Births on March 20

Sloane Stephens, American tennis player

Sloane Stephens: From California Courts to Grand Slam Champion

Sloane Stephens, born on March 20, 1993, is an accomplished American professional tennis player whose career has been marked by both incredible highs and tenacious comebacks. Renowned for her powerful groundstrokes and athletic defense, Stephens captured the hearts of many with her stunning victory at the 2017 US Open. Her consistent prowess on the court saw her achieve a career-best ranking of world No. 3 after Wimbledon in 2018, a testament to her dedication and talent. In total, Stephens has claimed seven impressive WTA singles titles throughout her journey in professional tennis.

The Early Racket: A Childhood Steeped in Sports

The foundation for Sloane's athletic career was laid long before she stepped onto a Grand Slam court. Hailing from Fresno, California, she was born into a family deeply rooted in sports. Her mother was a collegiate swimmer, and her late father, John Stephens, was a professional American football player, an NFL running back for the New England Patriots. This athletic lineage undoubtedly provided a strong genetic predisposition, but it was her stepfather, a passionate recreational tennis player, who truly sparked her initial interest in the sport. He was her primary inspiration, introducing young Sloane to the game at the local club right across the street from their home. Recognizing her budding talent, Stephens eventually relocated to Florida, a mecca for tennis training, to hone her skills at a dedicated tennis academy. There, she refined her game under the tutelage of esteemed coaches like Nick Saviano, setting the stage for a promising future.

Junior Success and a Glimpse of Future Stardom

Sloane quickly emerged as a formidable junior player, showcasing her potential on the international stage. She ascended to an ITF junior ranking of world No. 5, signaling her arrival as one to watch. The year 2010 was particularly spectacular for Stephens in doubles, as she teamed up with Hungarian partner Tímea Babos to dominate the Grand Slam circuit. Together, they secured three out of four Grand Slam girls' doubles titles, a remarkable achievement that hinted at the champions they would become.

Breaking Through: The Professional Journey and Grand Slam Debut

Stephens truly announced her arrival on the professional scene at the 2013 Australian Open. Then just 19 years old, she captivated audiences with a stunning semifinal run, which famously included a hard-fought victory over the legendary world No. 3, Serena Williams. This breakthrough performance catapulted her into the spotlight, and she continued her strong form, reaching world No. 11 by the end of 2013. However, the demanding nature of professional tennis saw her performance regress slightly over the next couple of years, with her ranking dropping outside the top 25 by the end of 2015. This period of stagnation prompted a significant change, leading her to team up with new coach Kamau Murray, a partnership that would prove pivotal.

The Road to Recovery and Grand Slam Glory

Under Murray's guidance, Stephens began her ascent back to elite-level tennis. She enjoyed a successful first half of 2016, clinching three WTA titles, demonstrating renewed confidence and form. Unfortunately, this promising streak was abruptly interrupted by a foot injury that sidelined her for many months, a significant setback in any athlete's career. Her resilience, however, shone through.

Sloane made her triumphant return from injury in the middle of 2017, and what followed was nothing short of miraculous. In only her fifth tournament back, and unseeded, she embarked on an unforgettable run at the US Open, culminating in her capturing the singles title – her first-ever Grand Slam championship. This remarkable comeback earned her the prestigious WTA Comeback Player of the Year award for her inspiring season, solidifying her status as a true champion.

Sustained Success and World No. 3 Rank

The momentum from her US Open victory carried into 2018, proving her comeback was no fluke. Stephens continued to build on her success, winning her first Premier Mandatory title at the Miami Open, one of the most significant tournaments outside of the Grand Slams. She then reached her second Grand Slam singles final at the French Open, further cementing her elite status. These consistent high-level performances allowed her to enter the top 10 for the first time in her career and later reach her career-high ranking of world No. 3. Her impressive year concluded with a strong showing at the WTA Finals, where she finished as runner-up, cementing her place among the very best in women's tennis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sloane Stephens

Who is Sloane Stephens?

Sloane Stephens is an American professional tennis player, most notably known as the 2017 US Open singles champion and a former world No. 3 ranked player.

When was Sloane Stephens born?

Sloane Stephens was born on March 20, 1993.

What is Sloane Stephens famous for?

Sloane Stephens is famous for winning the 2017 US Open singles title, reaching a career-best ranking of world No. 3, and for her powerful, athletic style of play in professional tennis.

How many WTA titles has Sloane Stephens won?

Sloane Stephens has won seven WTA singles titles, including one Grand Slam title (the 2017 US Open) and one Premier Mandatory title (the 2018 Miami Open).

Who is Sloane Stephens's coach?

Sloane Stephens has worked with several coaches throughout her career; Kamau Murray notably coached her during her 2017 US Open win and her return to elite form.