Sloane Stephens accepts wildcard to play in Memphis Classic

Geoff Calkins | Daily Memphian

Sloane Stephens, the former US Open champion, is coming to Memphis.

Stephens has accepted a wildcard entry into the Memphis Classic — the new WTA event that will be held at the Leftwich Tennis Center from July 25 to Aug. 2.

“Memphis, I’m excited to see you guys this summer,” Stephens said in a video announcing her decision. “I’m especially excited to bring women’s tennis back to the city of Memphis. I’m looking forward to it and can’t wait to see you there.”

Stephens, 33, actually played in Memphis in 2012, losing in the first round. She has gone on to forge a splashy and successful career — making it to semifinals of the French Open in 2013 and winning the US Open in 2017.

When Stephens defeated Madison Keys in the finals of the US Open, she became the first American woman other than the Williams sisters to win a major tournament since Jennifer Capriati won the Australian Open in 2002.

This year, Stephens has been working her way back from a foot injury; she’s currently ranked No. 363 in the world. She won three qualifying matches at the French Open to qualify for the main draw, where she lost her first match in straight sets.

Stephens has since made her debut as a television commentator on TNT’s broadcast of the tournament.

John Isner and Sam Querrey — who will play an exhibition match at the Memphis Classic — are also part of that broadcast.

Tickets for the exhibition, as well as championship week packages, are on sale at memphisclassic.com.