American Sloane Stephens beat compatriot and friend Madison Keys in two straight sets 6-3 6-0 to win the US Open trophy on Saturday.
It was her first Grand Slam trophy. En route the final, the 24 year-old had beaten Venus Williams in the semi finals.
Playing with much composure than her friend on Saturday , and committing fewer errors, she broke Keysโ serve to go up 3-2 in the first set. She was unstoppable thereafter, closing the set 6-3.
In the second set, she held serve and went ahead to break Keys twice to register a 4-0 lead. She held serve again for a 5-0 lead and clinched the championship on her Opponentโs serve.
Both friends ran to the net for a bear hug after the match, with the champion consoling her defeated friend.
โMadison is one of my best friends on tour. I told her I wished it could have been a drawโ, the new Champion said later.
