"I still want to get back to where I was" - Stephens looks ahead after title win in Guadalajara

Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens defeated Marie Bouzkova on Sunday at the Abierto Akron Zapopan final to lift her seventh WTA title, and first in almost five years.

The former World No.3 last lifted a WTA trophy at the 2018 Miami Open, and has since struggled with injury and a dip in form. However, her run to the Guadalajara title seems to have energized the 28-year old, as she believes she is finally reaping the rewards of her efforts during her dry spell.

“It’s the beginning of the season, so there’s still a lot of tennis to be played, but I’m excited to be able to put some matches together,” Stephens explained in her post-match interview.

“Excited that I was able to do that, get a title, and hopefully continue on with that momentum, I think I prepared all last year, I committed to training and my fitness and everything – obviously I didn’t get the results right away, but now seeing the fruits of that labor blossom is nice.

“I still want to get back to where I was, that’s still really important to me, I think it’s possible, doable, so I’m really excited about that.”

Both players are now due to play in the Monterrey Open, with the American set to play Mayar Sherif and the Czech will face Sara Errani tomorrow in the opening round.