Just days after confirming the end of her four-year marriage, Sloane Stephens has withdrawn from the Mérida Open in Mexico, citing personal reasons. The decision comes at a delicate moment in her career and personal life, as the 2017 US Open champion continues her comeback from an injury-marred stretch that derailed much of her 2025 season.
Originally slated to compete in Mérida, Stephens will no longer take part in the WTA 500 event and has been replaced in the draw by Priscilla Hon.
Injury Setbacks and Ranking Decline Stall Sloane Stephens’ Momentum
The withdrawal adds another chapter to what has been a challenging period for Stephens. Following a second-round exit at Wimbledon in 2024, she endured a 13-match losing streak while battling a persistent right ankle injury. The issue forced her to miss several major tournaments and stalled her momentum on tour.
During her recovery, Stephens remained visible in the sport, working as a broadcaster for ESPN and TNT, offering analysis while sidelined from competition. Her 2026 season began with a first-round loss to Renata Zarazua at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Ranked No. 1097, she was unable to gain direct entry into the Australian Open and instead navigated qualifying with wins over Barbora Palicova, Olivia Gadecki, and Lucia Bronzetti. Her run ended in the main draw with a 7-6(7), 6-2 defeat to Karolina Pliskova.
Stephens has withdrawn from Merida due to personal reasons. She is replaced by Priscilla Hon.
— Tennisform (@Tennisform) February 23, 2026
Her decision to step away from Mérida also arrives against a tense backdrop in Mexico. Violence escalated sharply following the February 22 killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military raid in Tapalpa.
The aftermath reportedly included more than 250 roadblocks and widespread vehicle burnings across 20 states, with at least 70 deaths, including 25 National Guard members. Major cities such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta have remained under heightened security. While Stephens’ team cited personal reasons for her withdrawal, the broader environment adds context to the timing of her decision.
How Is Stephens Navigating a Major Life Change Away From Tennis?
Off the court, Stephens is navigating a significant personal transition. On Saturday, Feb. 21, she revealed via Instagram Stories that she and former United States men’s national team striker Jozy Altidore had decided to end their marriage.
“Jozy and I have decided to end our marriage,” she wrote. “With peace, I am navigating this transition with mutual respect and kindly ask for privacy during this time. Thank you for your love, understanding and continued support.”
The couple, who first met as children in Florida and reconnected in 2016 before announcing their engagement in April 2019, married on January 1, 2022, at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The announcement came less than two months after their fourth wedding anniversary.
