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Sloane Stephens: A Special ESPY Win & Her Roadmap Back by 2026

Born to a former NFL player and a former Olympic swimmer, Sloane Stephens was always likely to pursue a sports career and establish herself in the field.

However, although her stepbrother John Stephens Jr followed their father’s path by entering the world of football, and the rest of the family developed a deep interest in golf, Sloane discovered her real passion on the tennis court after experimenting with soccer, basketball, dancing, and ballet.

“I was the odd child who chose an entirely different sport,” she says with humor.

By the time she was 15, just six years after starting to play tennis, Stephens had to decide between becoming a pro athlete or enrolling at UCLA.

Her family—comprising her late father John, who was formerly a football player for the
New England Patriots
and mother Sybil Smith, the first African-American woman to ever receive first-team Division I All-American honors in swimming, encouraged her to pursue her dreams and choose the latter, an option that eventually proved rewarding.

“The choice altered my whole life and influenced the course of numerous individuals’ lives via the foundation,” asserts the former US Open winner.


In addition to winning a Grand Slam title, highlighted by her unforgettable victory at the 2017 U.S. Open, which marked the peak of her tennis journey, Stephens has also achieved notable accomplishments off the court via The Sloane Stephens Foundation.

Since its inception in 2013, the foundation of this Florida-native celebrity has utilized tennis along with various athletic activities to offer improved learning chances, promoting physically fit and energetic ways of life, as well as guiding young people from underprivileged areas toward positive future paths.

Over the last twelve years of continued expansion, The Sloane Stephens Foundation currently reaches approximately 15,000 children annually, and the initiative also employs dedicated counselors and therapists to provide psychological assistance.

“Our objective is to support our community and offer them the tools via tennis and learning that will enable them to succeed in life, as well as provide experiences they might not otherwise have,” Stephens says.

So having the ability to present them with an alternative lifestyle, be it via athletics, studies, competitive gaming, swimming… anything at all. If they become disinterested in tennis and decide to switch to football or something else, we maintain their involvement in the program so they sense they have the support needed to not just get by but truly succeed.

Therefore, during the initial phase of her tennis journey, what motivated Stephens to establish the foundation?

A 32-year-old attributes her inspiration to her uncle Roland Smith, currently serving as an executive director at the organization, who introduced her to the concept following his prior involvement in charitable activities.

My uncle said, ‘You could simply establish your own foundation so you can decide which paths you’d like to pursue—whether it’s supporting children, aiding animals… anything at all.’

Supporting others has consistently been central to this, and it all starts from there. I have truly discovered my strength and enthusiasm when working with children, assisting them, and building a sense of community.

It has been enjoyable to truly discover what I love with the help of this foundation.

Last month, Stephens was appropriately recognized for more than ten years of outstanding contributions via her foundation at the ESPYs (Excellence in Sport Performance Yearly), earning the esteemed Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.

And Lonnie Ali, wife of the boxing icon, who presented her with the award, was the “most special moment” of the night, according to the seasoned tennis player.


She has continued Muhammad’s legacy after his passing, and she’s as close as we’ll ever get to him,” Sloane says regarding Lonnie. “During the ceremony, when she expressed her wish that he could have been here to witness this, it was the most powerful and emotional moment of my ESPYs week.

Stephens has missed most of 2025 following her withdrawal from Indian Wells in March due to a foot problem. Having not made a comeback before the French Open and Wimbledon, she is now skipping the US Open as well, hoping to enter the 2026 campaign fully recovered and with renewed motivation.

I believe taking some time off is beneficial for me,” she states. “Tennis is extremely challenging, incredibly demanding, and often lonely and exhausting. However, I feel that after taking a break, you have the chance to restart and rejuvenate yourself. This has truly been an excellent period of rest for me.

I have managed to unwind while remaining involved in the sport through commentary at the French Open. I am still part of the game and continue to enjoy it; I train every single day, which means I’m still active in it. However, I no longer experience the stress and pressure associated with constant travel and competition.

‘So hopefully when I do start playing again, things are all bubbly and roses and sunshine when I come back.’

Stephens, who is married to ex-USA soccer star Jozy Altidore, addressed LFHCK. On behalf of the “WAGS in Wags” initiative: a lifestyle-focused campaign highlighting the blend of legendary cars and remarkable women – showcasing the high-end Wagoneer range along with the spouses and partners of top-tier athletes.

Against the setting of notable events, every campaign brings viewers into the realm of these strong, fashionable, and impactful women—showcasing more than just their relationships, but also their true identities.

From managing the frenzy of game days, handling a company, to juggling being a mom alongside individual aspirations, WAGS in Wags gives real perspectives the spotlight.

The Grand Wagoneer, offering superior comfort, aesthetics, and innovation, acts as the perfect companion, taking our showcased performer through their daily activities in luxurious fashion.

The show offers behind-the-scenes glimpses at red carpet events, blends with everyday life, and focuses entirely on reshaping the image of a modern-day WAG—someone who is self-assured, well-rounded, and empowered.

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