After facing a string of early defeats and injuries during her 2025 singles season, Sloane Stephens is discovering renewed confidence through a surprising career shift. The former US Open champion, now 32, has transitioned from playing on the professional tennis circuit to thriving as a field reporter and commentator.
Injuries, particularly a persistent right ankle issue, forced Stephens to step back from competition, including missing the Indian Wells tournament. While she struggled on court, this shift off it has opened fresh opportunities for her to stay connected to the sport.
Stephens’ Journey from Top Player to Recovering Athlete
Sloane Stephens initially gained attention in 2011 as a promising American talent, notably reaching the Australian Open semifinals in 2013 with a memorable win over Serena Williams. She achieved her career highlight in 2017 by winning the US Open and rose to world No. 3 after contesting the French Open final in 2018.
Although her career showed great promise, recent years have been marred by injuries and illnesses. Her 2025 season saw her continue a difficult run, including a ten-match losing streak starting after her first-round loss at Wimbledon 2024. Dealing with a foot injury required surgery and a focused recovery period away from the tour.
During this rehabilitation time, Stephens embraced broadcasting, starting with roles at the Tennis Channel alongside Tracy Austin and Paul Annacone. She later progressed to a prominent commentator position with TNT Sports during the 2025 French Open, working alongside tennis greats Venus Williams and Andre Agassi.
Expressing Gratitude and Embracing a New Path
Stephens has openly shared her appreciation for the support she’s received from fans throughout her career transition. In an Instagram Story, she said,
“I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone supporting me on this journey,”
—Sloane Stephens, expressing gratitude to fans.
She added,
“I have never felt so much love and support… this is definitely one I will always remember.”
—Sloane Stephens, reflecting on the encouragement from her audience.
Later, she posted a lighthearted update featuring herself in broadcasting attire, captioning it simply as Too much fun.
In a detailed reflection shared on Instagram, Stephens admitted she began this new career with no clear expectations:
“Full transparency: I walked into this job with zero expectations. I’ve done TV before, but not like this. Long days, late nights, and no idea what I had just signed up for. I knew I’d get to try a bunch of different things and see what stuck, but I didn’t expect it to change me the way it did.”
—Sloane Stephens, discussing her initial approach to broadcasting.
She further described her commitment:
“Yes, I did the interviews. Yes, I did the desk. But I also learned so much about myself. From the jump, I said if I’m doing this, I’m doing it all the way. I was gonna bring the looks, bring the energy, be a team player, speak on what I know and most importantly, just be me.”
—Sloane Stephens, highlighting her dedication to her new role.
Stephens ended the post by naming herself the Queen of the pivot, signaling her enthusiasm for continuing to develop her broadcasting career further.
What This Shift Means for Stephens and Tennis
Sloane Stephens’ move from professional tennis to broadcasting marks a significant turning point in her life, allowing her to stay influential in the sport despite physical setbacks. Her ability to adapt and embrace a new professional identity offers inspiration to athletes facing similar challenges. Looking ahead, her growing presence on air could pave the way for a long-lasting role in tennis media, while her experience as a top-level competitor brings valuable insight to audiences and peers alike.