In a rematch of the 2017 US Open final, the two American stars will meet on the grass courts in Newport on Friday, July 20. The exhibition match will be hosted in conjunction with the Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open and the International Tennis Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend.
Reigning US Open Champion Sloane Stephens and Finalist Madison Keys will compete in a women’s exhibition match at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Friday, July 20. The best of three sets match is set to take place late Friday afternoon, following that day’s quarterfinal matches of the Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open, an ATP World Tour event. While the historic grass courts in Newport have had an extensive history in hosting women’s professional tennis during their 130+ year history, the exhibition match will mark the first time that current WTA stars will compete in Newport in more than 25 years. Tickets for the event are on sale now at HallofFameOpen.com, and include access to that day’s ATP World Tour matches as well.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sloane and Madison to Newport, and to bring women’s pro tennis to the Hall of Fame for the first time in many years,” stated International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Todd Martin. “Sloane and Madison are both really exciting players to see in action on court. Fans throughout the world have enjoyed watching them rise to the top of the sport in recent years, especially during last year’s US Open. I know it will be a terrific event for our fans during a great week in Newport.”
Stephens and Keys are not only great on-court rivals, but also long-time friends. The two shared the court in an emotional US Open final last year, with Stephens winning the title during what was the first major final
appearance for both women.
“I’m really looking forward to being in Newport this summer. I’ve never been to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and as someone who has spent her whole life loving this sport, it sounds like an amazing place to visit,” commented Stephens, current world No. 9. “It’s always a challenge when Maddie and I are on opposite sides of the net, but, it’s always a lot of fun as well. I’m looking forward to a great event.”
Last month, Stephens cracked the world top-10 for the first time, driven by a victory at the Miami Open— her sixth career title. Keys, who is currently ranked world No. 13 and has three WTA titles on her resume, kicked off 2018 with a strong start, advancing to the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Keys commented, “I’m really excited about the match with Sloane in Newport. She and I love to play each other, we push each other really well. We’ll have a competitive match for sure, but it will be a lot of fun for both of us and for the fans as well.
She added, “Plus, we’ve traveled all over the world together at this point, but it will be the first time for both of us to visit the Hall of Fame. We’ve both been inspired by a lot of players who are honored there, so it will be a neat experience to share with Sloane.”
The Keys – Stephens Exhibition Match will be hosted on Friday, July 20. It will follow the quarterfinal matches of the Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open, and is scheduled for Not Before 4 pm. Tickets for the match include access to the Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open and the Exhibition Match. Tickets are on sale now at www.HallofFameOpen.com
