Following an underwhelming season marked by early exits, former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens embraced a new role as a field reporter and commentator at the recently concluded French Open.
However, the American admitted she was scared by the entirely new experience before stepping in and made some other revelations. But her broadcasting stint later drew kind messages from her husband, Jozy Altidore, and Coco Gauff’s mother, Candi Gauff.
Sloane Stephens’ Stint as a Commentator Praised by Her Husband and Coco Gauff’s Mother
Stephens progressed rapidly in the early stages of her career and made headlines after defeating Serena Williams at the 2013 Australian Open to reach the semifinals. Nearly four years later, she clinched the U.S. Open title and went on to reach a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the WTA rankings in 2018.
However, her career trajectory dipped due to recurring injuries and illnesses, the most recent being an ankle issue in March that forced her to miss the BNP Paribas Open and the tournaments held later. The American had competed in only four events — the ASB Classic, the Australian Open, the Hobart International, and the Merida Open, suffering first-round exits in each.
While recovering, Stephens tried her hand at broadcasting for Tennis Channel alongside Paul Annacone and Tracy Austin. However, by her own recent admission, she had the lowest expectations from this new venture.
“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,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
View this post on Instagram
Stephens shared a video clip showcasing her broadcasting stint at Roland Garros. The footage featured moments from her time on duty, with matches involving players like Madison Keys and Carlos Alcaraz, whom she later interviewed, and her pre- and post-match discussions.
The 32-year-old ended by comparing her first day of work with the last day at the French Open.
“Day 1: scared out of my mind. Day 14: calling a Grand Slam final and interviewing the champ like I’d been doing it forever,” she added.
Gauff’s mother, Candi, later lauded Stephens’ work in her new role.
“You looked amazing everyday!! You brought a different level of excellence to the commentating world. Great job!” She wrote in the comments.
Stephens’ husband, and American professional soccer player Altidore also heaped praise on her, writing:
“You will succeed in whatever you do baby. The 🐐👏🏿😍”
Stephens began her relationship with Altidore in 2016, before the pair exchanged vows in a public ceremony in 2022.
Sloane Stephens Thanked Fans for Their Support During Broadcasting Duties
Stephens thanked fans for their support during her transition into broadcasting, sharing on her Instagram story that the experience is one she’ll always hold close. Unlike the 32-year-old, who hasn’t officially retired, legends like John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Jim Courier, and Brad Gilbert took up broadcasting after hanging up their rackets.
Stephens’ on-court return now stands as a point of anticipation. It is worth noting that Stephens previously admitted she would retire from the sport if she won a second Grand Slam title.
