Tennis: Stephens sees the success of black players as an inspiration

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Sloane Stephens won the US Open in 2017

Photo: Frank Franklin II / dpa

Tennis player Sloane Stephens believes the number of young black women at the top of the tennis world bodes well for the future.

The days when Williams and her sister Venus were the exception as players of color in Grand Slam tournaments are long gone, and the current look at the best women players in the world could inspire even more black girls to emulate these women.

"We have a great opportunity here to bring more women of color into this sport," said the 2017 US Open winner.

"I think that's great," said Stephens after they 6-2 on Thursday (local time).

Won 6: 2 against Olga Govortsova and reached the third round of the US Open, where the 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams will meet.

"Right now, African American women are leading our sport, which is incredible," said the 27-year-old: From Naomi

to Coco

, Venus

, Serena

, Maddie

, me yourself and then the younger girls who come upstairs. "

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Naomi Osaka brings media attention to Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police officers at home in March

Photo: Frank Franklin / AP

Stephens had worn a mask with the words "No Justice / No Peace" on it for her second round match to draw attention to everyday racism and police violence against blacks in the USA.

In doing so, she followed the example of Osaka, which continued its commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement at the US Open.

Last week she hit a semi-final, and only later did she declare that she was ready to run.

In Flushing Meadows, she wears a different mask every day with the names of black Americans killed by police violence.

Icon: The mirror

sak / Reuters