Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens continues to plummet after suffering her 10th consecutive loss, dropping to No. 115—her worst ranking in eight years. The American was once hailed as the ‘next Serena Williams’ after winning her maiden Grand Slam at 24 years old.
However, her level has progressively declined since then. She reached the French Open final in 2018—losing to Simona Halep—and made three more Grand Slam quarterfinals.
For several seasons, she hovered between No. 40 and No. 70 but never regained her place among the sport’s elite. Meanwhile, players like Halep, Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka, and Ashleigh Barty remained at the top, while Stephens gradually faded.
Since defeating Madison Keys in the memorable all-American 2017 US Open final, Stephens has reached six WTA finals—winning three titles, the last of which came on the clay courts of the Rouen Open in April 2024. That was her last notable tournament run.
Sloane Stephens defeated her close friend Madison Keys in the 2017 US Open final 6-3, 6-0.
The American returned to action this week at the Mérida Open but fell to Croatia’s Petra Martic 2-6, 3-6. She is now on a 10-match losing streak, with a dismal 4-17 record since her last WTA 250 title. Her most recent victory came in the first round of Wimbledon 2024 against Elsa Jacquemot. When counting sets, she has won only 20 out of 22 played.
Between 2012 and early 2025, Stephens has only fallen out of the top 100 once, and that was due to an injury in 2017 that sidelined her for nearly eight weeks, dropping her ranking to No. 957. However, just weeks later, she stunned the tennis world by winning her first Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Many fans took to social media to react to another Stephens defeat. At 31, she is still at an age where she could remain competitive—there are currently 10 players over 30 ranked inside the top 40. In fact, her compatriots Jessica Pegula (No. 4), Madison Keys (No. 5), and Danielle Collins (No. 14) have all turned 30. Keys even won her first Grand Slam title just last month.
However, Stephens’ poor results have sparked backlash from fans, with some even suggesting it’s time for her to retire: “Sloane Stephens has been broken in her first four service games. Folks… why hasn’t she retired? This is laughable,” posted a user on X.
“Omg, Stephens, girl, just retire and focus on that podcast, lmao,” another added.
“Stephens is a part-time tennis player at this point.”
“Sloane won that Slam and has just been collecting checks and steaks since.”
Check out more fan reactions below.
Sloane Stephens has been broken on her first four service games to start the match
— Amused By Stupidity (@10thInningBunt) February 25, 2025
Folks …. Why hasn’t she retired?
This is laughable
Omg Stephens girl just retire and focus on that podcast lmao
— 🍁🍁CANUCK-BULL🇨🇦🇨🇦 (@Bitc0inBuLL) February 26, 2025
Stephens is a part time tennis player at this point
— WaterszPickz (@WaterszPickz) February 26, 2025
Sloane won that slam and just collected checks and steaks since
— Christopher Moltisanti (@jerseydreams77) February 26, 2025
I think it's time for Sloane Stephens to hang it up. There is no passion or intensity in her. She hasn't won since Wimbledon of last year. It's just pitiful at this point
— Mikey Frost (@Mikeyfrost609) February 25, 2025
How is Sloane Stephens still allowed to play in tournaments, why isn’t she playing 125’s
— Just Fights (@JustFightsss) February 25, 2025
Sloane completely forgot how to win 😔 https://t.co/2BSdiqYetC
— TennisUSA (@TENNISUSA365) February 26, 2025
10th loss in a row and that’s almost 8 months since the last win at wimby oh my lord https://t.co/zn3360aBVz pic.twitter.com/h4G5xuLqSk
— T🍒 (@tennisispain) February 26, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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