Stephens: Happy to meet good friend Keith in the US Open final

On September 8, 2017, Agence France-Presse reported that American players Sloyani Stephens and Madison Keys both suffered serious injuries three months ago, but on Thursday, the two will compete in the final battle at the US Open.

Stephens, who had previously missed 11 months with a left foot injury, only returned in July, where he beat Dawei 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 to advance to the final.

"I'm very excited to be in the Grand Slam final." Stephens said. 'Here, my home stadium, it's obviously more special and I think that's what every player dreams of.

World No. 16 Case, who has undergone two left wrist surgeries in the past 10 months, has beaten Cork van der Wieg 6-1, 6-2 in just 66 minutes to reach the final.

"It still feels unreal, and I'm still shaking." Keith said. "I'm doing well, and now I have a lot of stuff in my head that I can't express what I want to say."

"I know I have a chance now and I'm happy to be in the final."

On Saturday, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the winner of the championship between two people who are privately good friends will receive the top prize of $3.7 million.

"We've known each other for a long time and she's one of my best friends." Stephens said. "I like her very much, it's not easy to play with friends."

Stephens also needs to wear protective boots in June, and she ranked 957th in July, but she has won 14 of her last 16 games, reaching the semi-finals in both Toronto and Cincinnati.

"I can't describe how I feel now, what I've been through, and the journey I've gone through."

"It's incredible, I don't know how I got here, just try to play."

Stephens beat Case in the second round of the Miami Masters in 2016, the only time they've met in their careers.

"Now Slovnia can be said to be a newcomer." Keith said. "She's very excited to play again and I'm excited to play against her in the FINAL OF the US Open."

(Editor: Yao Fan)