Sloane Stephens (48th in the world ranking) left the tournament in Indian Wells in the opening round, the American was defeated by her compatriot Sofia Kenin (170th in the world ranking).

Sloane StevensPhoto: Dovgan/UK Sports Pics / Sipa Press / Profimedia

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Sloane Stephens lost in the first round of Indian Wells 2023

The 2017 US Open champion and 2018 Roland Garros finalist, Sloan was out of her element, dominating multiple baseline contests and the victory went to Sofia Kenin, 6-4, 6-1.

The game lasted one hour and 22 minutes.

Kenin, who is a wild card, faces a very difficult match in the second round as she will face Olena Rybakina (tenth favorite and reigning Wimbledon champion).

As a reminder, Sofia is a winner of major tournaments, having won the Australian Open in 2020.

Indian Wells will be held from March 6-19 on hard and 96 players have started in the two main draws. The contest offers $8,800,000 each for men and women. Titled champions – Taylor Fritz and Iga Svyatek.

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