Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, remains a compelling figure in tennis as she navigates a challenging yet inspiring 2025 season. Despite setbacks like injuries and a dip in rankings, Stephens is showing her trademark resilience, balancing recovery, new coaching partnerships, and off-court ventures. Recent developments highlight her determination to return to top form, with fans eagerly awaiting her next moves on the court.
Sloane Stephens’ Injury Recovery
Since March 2025, Sloane Stephens has been sidelined by a foot injury that forced her withdrawal from Indian Wells and disrupted her clay season plans. However, she’s been proactive in her recovery, focusing on upper-body strength to stay fit. In a recent Women’s Health feature, Stephens shared her “arm burnout” workout, a superset of eight reps of two moves followed by a pull-up, which she says leaves her arms feeling like “Jell-O.” She’s targeting a return at the French Open, potentially needing a wildcard or qualifying entry due to her current WTA ranking of No. 134. Her optimism shines through, with Stephens telling Tennis Channel she’s out of her boot and aiming to compete in Paris.
Sloane Stephens’ Recovery Snapshot |
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Injury: Foot, since March 2025 |
Recovery Focus: Upper-body strength |
Target Return: French Open 2025 |
Current Ranking: No. 134 |
New Coaching and On-Court Adjustments
Sloane Stephens is working with new coach Antonio Van Grichen, who previously guided players like Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka. This partnership signals her intent to refine her game for a comeback. In December 2024, she tested a new serve during an exhibition match against Madison Keys in Charlotte, a tweak she described as a “complete swap” that felt nerve-wracking but promising. While her 2025 season started with a tough 6-3, 6-2 loss to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open, Stephens showed flashes of brilliance, like a crosscourt forehand winner, hinting at her potential to regain form with Van Grichen’s guidance.
Sloane Stephens’ Off-Court Ventures
Off the court, Stephens is thriving as an entrepreneur with her personal hygiene brand, Doc & Glo, launched in August 2024. Inspired by her grandmother and the phrase “Document Your Glow,” the brand targets athletes with products like a cooling body scrub Stephens loves for its exfoliating power. She’s also partnered with Daily Harvest to promote healthy eating, emphasizing wellness in her recovery phase. In a recent Elite Daily interview, Stephens shared her streamlined pre-match routine, focusing on positivity and manifesting “really good tennis” for 2025. Her Sloane Stephens Foundation continues to support underprivileged kids through tennis and education, showcasing her commitment to giving back.
Defying Critics and Social Media Noise
Stephens has faced intense scrutiny, with social media critics urging her to retire amid a 10-match losing streak from Wimbledon 2024. In a fiery Us Weekly interview, she dismissed these calls, saying, “If these people are still paying me, I’m not going.” She’s also opened up about handling online hate, particularly from bettors, explaining how she guards her emotions to protect her mental health. Stephens’ candidness about these challenges, combined with her “I don’t give a s—” attitude, underscores her resilience. Her role as a French Open commentator for TNT Sports alongside legends like Andre Agassi kept her connected to the sport, dispelling retirement rumors.
Personal Life and Future Goals
Sloane Stephens’ personal life adds depth to her story. Married to soccer star Jozy Altidore since 2022, she embraces her role as stepmother to his son, Cameron, and has been open about egg-freezing to plan for a future family. In an EssentiallySports interview, she expressed her dream of a big family, balancing it with her career aspirations. Altidore’s recent venture, Sogility, a soccer training facility, complements Stephens’ entrepreneurial spirit, making them a true power couple. Her focus on health, happiness, and longevity in tennis drives her forward, even as she hints at not knowing how long she’ll play.
A Bright Future Ahead
Sloane Stephens’ 2025 journey is one of grit, reinvention, and optimism. From refining her serve to building her brand, she’s proving there’s more to her than on-court results. Her potential French Open return could be a turning point, and with a new coach and a fierce mindset, she’s poised to silence doubters. Fans can expect to see her signature flair back in action soon, blending athleticism with her vibrant personality.
Stay updated on Sloane Stephens’ comeback by following her on social media and cheering her on at the French Open. Share your support in the comments below!