Once friends, Serena, Stephens redefine bond

(Photo: Julian Finney, Getty Images)PARIS – Only three times at a Grand Slam has a player beaten both Venus and Serena Williams while making her way through the draw. Monday at the French Open, Sloane Stephens will attempt to become the fourth.

Stephens, 22, defeated Venus Williams in the first round a week ago, and faces top seed and 19-time major winner Serena in the fourth round.

How does Stephens plan on trying to beat the younger Williams sister?

"Play my game," she said sharply Saturday. When asked for more insight, the world No. 40 offered this: "Just play my game."

It's a layered and complicated relationship between Stephens and Serena Williams. Once known as mentor and mentee (and…