Meet Professional Tennis Player Sloane Stephens

Sloane Stephens is a tennis star and USTA’s first National Excellence Program ambassador, helping kids enhance their athletic skills.

After launching her tennis career in Brazil, Sloane Stephens became a sports star with a humanitarian initiative for children.

She has won several medals and made a name for herself in the sports industry. Here’s a look at Stephens’ life and career.

FAMILY OF ATHLETES

Sltephens’ athletic talents run in her family. Her father, John Stephens, was an NFL star, while her mother, Sybil Smith, was a swimmer at Boston University.

Although she followed in her parents’ footsteps, the tennis player did not grow up close to her mom or dad since they separated while she was a baby.

Stephens phoned her father on several occasions, but it was not until she turned 13 that they finally met. After her dad passed away, the young athlete spoke about the importance of support coming from family.

SLOANE’S PARENTS

Stephens' father played for the Patriots as a running back for several years, winning Rookie of the Year in 1988 and making the Pro Bowl.

The couple had been friends since their younger years and shared a passion for their sport.

On the other hand, her mother was Boston’s top swimmer with several wins and is the first African-American woman who became a first-team All-American swimmer.

SLOANE’S CAREER

Stephens' fame began in 2007 when she first played on the ITF Circuit in Brazil. The following year, she won a doubles match and played at the Miami and US Open.

The succeeding years saw success for the star, qualifying several times in the WTA. In 2013, she reached a milestone as number 11 in the season.

Stephens played for the 2016 US Olympic Team and became a finalist in a 2017 doubles match. She won six singles from 2015 to 2018 and is continuing to shine on the court.

Sloane Stephens during her Women's Singles first round match on day two of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2019, New York City. | Source: Getty Images

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Recently, Stephens partnered up with Mercedes-Benz for their initiative to raise funds for the United States Tennis Association’s “Rally to Rebuild” project.

Similarly, tennis star Serena Williams had previous philanthropic work to give back to society. The athlete supported a cause that helps black business owners thrive.

All proceeds of her Serena Williams Jewelry’s Unstoppable capsule collection from July to August will be donated to the Opportunity Fund’s Small Business Relief Fund.

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