Sloane Stephens not concerned by erratic start to season

Sloane's not stressing. The 26-year-old has had an inconsistent start to the season, but says she's turning it around.

Stephens had not won back-to-back matches since the Australian Open until she reached the Charleston quarterfinals, falling to eventual champion Madison Keys.

"I think when I played in Charleston, things started coming together a little bit. Probably the best I've played this season. So just happy to get back, good little rhythm," Stephens told press before competing in this week's Fed Cup tie against Switzerland.

Stephens is known for performance swings. Following her win at the US Open, she went on an eight-match winless streak but then won the 2018 Miami Open.

"I think you just kind of take it in stride," she said. "Playing sports, things go up and down. You have very high highs and very low lows. I think finding a balance, being able to manage through the low lows, the high highs, stay focused, go back to work.

"If it goes bad, you have to go back to work. If it goes good, you have to work harder keeping that emotional balance."

Stephens is No. 8 in the rankings.