US Open champion Sloane Stephens is more motivated than ever to win another grand slam – thanks to the $3.7million she received for her success in New York.
In a clash between two first-time major finalists, Stephens was too good for American countrywoman Madison Keys in a
6-3 6-0 win on Saturday .
With her victory, the 24-year-old secured the $3.7m winner's cheque, adding to the $4.5m career prize money Stephens had already won.
READ: Keys proud of US Open run despite defeat
Asked if she was hungry to win more grand slams, Stephens said: "Of course.
"Did you see that cheque that lady handed me? Like, yes.
"If that doesn't make you want to play tennis, I don't know what will. So, yes, definitely."
An Australian Open semi-finalist in 2013, Stephens underwent foot surgery in January, making her return at Wimbledon.
READ:
Injury fightback lifts gritty Stephens to US Open crown
Her ranking slipped into the 900s in July and Stephens said her major success came as a huge shock.
"When I had surgery, I was not thinking that I would be anywhere near a US Open title. Nor did I think I was going to be anywhere near the top 100," she said.
"I was worried about my protected ranking, and I was worried about using my protected ranking to get in here. I used both of them already for grand slams and tournaments and to be able to play. I was thinking about all the wrong things.
READ: Hurting Keys tells Stephens 'drinks are on you'
"Once I kind of let that go and just realised that whatever is meant to be is going to be, that I worked hard to get here and, that's that, then I think a lot of that stress was relieved and I was able to just play free and run and compete and just get out there and get after it every match.
"I mean, there is no words to describe how I got here, the process it took or anything like that, because if you told someone this story, they'd be, like, 'That's insane.' I'm just happy to be here."
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