From Grand Slams to Grassroots: Sloane Stephens Is Building a More Inclusive Future in Tennis

For tennis fans, especially Black tennis fans, the name Sloane Stephens is one to get excited about. Stephens is not only a Grand Slam champion—she’s a beacon of representation and a force for change in the world of professional tennis. 

As one of the few Black women to win a major title, her presence and advocacy continue to shape the future of the sport. 

Born in 1993 in Plantation, Florida, Sloane Stephens is the daughter of Sybil Smith, an All-American swimmer at Boston University, and John Stephens, a former NFL Pro Bowl running back. She began her training at the prestigious Evert Tennis Academy and later honed her skills at the Nick Saviano High-Performance Tennis Academy.

In 2013 at the Australian Open, Stephens gained international attention by defeating Serena Williams in the quarterfinals, marking a major breakthrough in her career. As of 2025, she has won six Women’s Tennis Association titles. 

For the few Black athletes who make it to the professional level in tennis, it is impossible not to feel and understand the importance of representation. Stephens understands that representation can increase with opportunities, and there is always work to be done. 

For her, that work began in 2013 when she started the Sloane Stephens Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to “Use tennis and education to change the narrative around poverty, health inequity, and educational access for under-resourced youth,” she says.

The foundation offers a variety of opportunities for young people in underserved communities, including free tennis clinics and education initiatives, after-school programs in both the U.S. and abroad, and an emphasis on leadership, health, and academic enrichment.

The program is based primarily in Compton, California, and South Florida and works hard to collaborate with schools, community organizations, and global sports bodies to ensure young people feel seen and heard.

Using her platform, Stephens has been vocal about the importance of accessibility in tennis, working to dismantle financial and racial barriers in the sport. She often speaks out about racial equity in professional tennis and broader systemic issues impacting youth of color. 

Stephens remains a strong competitor on the WTA tour, even though she is not currently ranked in the top 10. She has transitioned into a mentor for younger players, particularly young women of color navigating professional tennis, and she continues to compete in Grand Slams. She has also hinted at future roles in tennis governance or broadcasting post-retirement.

Sloane Stephens is more than a champion on the court—she is a changemaker committed to building pathways for others. Her foundation’s work, advocacy for inclusion, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire a new generation of athletes.