York, New York(Sung in my best Alicia Keys voice)All right, everyone, the 2012 U.