Sloane Stephens admits overwhelming media attention on her “very taxing”

American Sloane Stephens admits that the overwhelming media attention is starting to take its toll on her but she stressed that she’s still optimistic that her game will hopefully improve in the next few months.

The 18th-ranked player has had a dismal showing at the Middle Eastern swing of tournaments. She lost her opening round matches in last week’s Qatar Open and this week’s Dubai Tennis Championships. The American reached the Australian Open semifinals a year ago after defeating Serena Williams. She reached the fourth round in Melbourne last month, losing to Victoria Azarenka.

“It’s still very taxing, I’d say. Actually, this year and last year I’m in pretty much the same exact place. It’s not that bad. It’s still building, and hopefully keeps improving.”

The 20-year-old said that being away from home can be very difficult.

“It’s definitely lonely,” she said. “Obviously it’s long weeks, a long time away from home, but I think being younger, maybe, I don’t know, but I think everyone kind of keeps to themselves anyway. My life is good. I have a really good life. Some days, you’re like ‘my life sucks,’ but it could be way different and I could be in a completely different situation. I’m just thankful for everything that I have.”