There are very few things that are worse then training for a big tournament and then being knocked out in the very first round.  This must always happen to someone and today it was Sloane Stephens who was eliminated in the first round of the Dubai Championship.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —

Sloane Stephens lost in the first round of the Dubai Championship on Monday, the latest setback for the rising American star who reached the Australian Open semifinals.

Stephens, who has reached a career high 16 in the world rankings since knocking out Serena Williams in Melbourne, lost to Sorana Cirstea of Romania 5-7, 6-3, 6-2.

"It was a rough day, and I think she obviously played some good tennis," Stephens said. "Every match isn't going to go the way you want it, and obviously I got a little frustrated. Things happen, but, I mean, no need to dwell on it."

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