“There’s one quote that has really stuck with me: ‘Pressure is a privilege.’ Billie Jean King once told me that, and I try to remember her words in important situations,” Sloane Stephens said in an old interview. It’s the kind of quote you want to hold on to—especially when the going gets tough. And for Stephens, the going has been tough. The highs were super high with a Grand Slam title at the 2017 US Open. But after that, it’s been a while since she made a deep run on the biggest stages, and that kind of dry spell weighs heavy. However, the tough times are giving the American a new perspective on life.
In 2025, things haven’t really turned around. Four tournaments in, and Stephens is still searching for her first win. Her win-loss record this year stands at 0-4. After her early exit from the Australian Open, she posted an emotional note on social media. “Still here, still living the dream—grateful to still be playing on the world’s biggest stages, in front of my family, best friends, and fans. It will never get old. Thank you for supporting me through it all @AustralianOpen.” That wasn’t the only time she opened up. After pulling out of Indian Wells, she spoke about trusting the “universe” to guide her in the right direction.
You can tell she’s trying to stay grounded despite the setbacks. The 32-year-old recently gave fans another glimpse into her current mindset by resharing a post on her Instagram Story that said, “We’re really on borrowed time. Choose people that chose you, & let everyone else be.” It’s a message that hits differently when you’re going through a rough patch, and she seems to be living by it.
In fact, she’s taken some time away from the tour to be with family. Sloane is stepmom to Cameron, her husband Jozy Altidore’s son from a previous relationship. She calls him her “little angel,” and it’s clear they share a close bond. The two were spotted together at an NWSL game between Angel City Football Club and NJ/NY Gotham FC. The result? ACFC lost 0-4 at home, but Sloane and Cameron looked happy as ever. She even shared some sweet moments on Instagram. One post featured Cameron standing on the BMO Stadium pitch with the caption, “Friday nights w/Cameron .” Another post had a photo of Stephens herself with the caption, “: Cameron.”
Their bond is truly heartwarming. In June 2024, Stephens gave an interview with Cosmopolitan, where she said, “Yes, our son (Cameron) is nine and he’s great and makes me want to have more kids. I always knew I wanted to be a mom and have a big family. I love kids, so for me, becoming a stepmom was a very easy transition.”
But even with her family time and healing, tennis is still on her mind.
Sloane Stephens hints at a comeback at the Roland Garros
Sloane Stephens last played at the 2025 Merida Open, where she lost in the first round to Petra Martic. She was then set to play at Indian Wells, having received a wild card. But the foot injury she picked up in Merida forced her to withdraw.
That same injury also kept her from defending her title at the Rouen Open. Last year, she won it by beating Magda Linette in the final. This year, she’s had to sit out. Still, fans got a surprise appearance from her—not on court, but on The Tennis Channel. The 32-year-old joined Ben Shelton for an interview after his opening-round win at the Munich Open.
“Me? Honestly, I have no idea,” Stephens said when Shelton asked if she was ready to compete again. “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.”
There’s a catch, though. If Stephens wants to play at Roland Garros, she’ll need a wildcard or fight her way through qualifying. Her ranking has dropped outside the Top 100, and she’s not on the official entry list yet. Still, with her boot finally off and her spirits high, she seems ready to give it a shot.Will Sloane Stephens turn her season around at the French Open?
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