Back in 2021, Sloane Stephens candidly spoke about battling through a dark and difficult period in her life, saying, “I’ve been in a place where it’s been dark and it’s been deep and it’s been sad. I’m like, ‘I need to get out of that place.” Despite being a US Open champion and former 3rd seed, she faced intense scrutiny. Opening up about the emotional toll of being in the spotlight, she emphasized, “Athletes are humans, first and foremost, and feelings are normal,” calling for greater awareness around mental health. Three years down the line, Stephens is now 32 and is embracing a renewed perspective. The former French Open finalist has reflected on how she’s often been criticized simply for choosing happiness, despite everything she’s overcome.

Sloane Stephens has long dealt with the darker side of professional sport, especially tennis, criticism, and abuse, particularly online. Back in 2021, following her third-round loss to Angelique Kerber at the US Open, Stephens revealed she received over 2,000 hateful messages. Taking to IG, she bravely shared her truth: “I am human,” voicing the emotional toll such relentless negativity can bring. It was a powerful moment of vulnerability from a GS champion.

In an exclusive interview with WTA in 2022, Stephens opened up further, speaking candidly about her journey toward prioritizing mental health above all else. “My mom’s a psychologist. So I grew up always focusing on my mental health and my physical well-being and just how I’m feeling,” she added. Despite being a full-time athlete under constant scrutiny, the 32-year-old now embraces a mindset that allows her to live life to the fullest, even if that joy attracts criticism. Her message is clear now: fulfillment isn’t just found in titles, but in peace, balance, and embracing one’s authentic self, no matter who’s watching.

Speaking on the She’s So Lucky podcast, the former US champion recently said, “I think I have lived a full life even with my tennis career, and I’ve kind of done it on my own terms, and I’ve done everything I have wanted to do. And I think a lot of the times its like Tennis, Tennis, tennis, you can always focus on tennis, I’m like that’s it like the whole life is tennis and I am a person like that’s not just true like I am can gone in a vacation, and like do the things I wanted to do like what makes me happy and again I have got super judge for it but I have lived my life in a point like I am happy with my decision, I can love with my decision.”

When it comes to true happiness, Stephens has realized it does not just come through tennis, but through purpose-driven work off the court as well. In 2013, she launched the Sloane Stephens Foundation to provide opportunities for underserved children through education, sport, and fitness, breaking down barriers that often limit access to tennis. “I think that takes the sport a lot further than where we are now. I think women supporting women is always a good thing,” she said.

Actively involved in social causes, Stephens has long fought for equality in the game. Her foundation helps young people try tennis without the heavy financial burden, proving that success should be about talent and heart and not money. Her efforts even earned her a spot as a finalist for the ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.

And, after navigating mental health challenges and injuries, Stephens is embracing joy again. With a renewed mindset and hope, the former World No. 3 looks forward to making a strong comeback, eyeing the 2025 French Open after her injury hiatus.

“I’ll see you soon,” Sloane Stephens hinted at a return at Roland Garros

Sloane Stephens has remained sidelined since her last appearance at the 2025 Merida Open, where she suffered a first-round exit to Petra Martic. Although she hoped to make a return to Indian Wells with a wildcard entry, a lingering foot injury forced her to withdraw, stalling her comeback plans.

The injury also kept Stephens from defending her title at the Rouen Open, where she famously triumphed over Magda Linette in the final in 2024. Still, fans were delighted to see her pop up on The Tennis Channel, where she joined rising star Ben Shelton for an engaging interview after his first-round win at the Munich Open.

“Me? Honestly, I have no idea. I just got my boot off last week but tell your dad I miss him because I love seeing him on TV. I don’t know, I’ll see you soon, I’ll definitely see you at the French,” she said when asked about her possible return.

As the French Open draws near, Stephens faces a steep road back. With her ranking now outside the Top 100 and her name missing from the initial women’s singles entry list for now, she’ll likely need a wildcard or come through qualifiers if she’s competing in Paris for the prestigious clay court trophy. However, with her resilient spirit and unwavering determination, it’s only a matter of time before Stephens returns to the court with her eyes set on the title.