The weather has been spectacular for the 2017 US Open in New York. And the weather — both mental and physical — has been particularly good for Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens, the two American stars who meet in the US Open Women’s Finals. One of these young competitors will claim her first Grand Slam championship this weekend. But as they rise to meet the challenge of capturing that first major title, both players will have to contend with a far different kind of weather than they’ve been enjoying lately. As Keys and Stephens vie for the coveted title, Hurricane Irma will begin its nasty path through Florida — where both women live.
A native Floridian, the 24-year-old Stephens now makes her home in Coral Gables. The 22-year-old Keys lives in Boca Raton, where she has been part of the famous Chris Evert Tennis Academy for more than a decade. Both these women will have far more on their mind than most players competing for their first Grand Slam. Keys and Stephens will have to work extra hard to focus on the task at hand while their homes, friends and extended families in many cases are under siege from Irma. Difficult as it will be, Keys and Stephens will need to keep their eyes on the ball and not think about the eye of the storm. The US Open Women’s Final is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday, September 9.
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