“Jozy and I have decided to end our marriage”: Sloane Stephens announces split from former USMNT striker Jozy Altidore
WTA
American tennis player Sloane Stephens and her soccer star husband Jozy Altidore are ending their marriage after four years. The 2017 US Open champion and former U.S. Men’s National Team striker filed for divorce in Florida. Stephens announced the news on social media Saturday, highlighting the personal nature of the separation and requesting privacy.
In her Instagram stories, she explained that the split is being handled respectfully and calmly, writing that “Jozy and I have decided to end our marriage. 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’s relationship began as childhood sweethearts, first meeting in middle school at Boca Prep in Florida. They became engaged in 2019 and married three years later, in January 2022, at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach, a ceremony noted for its luxury and public attention. Their engagement announcement included a photo of Stephens wearing a diamond ring shared via Twitter in April 2019.
Stephens, 32, recently returned to competitive tennis after a hiatus caused by a left foot injury. Her first Grand Slam since 2025 was the Australian Open, where she advanced through three rounds of qualifying before being eliminated in the first round by Karolina Pliskova. The comeback represents a significant step in her effort to reestablish herself on the tour after a period of extended absence.
Read also
Stephens’ comeback and recent performance
The 2017 US Open champion reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 but is currently ranked 775 in the world singles standings. Her return to the tour demonstrates both persistence and resilience, navigating the challenges of injury recovery and competitive readiness. Stephens will continue her comeback later this month at the WTA 500 tournament in Merida, Mexico, marking another step toward regaining her position among the top players in the sport.
Her recent Grand Slam participation was notable as it was her first appearance since losing at the Australian Open to Aryna Sabalenka in 2025. Despite the first-round exit, her progress through the qualifiers reflects dedication to returning to top-level competition. In July 2025, she received the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at the ESPYs for her philanthropic work, recognizing more than a decade of commitment beyond the court.
The American player experienced a negative streak that lasted longer than expected. From her third-round defeat at the Madrid Open in 2024 to Maria Sakkari, she entered a difficult run in which she suffered 13 consecutive losses and lost 20 of the following 22 matches. Stephens played only one match after the 2025 Australian Open — a defeat in Merida — before taking a six-month break. At the end of the year, she returned to compete in two tournaments, losing both.
Altidore’s career and new ventures
Jozy Altidore, 36, had a prolific soccer career in both MLS and Europe. He scored 62 goals in 139 regular-season matches for Toronto FC between 2015 and 2021. Altidore also played for clubs including the New York Red Bulls, Villarreal, Xerez, Hull City, Bursaspor, AZ Alkmaar, and Sunderland.
Internationally, Altidore scored 42 goals in 115 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team from 2007 to 2019, including participation in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. He was twice named U.S. Soccer Federation Player of the Year.
Earlier this week, Altidore joined NBA star Russell Westbrook as part of the OKC for Soccer ownership group. The partnership acquired the rights to the USL Championship team formerly known as OKC Energy. The group plans to launch a team in a new stadium scheduled to open in downtown Oklahoma City in 2028, signaling a transition from player to executive involvement in the sport.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
