The Sloane Stephens divorce news broke on February 21, 2026, when the 2017 US Open champion announced on Instagram that she and husband Jozy Altidore had decided to end their marriage. The announcement closed the book on a relationship that stretched back to their middle school days in Florida, surprising fans who had followed the couple’s journey from childhood friends to husband and wife.
How the Split Was Announced
Stephens confirmed the news herself through a statement posted to her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 21, 2026, shortly after the story was first reported by Page Six. In her message, the 32-year-old wrote, “Jozy and I have decided to end our marriage. With peace, I am navigating this transition with mutual respect and kindly ask for privacy during this time. Thank you for your love, understanding and continued support.”
Altidore, 36, had not issued a public statement of his own in the days immediately following Stephens’ announcement. Reports indicate the two are handling the separation amicably, with multiple insiders describing the split as respectful rather than contentious. Court filings reviewed by media outlets reportedly describe the marriage as “irretrievably broken,” and sources note the couple has a prenuptial agreement in place. Altidore has a child from a previous relationship, but he and Stephens do not have children together.
A Relationship Rooted in Childhood
Part of what made the Sloane Stephens divorce news resonate so widely is the long history behind the relationship. Stephens and Altidore first met as children at Boca Prep International School in Florida, where Stephens was in fifth grade while Altidore was two years ahead of her. The two lost touch for years before reconnecting as adults in 2016, when they ran into each other at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, during a media event. From there, their relationship developed, culminating in an engagement in April 2019.
The couple married on January 1, 2022, in an oceanfront ceremony at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach, Florida. Altidore later described the wedding as deeply emotional, telling Vogue that seeing Stephens walk down the aisle surrounded by family was a moment he would never forget. Their union was seen by many fans as a natural pairing of two elite American athletes who understood the pressures of professional sports.
Career Backgrounds of Both Athletes
Sloane Stephens has been one of the more recognizable names in American tennis for more than a decade. She turned professional at age 16 and went on to capture the 2017 US Open title, defeating fellow American Madison Keys in the final. She also reached the final of the 2018 French Open and has won eight WTA singles and doubles titles across her career, including a 2024 Charleston Open doubles title alongside partner Ashlyn Krueger. At her peak, Stephens was ranked as high as world No. 3.
The past few years have been more difficult competitively. A chronic foot injury derailed much of her 2025 season, dropping her ranking significantly. Despite the setback, Stephens remained active in the tennis world as a broadcaster, working as a television analyst for ESPN, TNT’s Roland Garros coverage, and the Tennis Channel. In July 2025, she received the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at the ESPY Awards, recognition for the community work carried out through her foundation, which has helped build tennis courts for underprivileged students in Florida and California.
Stephens has continued working toward a tennis comeback into 2026. She played in qualifying rounds and reached the main draw at the Australian Open in January, posting her first three-match winning streak since 2024 before ultimately suffering a first-round defeat in the main draw. She was also expected to compete at the WTA 500 event in Merida, Mexico, though she later withdrew from that tournament following the divorce announcement, with Australia’s Priscilla Hon stepping in as her replacement.
Jozy Altidore, meanwhile, built his own decorated career in professional soccer. He played for the U.S. men’s national team, scoring 42 goals across 115 appearances, and spent time in Major League Soccer and abroad, including a lengthy run with Toronto FC from 2015 to 2021, where he scored 62 goals in 139 games and helped the club win the 2017 MLS Cup, earning MVP honors in that final. Since retiring from professional play, Altidore has moved into the business side of sports, reportedly investing in an Oklahoma City soccer venture alongside NBA veteran Russell Westbrook and other partners.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Interest
News of the Sloane Stephens divorce generated significant attention across sports and entertainment media, given the couple’s combined profile as Olympians and champions in their respective sports. Both athletes had largely kept their relationship private throughout their marriage, rarely appearing together at public events after 2023, which some fans and observers had already noted as a possible sign of distance between the two before the announcement became official.
Since going public, Stephens has continued to focus on her return to competitive tennis rather than addressing the divorce further in public statements. She has asked for privacy as she works through the transition, and as of the latest available reporting, neither she nor Altidore has offered additional public comment beyond the initial Instagram statement. There is no official confirmation of a specific reason behind the split, and any speculation about the cause of the breakup remains unconfirmed.
Latest Updates
As of the most recent reporting, the Sloane Stephens divorce proceedings appear to be moving forward without public disputes between the two parties. The existence of a prenuptial agreement may simplify the legal process, though neither side has released details about settlement terms, and none should be assumed until confirmed through official channels. Stephens has remained focused on rebuilding her competitive tennis ranking following her 2025 injury setback, while Altidore continues to build his post-playing career in soccer business ventures. No court date or finalization timeline has been publicly disclosed.
Fans following the story should treat any additional details circulating online with caution unless they come from Stephens, Altidore, or verified official sources, since neither has provided extensive public commentary beyond the initial announcement.
Final Thoughts
The Sloane Stephens divorce marks the end of a relationship with roots going back nearly two decades, from a childhood friendship at a Florida school to a very public marriage between two of America’s most accomplished athletes. While the split has drawn considerable public interest, both Stephens and Altidore appear to be prioritizing privacy and a respectful conclusion to their four-year marriage. Stephens’ focus now turns toward her tennis comeback, while Altidore continues to build his career beyond professional soccer. As with any high-profile personal matter, further developments may emerge, and readers should rely on verified reporting rather than unconfirmed rumors for updates.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story, and share your thoughts in the comments below.