IN CONVERSATION WITH SLOANE STEPHENS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Sloane Stephens is redefining what it means to be a woman in sports today. A Grand Slam champion, Olympian, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, she has built a legacy that extends far beyond the tennis court. Since winning the 2017 US Open and becoming one of the most accomplished American players of her generation, Sloane has evolved into a powerful cultural force, launching the clean, sustainable self-care brand Doc & Glo, founding a nonprofit dedicated to youth empowerment and mental wellness, and recently receiving the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award. With elegance, intention, and authority, she embodies a new vision of modern athleticism, one that seamlessly blends performance, purpose, and personal style.

coat MAXIMILIAN GEDRA
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
jewelry HOUSE OF EMANUELLE

You’ve achieved some of the highest honors in tennis. How do you define success for yourself today? 

Early on in my career, I feel like success was all about titles and rankings, but now it’s more about personal growth. I’m focused on challenging myself in ways that feel meaningful on the court, in business, and through giving back. If I’m learning, evolving, and making a positive impact along the way, that’s what success looks like to me.

Winning the US Open in 2017 was a defining moment. How has your relationship with that victory changed over time? 

The US Open win will always have a special place in my heart. I feel my definition of success has subtly changed over time. I am always striving to be the best version of myself in every capacity. Before, it was about titles and winning. Now, it is more about fulfillment and doing my best. While I continue to strive to play at the top of my game, I’ve also learned to celebrate the meaningful victories in my life, both on and off the court

trench MAXIMILIAN GEDRA
shoes SCHUTZ

As an elite athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, how do you navigate wearing so many identities at once? 

It’s becoming more prevalent for athletes to explore opportunities outside of their sport, especially as women sports continue to grow more globally and new doors are opening. I’ve always pursued things I’m genuinely passionate about, and I think that’s a big reason I’ve played tennis for so long. I never felt like I was missing out, because I allowed myself to engage in the other things that matter to me too.

Doc & Glo reflects wellness, sustainability, and movement. What inspired you to create a brand rooted in self-care for active bodies? 

I wanted to create something simple, effective, and rooted in wellness for all kinds of people. I want to own the locker room in terms of self-care and wellness. Staple products in your routine that are easy, help ground you and keep you committed to your self-care goals, even when life gets hectic. 

gown KRISTINA K

Wellness is often discussed physically, but you’ve also been vocal about mental health. How do those conversations intersect in your life? 

Mental health has historically been overlooked, especially in sports. Having the space to talk openly about what you’re feeling and what you’re going through is incredibly important, not just for athletes, but for everyone. Just like staying physically active, prioritizing mental wellness through mindfulness, reflection, and support is essential to overall health.

The Sloane Stephens Foundation focuses on underserved youth through education, tennis, and mental wellness. Why was it important for you to build something long-term and community-driven? 

My goal has always been to leave things better than I found them, on and off the court. Through the Sloane Stephens Foundation, we’ve been able to reach thousands of students with educational support, access to sport, and opportunities they may not have otherwise had. I know firsthand how impactful programs like these can be, and I want to ensure the next generation has access to the same opportunities that would have meant so much to me growing up.

blazer TEMRAZA
tights STYLIST’S OWN

Receiving the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award places you in a legacy of athletes who lead with purpose. How did that recognition resonate with you personally? 

Receiving the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award was incredible. It was reassurance that we are taking the right steps and truly doing the work that matters. It affirmed that we’re helping the kids and families we set out to support, showing up in our communities, and making a real impact. While the recognition was amazing, it ultimately inspired us to keep going, reach more families, create more opportunities, and continue breaking down barriers. 

You’re widely admired for your sense of style. What does fashion allow you to express that sport sometimes doesn’t? 

When I’m competing, although I have to prioritize practicality, I always try and add a bit of my personal style to my outfits. Whether it be color or texture, it makes it more me. Off the court, I love having the freedom to wear whatever makes me feel confident and beautiful, without restrictions. To me, fashion is an extension of who you are and it’s a way to express your personality and individuality.

You’ve competed on the world’s biggest stages. What keeps you grounded when everything around you is high stakes? 

When stakes are high, I really try to focus on my breath work. I find that mediation and mindfulness are the best ways for me to stay present. 

dress MEGAN RENEE
shoes SCHUTZ

What lessons from tennis have translated most directly into entrepreneurship? 

Tennis teaches you how to lose, adapt, compete, and keep going even when no one’s watching, and I think those skills translate directly into entrepreneurship. I remember early on with Doc & Glo, we had a delay that pushed back our entire production schedule. I could’ve panicked, but I treated it like a match, regrouped, made adjustments, and stayed focused on the long game. Tennis has also taught me that consistency leads to results. The same way I train every day before a big match, I work on my ventures and keep focused on my goals. 

What does rest look like for you now—mentally, physically, creatively? 

I’m very intentional about taking the time to rest. I’m very serious about things like sauna sessions, yoga, massages, and mindfulness. Taking time to reset both physically and mentally helps me stay focused, balanced, and grounded to continue competing at a high level. 

suit REAGEN VARROSS
shoes CLAUDIO MERAZZI

TEAM CREDITS:

talent SLOAN STEPHENS
photography KURT ISWARIENKO
styling BRITTANY HAMPTON
makeup STEPHANIE NIMOH
hair SCHACLE POWELL
producer COSMO WOLSKI
digital tech JOHN SCHOENFELD
gaffer SPENCER SCRANTON
agent COLLIER GRIMM
styling assistant QUINTON JACKSON
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA