Unseeded Sloane Stephens Upsets Madison Keys to Win 2017 U.S. Open

Sloane Stephens — who was ranked no. 83 in the world — defeated no. 15 seed Madison Keys to win the 2017 U.S. Open — her first major title.

Stephens defeated Keys by a score of 6-3, 6-0 to win the Women’s Singles finals at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York.

Stephens, 24, is expected to rise to no. 17 in the world after today’s major win.

Keys, 22, will move up to no. 2 in the rankings.

Stephens took home a whopping $3.7 million winner’s check. “That’s a lot of money,” Stephens said, as Keys jokingly tried to snatch the check.

Keys, left, and Stephens, right, posed with USTA President Katrina Adams, center, during the trophy presentation after the Women’s Singles finals match.

This is only the seventh time in the Open Era, and the second time at the U.S. Open, that two first-time finalists faced off in a grand slam event, according to CNN.com.

Stephens is the third player to win the U.S. Open while ranked outside the top 10 since computer rankings began in November 1975.

“Obviously, I didn’t play my best tennis today and was disappointed,” said Keys, who is biracial. Keys said Stephens was a “very, very supportive” friend. She added “If there’s someone I have to lose to today, I’m glad it’s her.”

Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images

  • AJ

    #BlackGirlMagic

  • PhillyFacts

    Congrats Stephens!!! Love Keys positive energy!!! Great job ladies!!!

  • http://ebonynsweet.com Ebony N’ Sweet

    She looks fake, she will never be Venus or Serena lol

  • Oretta Grace Smith

    I love her as who she is, Sloane Stephens!!! Beautiful.

  • den

    Why did they have to add “she’s biracial”? Where I studied journalism ,this would have been an automatic failure.

  • Platoon

    Sloan is beautiful

  • Elle

    LOL! Totally!..you must be new here? : )

  • Mrs. ??????????

    Let’s be honest here, the only reason for this is because Serena Williams gave birth. Congrats to Sloane anyway, nice to see an American win the US open.

  • Li

    I didn’t see that coming, but I don’t follow tennis. Sloan made $3Mil for that match.

  • Wreckognize Game

    Madison said she doesn’t consider herself white or African-American so biracial is how she is described. They did not promote this tennis match as two black girls playing for the championship. I figure it was out of respect to her statement however they mentioned diversity in tennis a few times during this broadcast.

  • IAmLegend

    Actually Madison Keys will only move up to #12 in the rankings. There will now be 5 American women in the top 25:

    #5 Venus Williams
    #12 Madison Keys
    #16 Coco Vandeweghe
    #17 Sloane Stephens
    #22 Serena Williams

    Congrats Sloane and go USA!

  • Kimberly King

    Madison doesn’t look biracial at all. She looks like a light skin black girl with pretty eyes. One of my best friends is the same complexion as Maddie with the same hazel/green eyes. Only difference is Maddie has one white parent, whereas my friend has two black parents. Anyway, I’m happy for Sloane, but I wanted Madison to win. I love Madison’s game so much. I see a mixture of Davenport (her coach) and Serena in her game. Maddie is a big hitter with a great serve. For some odd reason she froze up today. I know her thigh was giving her problems. But Serena (and Venus) have won titles while sick or injured, so that’s no excuse. If Maddie played how she played when she beat Coco in the semis, I have no doubt in my mind she would have won today. But to Sloane’s credit, she was more calm, focused, played solid defense and she was HUNGRY. She wanted it more than Madison. I hope Sloane plays more offense in the future. Sloane’s game plan against big hitters is to basically get balls back and wait for them to make a forehand error. While that worked for her today, it won’t always work. She must play offense and generate power off her racket, which will create winners. Otherwise, she’ll be like the rest of these losers who win 1 or 2 grand slam titles, and fade away. But when the QUEEN returns, it ain’t gonna be nothing nice. Can’t wait for Serena to get #24, #25 and ride off into the sunset.

  • bemetoo

    madison looks like a carpet muncher in the top pic

  • Ebony Starr

    I was there! I was rooting for Sloane, but feared that Keys would take it in straight set. Glad that Sloane got one before Serena comes nack.

  • Harley

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ea04cf86cb77459d95b4c5a5a4deb89db97dba73bb3035bd09d50ebe4574cfee.jpg Well she keeps saying she does not identify as black soooooo..She will when she gets that Tiger treatment

  • Harley

    That is because she is not either…she is her own person

  • pure_rachet

    WTF??? Do you even know what biracial means? Your long ass novel is too much for me when you don’t even know what you are talking about.

  • pure_rachet

    Not a surprise. She looks like she’s in better shape and has more melanin. Go girl! I don’t follow tennis though so I’m just talking out of me bum now.

  • Coco

    I’m just glad Sandra didn’t call her black.

  • Coco

    What’s “pretty eyes”?

  • Coco

    I bet she want to be known and win as sloane Stephens.

  • Darkandlovely617?

    ??
    What’s that you’re doing in your gravi ?

  • Faithz

    Good for Both of them, they have a great Future in Tennis
    If they Keep Playing. Tennis is wide Open for those who don’t mind hard work…

  • T3

    ????

  • T3

    Black Girls Rock! Congratulations to her! Get that money????!!!!

  • VM

    Congratulations Miss Stephens, you deserve it! On another note, I hope everyone evacuated in time and for those who stayed behind in Florida, I pray that you’re sheltered and well protected from Hurricane Irma.

  • Kimberly King

    Girl I’m the queen. I ALWAYS know what I’m talking about. Not to mention I’ve been watching tennis for 18+ years. I can understand why my “long ass novel” would be too much for you… you can’t read darling. In Houston, we have a plethora of programs for adults like you. Shall I sign you up? The first 4 sentences were about Madison. The last were purely about tennis. Is this one short enough or still too long? lmaooo

  • sealsaa

    Hating ass. There’s room for other black women to be successful.

  • Monique B

    Donkey teeth tried to take her shine, A hand shake would’ve been just fine.

  • Monique B

    Ms. Keys don’t Acknowledge black side.

  • Chuck

    Great job, ladies. Stay humble.

  • Darkandlovely617?

    Does Sloane look like Simone Biles to anyone ?

  • bashi

    Sloane is so beautiful she need that win to maximize her career to the fullest before Serena Williams comes back. Sloane get all those endorsements deals line up baby girl

  • T3

    I was congratulating Ms. Stephens.

  • Ebony Starr

    I want to see what endorsements she gets. Seeing that Serena is the GOAT and Maria Sharapova is the highest paid female athlete!

  • Monique B

    I know, I just read an ESPN article they wrote about her.

  • Karen Brady

    :-)… neither do I

  • Karen Brady

    yep

  • TheOwley

    How does a biracial person look? Biracial people can look white or black or asian. You have Obama, Carey, Jessie Williams, Halle, Alicia Keys, Kelis, and so many others who are genetically biracial but will favor one parent more than the other. They are still biracial or mixed race. Keys is biracial and favors the white parent a bit more. Someone on this thread said she does not publicly acknowledged the black parent. IDK about that but you seem to like her. Maybe you know something if she has angsts about it.

  • SummerBaby

    Congratulations Sloane!!!

  • Jahnée Gill Mr.Eddie Murphy

    She isn’t black though. Having a black parent doesn’t automatically make you a negro. It’s insulting to fully black people like myself. Don’t water me down to acomdate a half breed. If she were a dog she’d be a mutt. Only black people subscribe to that bull shit
    No other race accepts the halfs as wholes.

  • Kimberly King

    One of my very best friends from college is biracial and looks like a white girl. Her pops is as chocolate as Sloane. But she looks white. My point was pretty obvious: Madison is shying away from her blackness. Maybe because of what the Williams sisters went through? But that still shouldn’t deter her. You can’t shy away from something when it’s obviously a part of you. Looking at her, she obviously has some black in her. She looks just like her father. That’s really the point. I can’t stand when people read the first two words of a comment and formulate an entire opinion. That whole entire novel I wrote nothing but great things about her. But that “I’m just Madison” stunt she’s pulling. She better get over it quick. Because the tennis world will put her in a box … I’ve seen it so many times.

  • Kimberly King

    You made a good point.

  • Luv Pitties

    ??????

  • OvertheMississippi

    Awesome Sauce!!!
    ????????

  • Zeta Phi Beta 1920

    Ok, so brown suga’ won?

  • http://www.tiffanyinthecity.wordpress.com/ Tiffanyinthecity

    Black girl magic, both the winner and the USTA President. ? That dark white chick can kick rocks with her goofy looking ass. ? Proof that not all bi-racial jawns are pretty.

  • fRAktal Reality

    *standing ovation*

  • Enoughsaid2020

    Congratulations to both of these beautiful, and talented young ladies!

  • Kimberly King

    Serena is returning in January to defend her Australian Open title. Time is up. The Queen gave em 3 Grand Slams and no one took advantage. There were 3 different winners for the French, Wimbledon, and US Open.

  • Vonn

    LMAO. Dark white chick & jawns.

  • bashi

    Don’t count her out yet ok

  • Vonn

    The highest paid under performing alabaster.

  • bashi

    She still can win don’t count out a man yet once their is life

  • MsPam

    Keys looks like Marjorie Harvey in the second picture.?????

  • MsPam

    One more thing can we get a Common is off the market post?!

  • Renee26

    Awesome!! ??

  • Ebony Starr

    I won’t! I can’t wait for her to come back.

  • Kim’s Original Face

    Love them ??

  • pure_rachet

    kidnapping my biracial sister with my OJ Simpson gloves

  • Faithz

    Sloane Name has been cast into the
    Stratosphere, now For her great Win, she will
    have all the Tennis players wanting to Beat her the Next Tennis
    Games she plays from now on.

  • pure_rachet

    You said in your sentences about Maddison that she is not biracial even though you acknowledge she has one white parent. Maybe you should sign up for that program you were talking about.

  • Tr

    ..Sound so bitter, it’s very unfortunate. Her Blackness, or lack thereof is something that can only be defined by her, and her alone. Not by some embittered stranger who holdd their own like a crux, preventing those they deem ‘unfit’ from having it!

  • http://sandrarose.com SandraRose

    Congrats to her, but let’s not pretend that she would be champ if Serena was playing.

  • Unknown User

    Did u intentionally not tell us which one is which…?

  • http://sandrarose.com SandraRose

    Next time read the entire article, not just the first sentence.

    “Keys, left, and Stephens, right, posed with USTA President Katrina Adams, center, during the trophy presentation after the Women’s Singles finals match.”

  • Ebony Starr

    The fans, commentators and lonespersons. Everyone was saying that they were tired of “them”, meaning Venus and Serena. I stated that Venus won the quarterfinal match and that was the response. I replied that Venus was the only one on the court. The loved Venus before she started winning without Serena. She was the moce gracious and humble one. They wanted to see them lose but not to see another African American winning. Sloane served as a means to an end, but they don’t want her ad the face of women’s tennis.

  • TheOwley

    You say she looks like her father. Is he white or black? See what I mean. I was just providing some clarity about what being biracial is all about. One’s outward appearance is not indicative for mixed race. There are light skin black people that are of two black parents and light skin people who have a white and a black parent. When you say “she doesn’t look biracial” my question is, what do they look like. Whatever her issues are with being mixed race are her issues and I’m assuming she will deal with it her way. We can opine in how she does it.

  • T3

    I love it!

  • Monique B

    Thanks you, i learn something new today.

  • hottlanta

    Congrats to her and the sister in the middle who is representing us gray foxes. So Ms. Ed don’t wanna be black. She needs to call OJ Simpson for her wakeup call.

  • hottlanta

    Damn it is Sunday and a hurricane brewing have you no shame. I love it!!!!

  • Darkandlovely617?

    Ohhhh
    ??

  • Mrs.Meenie

    She better enjoy it while Serena is gone

  • Monique B

    LMAO, HER TEETH ARE HUGE!!

  • Monique B

    Sloane is the cutie with the dimple

  • Monique B

    Until she open that mouth, and you she those BIG AZZ TEETH. LOL

  • Monique B

    Hell No

  • Kimberly King

    Google for yourself and see if her father is white or black. I don’t need any clarity. That’s the thing. I was being an ass hole when I said she doesn’t look biracial. But it shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to see that. I stand by every word I said. So….. move on. ^___^

  • hottlanta

    She is doing black folks a favor BYE!!! Why do she think WE need her. She needs to get over herself she ain’t that important. I blame black folks for that because I know when she was young they were having a fit over her “pretty hair”. BYE Felicia.

  • Noirluv45

    Please tell me you didn’t call that chile, Ms. Ed! ?

  • Noirluv45

    Screaming! ?

  • Noirluv45

    Yes!!!

  • AnotherBlackGirl

    Congratulations Sloane! Pretty girl. Your ocked the US open. This is truly Black girl magic.

  • TheOwley

    I’ll move on knowing that colorism is alive and well and the more information thrown at that monster, the closer we are at getting rid of it. I don’t think you were being an a-hole, a little misinformed maybe.

  • Nina Ross

    Congratulations!

  • Unknown User

    ? im sorry. Ive gotten so use to skimming over your, write ups I must’ve missed it. I stand corrected

  • Jahnée Gill Mr.Eddie Murphy

    Girl Bye! Bitter my ass I’m what you wish she was BLACK. Don’t dilute me to include her. She isn’t black and she never will be. You and the people like her are the reason “biracials” are replacing and erasing REAL fully black people in the media.

  • ReadingIsFundamental4Real

    Cute story. Feel good story. I’m happy for the both of them. We need this news

  • Kimberly King

    Nope. The queen knows everything. Bye

  • Asha Abdul

    Not every thing about race.

  • Dee

    You can tell who is who by the trophies, geesh the dumbing of amerikkka.

  • SouthernGirlAZWorld

    Wow beautiful black women….I love it!

  • Unknown User

    AmeriKKKa is the least of my problems, when its my own people calling me stupid. ?

  • hottlanta

    People kill me always trying to elevate their level of importance. We got sistahs changing the game in business and technology everyday. She is not needed.

  • Quitedeliteful

    Congrats to both girls. Enjoy your time in the spotlight. Serena will be back soon to reclaim her throne…

  • Noirluv45

    Hello! Amen to THAT!

  • Benjamin

    Serena has been the highest paid female athlete for the last 2 yrs. She surpassed Sharapova.

  • Faithz

    I am not Pretending Auntee Serena is the Business, and I Love Her, and what she and Her Sister has bought to the Game. In Fact I follow them Both, and have seen first hand what Serena, and Venus is Capable of, Love them the Most.

  • Faithz

    I have watched Serena Wins so many Games that at first I though, No way, and Serena has Pulled out a Win. The Williams has indeed Paved the way for so many., In Tennis.The Williams are Legends in the Game Of Tennis, even if they never Hit another Tennis Ball.

  • Faithz

    Yes Mam Auntee…

  • Mrs. S. Kidd

    Damn really? You sound big mad and envious. Her success does not take away from any of the accomplishments that Venus and Serena have. They paved the way but it’s a new day with younger players. Sloane Stephens is gorgeous and a champion and you will DEAL lol

  • http://ebonynsweet.com Ebony N’ Sweet

    i’m dealing… She’s really young. I have to warm up to her lmao

  • toni walker

    #ALLGIRLSMAGIC

  • toni walker

    Too bad Sloane and Serena don’t like each other!

  • toni walker

    Madison Keys has said she is Biracial not Black (nothing wrong with that)!

  • toni walker

    Sloane is not the number one ranked player the spanish player who won wimbolden is. I doubt Sharapova is intimidated by her, or other players who have also won majors and more than one. There are alot of great players on the tour who can win majors not just Sloane!

  • toni walker

    Being a mean girl to Madison Keys is not BlackGirlMagic!

  • Ebony Starr

    Because Sharpova was on suspension.

  • toni walker

    Sloane is not the number one ranked player and there have been players who have only one major win. The womens tour is deep with great players sharapova and azrekna returning as well as serena (who has not retired yet). I doubt Sloane will match Serena numbers and it is yet to be seen if she will wil another major it’s not just about serena and Venus there are alot of players who have the potential to win majors besides Sloane!

  • Mrs. S. Kidd

    My original comment was towards the person who said Stephens would never be Venus or Serena…..I understand that. They are all in their own lanes.

    As for Sloane not being number one, I don’t care. I can and will still root for her. It’s my prerogative. I’m not sure what you were trying to prove by stating she will never match Serena. She doesn’t *have* to match Serena. Stephens can be in her own lane. There’s room for EVERYBODY.

  • Mrs. S. Kidd

    One more thing, Sloane Stephens has already shown that she can beat both Venus and Serena. She beat Serena during the Australian Open in 2013 and she beat Venus this past weekend, she can probably do it again as both Venus and Serena age. And although Sloane might not be the best tennis player out there right now, she has time to grow and be a champion. She’s only 24.

  • toni walker

    I am not trying to prove anything ! (Sorry)!I was referring to your comment that stated venus and serena paved the way but it’s time for the younger players venus and serena are STILL PLAYING!. I NEVER said Sloane has to be Serena or anyone else! (sorry to burst your bubble)! ALL PLAYERS REGARDLESS OF RACE ARE IN THRER OWN LANES!(SORRY TO BURST YOUR BUBBLE)!You may not care who number one is but in tennis it is STILL a big deal that players TALK ABOUT! I like Sloane (sorry to burst your bubble), Serena, and Venus as WELL as other players. I never said there is not room for EVERYONE (sorry to burst your bubble). Besides Sloane ,Serena, and Venus other player can win majors as well. I actually like the number one player and rooting for her as well! Good Day!

  • Mrs. S. Kidd

    As someone who’s actually been around some of these individuals, I will say that if someone has a problem, it’s SERENA. Sloane is real chill. She ain’t got no problems with nobody.

  • Mrs. S. Kidd

    You didn’t burst my bubble sweetie. You came here trying to disparage a young player. And yes, although Venus and Serena are still active, they are getting older. Father time catches up to us all. The most amazing part about Venus and Serena is their level of athleticism well into their mid-30s. But again, age catches up to us ALL. And don’t come on here trying to kick knowledge about tennis. I know way more than you think you might know.

  • SouthernGirlAZWorld

    She’s still black to me

  • Mrs. S. Kidd

    Who knew auntie was a tennis aficionado? lol

  • Mrs. S. Kidd

    Why are you going up and down the comment section just to say that Sloane isn’t number one? Those of us who watch tennis, KNOW THAT lol We can still support someone even if they are not the top dog. No one cares who Sharapova is or is not intimidated by. What she eats don’t make us ish….ya dig? lol

  • toni walker

    Madison should be allowed to be whatever SHE wants to be she does not owe anybody anything!

  • Faithz

    Hun I know that Muguruza is Number One, and I know who the top Ten all Is, and Sloane Won Her First
    Championship, and I know there are many who would have Loved to have Won, and just so you know I know there are a lot of Players who are Better than Sloane, But for now Sloane have put that Check in Her account, You sound/read like you are Bitter. If Serena, Sarapova,
    Alzerenka, had all been playing then we would be looking at a different Winner by now, But since the prize was for the taking Sloane stepped up to the plate , and nailed a Home Run..

  • Faithz

    Yea I have heard that, and beside that the game of Tennis is wide open with new players now.

  • Faithz

    So very True.

  • toni walker

    I am not bitter sorry to burst your bubble. I am just stating that the field is deep with great players besides Serena!

  • Faithz

    Exactly right about that.

  • Faithz

    I know Hun, I know that
    But Sloane still Won this one though.

  • SouthernGirlAZWorld

    Toni,
    You are absolutely correct, she can be whatever she chooses to be. And I hope that is always the case not just for her but for everyone. Although I’m not quite sure why you are under my comment with all of this anyway. I stated bi-racial or not, she is still considered black to ME….my opinion. I didn’t say she owed me anything and honestly I dont care enough to continue a conversation with you about it.

    Enjoy the rest of your evening

  • Benjamin

    True, but that doesn’t change the fact that she is still the highest paid athlete.

  • http://www.tiffanyinthecity.wordpress.com/ Tiffanyinthecity

    Fck her! She doesn’t even consider herself black! ??

  • SoilderOfLove

    yepp, and light skinn, so fvcked up (inner racism)!