Sloane Stephens came, she played hard, and she conquered. Fin.
The 24-year-old Plantation, Florida, native took on No.15-seeded Madison Keys, 22, in the US Open finals. It was anyone's match going in, but Stephens got an early service break in the first set and then pulled away for a 6-3, 6-0 victory.
The pressure was on, as an esteemed audience including Billie Jean King, Emma Stone, Michael J. Fox and Hilary Swank watched the two American women battle it out for the Open title.
The champ is here
Last month, Stephens was ranked No. 957 in the world. She departs Flushing Meadows as a champion.
Sloane Stephens joins Tracy Austin, Lindsay Davenport & Serena as the 4th American woman in the Open Era to win her 1st major title at home. pic.twitter.com/fUaQ7U6yLI
Stephens, who suffered a left foot injury in 2016, returned to the Open with a vengeance after an 11-month layoff. She had to knock out some of the greats: Julia Goerges, Roberta Vinci and Venus Williams, to pull off this historic rise to the top.
Sloane Stephens' meteoric rise:
β Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 9, 2017
Pre-Toronto: #934
Post-Toronto SF: #151
Post-Cincy SF: #84#USOpen Champ: #17
#12 in Race to Singapore.
Now, it's time for Stephens (along with her trophy and her $3.7 million winner's check) to celebrate.
I love the shock from Sloane Stephens at word of that paycheck πππππ
β Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) September 9, 2017
Same Sloane. Same.
Friendship goals
That postmatch extended embrace between Stephens and Keys said it all. They are fierce competitors, yet have a profound mutual respect for one another.
Respect #USOpen pic.twitter.com/P3e1WrqQJB
β WTA (@WTA) September 9, 2017
"If I had to lose to anyone, I'm glad it was to [Sloane]," said Keys, the youngest American to make a Slam final since Serena Williams, who was 21 when she won Wimbledon in 2003.
Just a beautiful moment at the net:@SloaneStephens and @Madison_Keys#USOpen pic.twitter.com/uRbDKCjRW9
β US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2017
Excuse me. I've got something in my eyes.
The GOAT(s) were watching
Even when she's not on the court at Arthur Ashe, Serena Williams' presence is always felt. Leading up to the women's finals, the 23-time Grand Slam titlist and new mother took time to send her fellow American players well wishes.
There are NO words to describe how proud and how happy I am for @Madison_Keys keys and @SloaneStephens for making the US open finals.
β Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 8, 2017
These amazing women continue to change the game and bring excellence, power, finesse and change to tennis.
β Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 8, 2017
Stephens upset Serena's sister Venus to reach the finals, while Keys ousted CoCo Vandeweghe.
What a joy it will be to watch this- hopefully first of many finals. Let's go ladies! β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
β Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 8, 2017
Billie Jean King and Emma Stone (who plays BJK in the forthcoming "Battle of the Sexes" film) watched Stephens take the title as well.
.@BillieJeanKing and Emma Stone enjoying the #USOpen Final! pic.twitter.com/OtoyYI9jlX
β WTA (@WTA) September 9, 2017
The cast and crew of the movie, which recalls the 1973 tennis match between King and Bobby Riggs, got in on the fun, too.
Thanks @usta for hosting the cast and directors of @billievsbobby to discuss the film ahead of today's #usopen final. #BattleoftheSexes pic.twitter.com/8KkYQ4YOv0
β Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2017
Fan club
Andy Roddick, Genie Bouchard and Dwyane Wade were among the pro athletes who sent congratulatory notes to Stephens.
An exhibition of class and humanity from @SloaneStephens and @Madison_Keys ... you've made us all proud !
β andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 9, 2017
Wow @SloaneStephens! So happy for you! πͺπΌππ
β Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) September 9, 2017
Congratulations πΈπΎ https://t.co/sJfdxHVujf
β DWade (@DwyaneWade) September 9, 2017
Congratulations to the new @usopen champion @SloaneStephens ! Great performance and amazing sportsmanship from you and @Madison_Keys #USOpen pic.twitter.com/0XpDupgtsP
β Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 9, 2017
Golf great Greg Norman welcomed her to the "Slam" club.
.@SloaneStephens Congrats on joining the slam club with your incredible win today @usopen pic.twitter.com/0HBO5FEQzg
Countless boldface names sent Stephens virtual pats on the back.
BRAVO @SloaneStephens What an amazing win! #USOpen π
β kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 9, 2017
Congratulations @SloaneStephens! Such a joy to watch you play this whole #USOpen! pic.twitter.com/5kRzsE3pPN
β Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) September 9, 2017
Oh, and "Orange Is the New Black" star Uzo Aduba's selfie with the champ FTW.
Now, on to the men's finals, where No. 1 Rafael Nadal faces off with No. 28-seeded Kevin Anderson.