‘Exhausted’ Sloane Stephens pulls out of Charleston event

Newly-crowned Miami Open champion Sloane Stephens won’t compete in the Volvo Car Open as she “doesn’t feel prepared”.

The American won the Charleston title back in 2016, but she has decided to pull out of this week’s tournament, citing fatigue on the back of her successful run at Key Biscayne last week.

The US Open champion won her maiden Miami trophy after beating Jelena Ostapenko in the final on Saturday.

“I’m so sorry to announce I won’t be playing in Charleston this week,” she said.

“My run to the title in Miami last weekend has left me completely exhausted/fatigued both physically and mentally. I don’t feel prepared to play my best and therefore it’s in my best interest to get some rest.

“I want to thank Bob Moran and Eleanor Adams for all their support over the years, Charleston is truly one of the best events on the tour and I sincerely look forward to playing again many times in my career. I wish the best of luck to all the girls this week.”