Stephens poised to make most of Williams sisters' exit

Sloane Stephens of the U.S. competes in her women's singles match against Polona Hercog of Slovenia at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

PARIS (Reuters) - The sudden exit of the Williams sisters offers Sloane Stephens the chance to lift herself out of the American supporting cast at the French Open and prepare for the leading role.

The 21-year-old reached the third round at Roland Garros on Thursday with a 6-1 6-3 defeat of Slovenia’s Polona Hercog, joining grand slam debutant Taylor Townsend in the last 32.