Sloane Stephens may not be the WTA's best tennis player. Yet, the American described herself as being really good at dealing with negative comments from those on social media.
"I am the queen of blocking," Stephens said in her press conference just after reaching the BNP Paribas Open fourth round. She was specifically referring to fans of Serena Williams who continue giving her a hard time through Twitter and other social media platforms.
"Oh, they hate me," Stephens said. "They are the first people to get blocked on my Twitter. You say one bad thing, block."
"There is no room for negativity. I understand that they are die hard fans and I appreciate that. I'm sure she does, too. But some of the comments and some of the things are you know so unnecessary."
The online backlash by some against Stephens likely started after she defeated the current World No. 1 at the Australian Open in 2013 to reach the semifinals. After that event, Stephens was quoted in an ESPN Magazine interview saying that Williams ignored her and stop following her Twitter account.
Stephens, despite later recanting her comments, emerged as a polarizing player on tour. While many fans continue to support her, some have not forgiven her and choose to make their feelings known directly at Stephens through social media.
"It comes to the point where you're on Twitter saying mean things about someone else…I'm just like I don't understand it. But die hard fans are die hard fans. If I was a nobody, I wouldn't attack a celebrity."
Stephens will now get a rematch against Williams in the fourth round. This will be their first meeting since the 2013 U.S. Open.
After a tough 2014 season, Stephens reunited with former coach Nick Saviano who knew and worked with her from a young age. So far at Indian Wells, Stephens is showing better form that included a three set win over No. 22 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Stephens looks forward to the upcoming match against her Fed Cup teammate Williams who she called a "colleague".
"I felt like every match I played against her I have played well," Stephens said. "I mean, it's always an honor to play No. 1 player in the world."