Tennis

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, recently shared her candid thoughts on her career and the pressures of being a top-ranked tennis player in an interview with fellow player Caroline Garcia on the Tennis Insider Club podcast.Stephens, who has been open about the challenges she has faced throughout her career, spoke about the unrealistic expectations that are often placed on athletes. She emphasized that not everyone can be the best in the world and that it's important to recognize and appreciate one's own strengths and limitations."There's nothing wrong with not being Novak [Djokovic]," Stephens said. "Everyone can't be No. 1 in the world. I think Iga [Swiatek]'s great, she's No. 1 in the world, but I do not want that job. There are certain people who thrive in that, but that's what makes our sport so unique."Stephens, who emerged as a teen phenom in 2011, has had a successful career, reaching the third round of the US Open as a wild card that year and stunning Serena Williams to make her first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2013 Australian Open. She overcame a prolonged foot injury to win her maiden major title over fellow American Madison Keys.However, Stephens has struggled for consistency in recent years, citing injuries and burnout. Despite these challenges, the 31-year-old American remains motivated to continue her career, noting that the unpredictable nature of the tour could still yield her another big result."This is a good job to stay at!" Stephens joked. "Obviously, it is a lot of travel and it's very hectic and it's hard, and it's stressful. There's a lot of adversity happening every single week that nobody ever sees. But what job is going to pay you to put on your tennis dress and play a match on live TV?"Stephens emphasized the importance of finding ways to make the demanding schedule of a professional tennis player more enjoyable. She shared that she has been making an effort to explore new places and experiences, which has helped her stay motivated and excited about her career."This year, I've wanted to go to new places and see new things, and do new stuff," Stephens said. "So, this year, I said, 'I want to make it Asia so I can see the Great Wall.' And I feel like that's helped me more, to have something to look forward to. If you were at a regular desk job for 12 years, you would think it's terrible. For tennis players, yes, we're so lucky and fortunate to be able to travel and do all these amazing things, but it's literally the same tournaments, the same cities. You've got to make it fun and keep it exciting."

Sloane Stephens, the renowned American tennis player, has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community service. Her Sloane Stephens Foundation has earned her a nomination for the prestigious Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at The Espys.The foundation, established in 2013, aims to foster diversity in tennis and provide opportunities for underrepresented youth. Through free programming, educational support, and mental health resources, the foundation has impacted over 10,000 minority youth annually. Its reach extends beyond tennis, supporting youth development in the Compton Unified School District and communities in South Florida, Haiti, and South Africa.Stephens' dedication to education is further exemplified by the Doc & Glo Scholarships, named after her grandparents. Launched in 2022, the $30,000 fund supports students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or pursuing careers in healthcare.Stephens' nomination for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact through sports. She joins an esteemed group of finalists, including basketball star CJ McCollum, baseball legend Anthony Rizzo, and the Maui surfing community.The award recognizes athletes who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and created a measurable impact on their communities. Previous winners include Kevin Durant, Nelson Cruz, and Albert Pujols. The award will be presented at The Espys, airing live on ABC on July 11th.Stephens' nomination highlights the transformative power of sports in fostering social change and inspiring future generations. Her work through the Sloane Stephens Foundation serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless young people.

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, continued her impressive start to the grass-court season with a dominant 6-4, 6-0 victory over Sloane Stephens at the Rothesay International Eastbourne.Raducanu, who received a wild card into the tournament, displayed her exceptional form, winning the final nine games of the match to secure a second-round clash against No. 2 seed Jessica Pegula.The 21-year-old Brit started the match cautiously, with Stephens, a former world No. 3, proving to be a formidable opponent. Stephens broke Raducanu's serve to take a 4-3 lead in the first set.However, Raducanu's resilience shone through as she fought back to win the first set 6-4. From that point on, she dominated the match, not dropping a single game.Raducanu's performance was characterized by her aggressive play and impressive shot-making. She hit 24 winners to Stephens' 11, while keeping her unforced errors to a minimum (13 compared to Stephens' 15).The victory marks Raducanu's second win over Stephens, having previously defeated the American in three sets at the 2022 Australian Open.Raducanu's success at Eastbourne comes after a semifinal finish in Nottingham, where she narrowly lost to Katie Boulter. She opted to skip Roland Garros to focus on preparing for the grass- and hard-court seasons, a decision that appears to have paid off.In the next round, Raducanu will face Pegula, who is also enjoying a strong comeback after winning the title in Berlin. The match promises to be an exciting clash between two of the most promising players on the WTA Tour.

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, has partnered with GOT BAG, an eco-conscious backpack and luggage company, to launch a limited-edition capsule collection. The collaboration aligns with Stephens' commitment to sustainability and her desire to inspire others to make a positive impact on the environment.The collection, released on Monday, features three versatile pieces in a muted gray colorway inspired by the ocean's porpoise. The tote bag, designed for everyday use, offers ample storage space. The two cross-body bags, available in large and small sizes, provide convenient hands-free options.Each bag is adorned with the words "calmness & confidence," a tribute to Stephens' grandfather and a reflection of her on-court demeanor. The bags are crafted from recycled plastic waste collected from coastal areas, rivers, and the ocean in Indonesia.GOT BAG's mission to combat plastic pollution resonates with Stephens. Since its inception in 2016, the company has recovered and recycled over 2.2 million pounds of plastic trash. The collaboration not only promotes sustainability but also supports Stephens' charitable endeavors.Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the bags will benefit the Sloane Stephens Foundation, which provides underprivileged youth with access to health, wellness, and educational opportunities. The foundation, established in 2013, has made a significant impact on the lives of countless young people.Stephens' partnership with GOT BAG extends beyond the launch of the capsule collection. She is an active advocate for the company's mission and has incorporated GOT BAG products into her daily routine. The collaboration reflects Stephens' dedication to both her sport and her commitment to making a difference in the world.

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, has expanded her off-court portfolio by becoming an executive producer for an upcoming documentary on junior tennis. The documentary, titled "Top Class Tennis," will be released on Amazon Prime and will chronicle the journey of four American junior players as they prepare for the prestigious Orange Bowl.Stephens' involvement in the project marks a significant step in her transition from tennis star to media mogul. In addition to her new role as executive producer, Stephens also hosts the podcast "Sincerely, Sloane," which features interviews with athletes, celebrities, and other notable figures.The documentary is being produced by Uninterrupted, LeBron James' athlete-storytelling venture. Uninterrupted has a history of producing high-quality sports documentaries, including a recent film on former world No. 1 Stan Smith and a 2021 Netflix documentary on Naomi Osaka.Stephens' role as executive producer has been praised by SpringHill's head of unscripted and documentaries, Philip Byron. Byron said that working with Stephens has been "akin to having the best doubles partner in the world."The four-episode miniseries will follow Ariana Anazagasty-Pursoo, Joseph Oyebog, Jr., Stephanie Yakoff, and Stiles Brockett as they navigate the challenges of junior tennis and strive to make their mark on the global tennis scene.The documentary is expected to provide an intimate look at the lives of these young athletes, showcasing their determination, resilience, and passion for the sport. It is also expected to shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing junior tennis players in the United States.Stephens' involvement in the project is a testament to her commitment to giving back to the sport that has given her so much. The documentary is sure to inspire young tennis players and provide a valuable glimpse into the world of junior tennis.

Sloane Stephens, the 30-year-old American tennis star, is adding another accomplishment to her impressive resume: podcast host. "Sincerely, Sloane," her upcoming podcast, will debut on Monday, joining a growing list of ATP and WTA players who have launched their own shows.Produced by Uninterrupted, the media brand founded by LeBron James, "Sincerely, Sloane" will delve into the multifaceted life of a professional athlete. Stephens, a Grand Slam champion and former Top 10 player, will share her experiences and insights on a range of topics, including adversity, achievement, and the routines that help athletes perform at their best."As a professional tennis player, mother, daughter, wife, and entrepreneur, I have been through a number of ups and downs and have learned to battle through adversity as well as achieve the unimaginable," Stephens said in the podcast's trailer.Stephens' podcast will feature a star-studded lineup of guests from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and beyond. She joins a growing number of tennis players who have entered the podcast arena, including Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Garcia, Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, and Andy Roddick.Kyrgios' show, "Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios," has seen the former Wimbledon finalist interview celebrities like Gordon Ramsey, Mike Tyson, and Rainn Wilson. Stephens' podcast promises a similar level of star power, with guests sharing their stories, perspectives, and routines that inspire them to be their best selves.The news of Stephens' podcast comes amidst a clay-court resurgence for the 2017 US Open champion. Despite a second-round exit at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Stephens won her eighth career singles title in Rouen, France last month. She also won a doubles title in Charleston alongside Ashlyn Krueger, her first WTA-level doubles title.Stephens' podcast is set to debut on Monday, offering listeners an intimate look into the life of a multi-faceted athlete and the stories that inspire her.

Sloane Stephens' Madrid Marathon: A Triumphant Victory and a Lesson in Self-CareSloane Stephens' day at the Mutua Madrid Open was supposed to be a relaxing one, filled with massages, cupping, and acupuncture. However, fate had other plans, as she found herself locked in a grueling three-hour and sixteen-minute battle against Martina Trevisan.Despite squandering a set and 5-3 lead, Stephens emerged victorious on Court 5, extending her win streak to six matches. The victory was a testament to her resilience and determination, as she refused to give up despite facing match points."I told Darian [King] as I was coming back from the bathroom, 'I'm going to die on this court today. I am not losing this match after having these match points. We're just going to be out here forever,'" Stephens said.The win in Madrid marked a successful start to Stephens' red-clay swing, which she typically begins at the Caja Magica. However, this year, she opted to compete at the WTA 250 event in Rouen to maximize her time on her favorite surface and minimize jet lag."I went there to try and fight the jet lag because I'd never really played that early in the clay season," Stephens explained. "I spent one day at home with my family before going out there and was like, 'I'm going to make a little sacrifice and see if it pays off, see if I can get adjusted earlier.'"Despite spending 10 days in Madrid, Stephens admitted that she was still jetlagged. "It didn't help at all," she said with a laugh.Stephens has made a conscious effort to play a fuller schedule in 2024, including rare appearances at Middle East events and a week of doubles in Charleston. She believes that winning breeds winning and that playing more matches will boost her confidence."Kamau always says, 'Winning breeds wining,'" Stephens said, quoting her longtime coach Kamau Murray. "So, the more you can get under your belt, the more matches, the more confident you can feel."With her victory in Madrid, Stephens has set her sights on continuing her good form in her next match against rival Elise Mertens. The two players have split their last four meetings, but this will be their first on clay."Clay neutralizes everything: you have a chance on every ball, you can get your racquet on every ball," Stephens said. "I think it helps my athleticism a little bit, gives me more room to run. The courts are a little bit bigger; there's more space."On her favorite surface with plenty of momentum, all that's missing for Stephens is a good night's sleep.

Naomi Osaka, Denis Shapovalov, and Sloane Stephens Headline Day 1 at Stadiium 1The first day of the Stadiium 1 tournament promises thrilling matchups as top players Naomi Osaka, Denis Shapovalov, and Sloane Stephens take to the court.Naomi Osaka vs. Sara ErraniOsaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, will face off against veteran Sara Errani in a rematch of their 2016 Miami Open encounter, which Osaka won in straight sets. Despite early-season struggles, Osaka has shown signs of regaining her form. Errani, known for her tenacity, will pose a formidable challenge.Denis Shapovalov vs. Botic van de ZandschulpShapovalov, once ranked in the Top 10, has slipped out of the Top 100. He will face the rising star Botic van de Zandschulp, who has earned a reputation for his resilience. With no previous head-to-head record, this match promises to be a physical battle.Sloane Stephens vs. Mayar SherifStephens, a former US Open champion, will take on Mayar Sherif, a rising star with a solid arsenal. Sherif has the potential to challenge top players, while Stephens has proven her ability to compete at the highest level. This matchup is expected to be a competitive baseline battle.Predictions:* Naomi Osaka* Botic van de Zandschulp* Sloane Stephens