Sloane Stephens dug deep to produce the “best comeback” of her career in a stunning semi-final triumph against Karolina Pliskova in Singapore, an epic turnaround she believes can provide inspiration in the future.

The former US Open champion was shell-shocked after losing the opening eight games to the red hot Pliskova. But a steely Stephens turned it around in the second set before storming home 0-6, 6-4, 6-1 in one hour and 55 minutes.

Stephens will meet fellow unbeaten player Elina Svitolina in the WTA Finals decider on Sunday.

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The American said she could draw on the match when under adversity in the future. “I think so, definitely. Comeback wise, I think that was the best comeback of my career,” Stephens told reporters.

“In this situation on this stage, the semi-final, trying to make the final... there was a lot on the line.”

Stephens admitted to being humiliated after losing the first set in just 31 minutes.

“I was like... I’m going to lose 0 and 0. This is so embarrassing,” she said. “I just tried my best, and it ended up okay. To get that game at 2-1 was crucial and then I just kind of worked my way back from that.”

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After memorably winning at Flushing Meadows in 2017, Stephens vowed to prove her Grand Slam breakthrough was no flash in the pan. A French Open finalist this season, Stephens is making a successful debut at the prestigious eight-player WTA Finals.

“I think my biggest thing was obviously after the US Open last year, everyone was, like, oh, she’s a one-hit wonder,” she said.

“I think this season I just really wanted to play a little more consistently. I think I did that throughout the year.

“Obviously ending this tournament here, (in the) final, I think will help me going into 2019.”