Parents of surprise U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens have New England ties
After winning her first-ever Grand Slam title Saturday, Sloane Stephens received a pair of well-deserved hugs from her coach, Kamau Murray, and mother, Sybil Smith. Unseeded in the tournament, Stephens entered August ranked 934th in the world, but the 24-year-old is starting September ranked 17th — and as U.S. Open champion. Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys, 6-3, 6-0, to take home the crown Saturday.
Sloane Stephens wonderful embrace to the great Kamau Murray and her wonderful mom. #usopen pic.twitter.com/mKveMxwlFC
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (IG:twdbk3) (@sluggahjells) September 9, 2017
Though Stephens grew up playing tennis in Boca Raton, Fla., her parents have New England roots. Her mom attended Boston University and was the first-ever African American swimmer to earn an NCAA Div. I All-America honors.
Still lauded as one of the best swimmers in B.U.’s history, Smith is a member of the school’s athletic hall of fame for her performance in the pool. Among her impressive feats are seven school records and an undefeated record in dual-meet competition.
We know that smile very well. Congrats to @TerrierSwimDive‘s Sybil Smith (’88) on her daughter @SloaneStephens reaching the U.S. Open Final! pic.twitter.com/bUtmIiyl1p
— BU Athletics (@BUAthletics) September 8, 2017
Stephens’ late father, John Stephens, was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft. The running back played five seasons with the Pats and won the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award, thanks to his strong professional debut. In that premiere season, which would end up being the best of his career, he rushed for 1,168 yards and four touchdowns.
In other Patriots news, daughter of team’s late former 1st-rd draft choice RB John Stephens just beat Venus to reach #USOpen final. #sloane
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) September 8, 2017
Stephens did not have a close relationship with her father as her parents divorced early on in her life. In 2009, John Stephens died in a car accident.
