Sloane Stephens, a renowned name in the tennis world, has hinted at the uncertain duration of her professional tennis career. In 2025, she will complete her 16th season on the WTA Tour, having made her main draw debut in 2010. This American player has achieved great heights, winning the 2017 US Open and reaching the 2018 French Open final. However, in recent years and as she enters her thirties, things have become a struggle for her. She slipped to number 78 in the world rankings in 2024 and ended the season on a five-match losing streak.

What Stephens Said About Her Tennis Future

In a press conference before a contest, Stephens expressed her uncertainty about how much longer she would continue playing. She said, "Tennis has a lot of ups and downs so I think it’s about how you manage your year. Obviously I realised I’m the oldest person here and very ancient, but I have enjoyed just travelling and being on tour and competing and I think that is the most important part for me. So to take that into 2025 will be important, I think for the longevity of my career, I don’t know how much longer I’m going to play so I’m just making sure I enjoy it and have a good time."

Tennis Career Highlights

Sloane Stephens has reached as high as number three in the world. She not only won the prestigious US Open but also made it to the 2018 French Open final, losing to Simona Halep. For several years, she was ranked inside the top 10 and faced the best players in the world. These achievements have solidified her position in tennis history.

Recent Struggles

In 2024, Stephens faced a significant decline in her performance. She slipped to number 78 in the world rankings and failed to win a match since July's Wimbledon Championships. This five-match losing streak at the end of the season was a tough period for her. However, she still managed to take part in an exhibition match against Madison Keys in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Exhibition Match Against Madison Keys

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Stephens faced her compatriot Madison Keys in an exhibition contest. Keys showed her dominance by breaking Stephens' serve at 5-5 and successfully serving for the opening set. In the second set, Keys continued her momentum and broke Stephens' serve again at the opening game. She won the match with a score of 7-5, 6-3, followed by a warm embrace between the two players.

Other Tennis Events

On the same evening, Francis Tiafoe defeated Carlos Alcaraz 5-7, 6-1, [11-9] in an entertaining affair. This match took place just two days after Alcaraz beat Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden in another exhibition match. These events added to the excitement in the tennis world.