(January 17, 2013) Back in November Sloane Stephens was included in one of Vogue Magazine’s best dressed lists as one of “The New Wave of Style Stars.”
The 19-year-old American who reached the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday by defeating former junior foe Kristina Mladenovic 6-4, 6-3 has decided to reward herself with a special gift only a fashionista or Carrie Bradshaw of Sex in the City could love – a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.
“It’s nice to be in the third round of a tournament and passed the quarters the last two weeks,” Stephens told a small group of media after her win. “I told my friend today that I can’t wait to get those Jimmy Choo shoes I promised myself. They’re not heels, their flats and their white with studs.”
Stephens, the No. 29 seed said if she stays focused and concentrates she’ll reward herself with the shoes which retail for at the least 500 dollars a pair. “It’s like five meals. And I eat a lot,” said Stephens.
“It’s pretty hard when I’m staying at the Hyatt and right next door is Louis Vuitton and Gucci. I’m trying to save myself for them.” Stephens said. “I asked my mom to get me them and she said, ‘No,’ so I’m going to have to go behind her back and get them when I get home. If I order them and have them sent home she’ll obviously send them back because I’m not there.”
Stephens will continue her quest for the Australian Open title and thinking of further incentive rewards beyond the Jimmy Choo shoes, in the third round when she takes on fellow teenager 18-year-old Laura Robson of Great Britain in a match on Saturday. Stephens is one of five American women who have made it into the third round of Melbourne, the most American women in the third round since 2005.
Karen Pestaina for Tennis Panorama.
Jaclyn Stacey contributed to this report.