Sloane Stephens sends message after title win as former US Open champion closes in on top 100

Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 08:30

Sloane Stephens is moving closer to a return to the world's top 100 after winning the ITF W100 title in Edmond, Oklahoma. The 2017 US Open champion defeated 16-year-old Kristina Liutova to claim her first singles title since winning the WTA 250 event in Rouen in 2024.

Stephens celebrated the victory with a playful message on social media, making it clear that she had arrived in Edmond with a specific objective: collecting ranking points. The American has made significant progress over the past few months after beginning the 2026 season outside the top 1,000.

“They said I needed points, so I figured I’d just take the whole lot🤭🏆 Edmond, OK, thanks for the hospitality and the hardware✨,” Stephens posted.

The title was her 11th professional singles trophy across all levels and marked another milestone in her effort to rebuild her ranking. Stephens climbed 15 places to No. 118 in the latest WTA rankings, reaching her highest position since February 2025.

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A post shared by Sloane Stephens (@sloanestephens)

Stephens reflects on progress after Edmond title

Stephens also shared a more personal message on her Instagram Story, highlighting the role her team has played throughout a difficult period in her career. While the title represents a significant step forward, the former world No. 3 acknowledged that there is still work to do.

“This one means a little extra. So grateful for my team for continuing to show up, believe in me, and ride this roller coaster with me. It hasn't always been easy, but the wins are fun, and it's the people who stick around through the not-so-fun parts who make them that much sweeter. Still a long way to go, but so proud of how far we've come. We keep going! 🤍,” she wrote.

The American is now approaching the top 100, having also moved inside the top 100 of the WTA Race rankings. Her progress gives her a chance to finish the season among the world's 100 best players, a target that would also help her secure direct entry into the 2027 Australian Open main draw and avoid having to play qualifying.

Sloane Stephens 🇺🇸 33yo def. Kristina Liutova 🇷🇺16yo 6-3 6-2 and wins W100 Edmond 🥇 Stephens ( ex 3 WTA) is live ranking ~118WTA , so she is very close to main draw acceptance at the next Australian Open 2027 📷 @okproseries IG https://t.co/WD2ZcILBrr
— FranzyBl (@FranzyBl) October 18, 2026

Stephens will have further opportunities to collect ranking points before the end of the season. She is scheduled to compete at the W100 tournament in New Braunfels, Texas, before heading to the WTA 125 event in Sopo, in the coming weeks.

Those tournaments could prove important as she attempts to consolidate her recent progress. After starting the year outside the top 1,000, Stephens has already made a substantial climb, and the Edmond title provides another boost as she pursues a return to the ranking positions she occupied for much of her career.

For the former US Open champion, the immediate objective is to keep collecting points and close the remaining gap to the top 100. Her latest victory has put that goal within reach, although she will need further results in the final stretch of the season to finish the year in the desired position.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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