Sloane Stephens shocks Anastasia Potapova with Cincinnati Open second round straight set win

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, delivered a strong performance at the 2026 Cincinnati Open, defeating WTA World No. 25 Anastasia Potapova in the second round with a straight set win. Potapova's most significant victory of the year was her third-round win over defending champion Coco Gauff at the French Open. Stephens had been recovering from a long injury hiatus last year, but she is now back in top form, playing some of her best tennis in recent years.

Her timing is particularly advantageous, as the US Open is considering granting wildcards, and she may be eligible for one. Stephens will face a tough test in the Round of 32 against Marta Kostyuk, who eliminated American Sofia Kenin on Sunday. Kostyuk is currently ranked 11th in the WTA rankings, while Stephens is 207th, a 65-spot improvement due to her recent success at the Cincinnati Open.

Stephens, now 33 years old, is still deciding on her long-term playing future. However, fans are eager to see more of her on the court, as she won the Charlotte Open doubles title with Ashlyn Krueger in a previous year. While doubles may not be her strongest suit, it could potentially pave the way for a future in US Open women's doubles.

Stephens is set to take on Kostyuk on Tuesday at the Cincinnati Open, which will air live on Tennis Channel.