US Open defending champions Sloane Stephens said American women’s tennis is in great health as she welcomed all-time great Serena Williams to the tournament.

Serena, aiming for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, is seeded 17th at the US Open. Her presence has created quite a buzz and compatriot Stephens said having a legend like Serena was a big boost for American tennis. At last year’s US Open, all four semi-finalists were from the USA – CoCo Vandeweghe, Stephens, Venus Williams and Madison Keys.

“Last year we stepped up big time with four Americans in the semis. This year she (Serena) is back, it’s great. American tennis is really flourishing,” Stephens said.

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