Congratulations pour in for champion Stephens

The 24-year-old completed an improbable comeback on Saturday.

Published Sep 10, 2017

One of the most improbable sports comeback stories was completed when 24-year-old Sloane Stephens won the US Open over friend and fellow American Madison Keys. Her first major title comes after nearly one year of recovering from a foot injury.

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Of course, the world took notice and there were all kinds of congratulations and compliments.

These amazing women continue to change the game and bring excellence, power, finesse and change to tennis.
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 8, 2017

Amazing! Congrats @SloaneStephens 👏🏻😍 what a story! #USOpen
— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) September 9, 2017

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Wow @SloaneStephens! So happy for you! 💪🏼🏆💕
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) September 9, 2017

Girls🙌👏Special day for you both!Congratulations @SloaneStephens 🏆👏😘 @Madison_Keys It hurts now,but you MUST be proud for this ❤️💪#usopen pic.twitter.com/L74QwKpkS0
— Elena Vesnina (@EVesnina001) September 9, 2017

Congrats @SloaneStephens & @Madison_Keys. You've both come a long way. Proud to see you play in the #usopen final, your 1st of many to come. pic.twitter.com/JeB0hGjad0
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2017

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An exhibition of class and humanity from @SloaneStephens and @Madison_Keys ... you've made us all proud !
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 9, 2017

Two years ago, Flavia Pennetta won the US Open before retiring, so she has an inkling of what this moment means for Stephens.

@SloaneStephens congratulazioni BELLA!!!! I'm so happy for you 💋💋💋
— Flavia Pennetta (@flavia_pennetta) September 9, 2017

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Maybe the most meaningful congratulations was a personal hug from new Hall-of-Famer Kim Clijsters who was a comeback queen and inspiration for Stephens.

Sloane Stephens and her favorite player Kim Clijsters. Has to be proud of the athleticism Sloane displayed all tournament. #usopen pic.twitter.com/5OCd5kLGXN
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) September 9, 2017

The Tennis Channel reminded everyone of what Stephens was up to just this spring.

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In March @SloaneStephens was in a wheelchair holding a Tennis Channel camera 🎥

Today she’s holding the #USOpen trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/rOcY0RNSGr
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 9, 2017

Throughout the tournament, Stephens has been lauded for her consistency, fight and composure.

Sloane isn’t having to do that much, just steadier, more balanced, composed. She takes 1st set from Keys 6-3. #UsOpen17
— Douglas Robson (@dougrobson) September 9, 2017

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Poised and persistent Sloane Stephens wins the 2017 @usopen , 6-3,6-0...Wow.
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) September 9, 2017

Some performance by Sloane Stephens. Clever, calculated, accomplished, mature, clinical. Keys will come again.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) September 9, 2017

Even the rest of the sports world was paying attention, particularily those who typically cover basketball and football.

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Awesome moment with the Stephens/Keys post-match hug. Stephens is a great sports story, I love how she fought back from the abyss.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) September 9, 2017

The best congratulations of all came from Keys after match point.

Sloane Soars!@SloaneStephens captures FIRST Grand Slam title! 🏆 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/nmTv7sHLOr
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 9, 2017

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Now, this was a US Open to remember.

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