"Still waking up grateful every day": Sloane Stephens set for stint on the sidelines but remains optimistic of return

America’s tennis player Sloane Stephens has shared an update about her fitness after recently suffering a foot injury. The 31-year-old was forced to withdraw from the ongoing Indian Wells because of a foot injury. She was due to face Sofia Kenin in the first round.

Stephens shared a picture on her official account on the social media platform Instagram, where she expressed optimism about returning to the court soon despite suffering a setback. “Got a little boo boo on my foot again 💔 Setbacks are never easy—physically or emotionally—but I trust the universe to guide me in the right direction. Still waking up grateful every day 🙏🏾 I’ll do my best to get back on court soon! Thank you for all the love and encouragement, love you the most,” she wrote.

The development is a serious blow for Stephens who was still looking to secure her first win of the 2025 season after suffering four consecutive firs-round defeats in four events this year. Her first outing this season was at the ASB Classic where she lost to fellow American Ann Li with a score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.

After that, she featured in the Hobart International where she once again lost to Li, this time in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-1. Her next appearance was at the Australian Open where she was knocked out after losing to the reigning world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-2. Her last outing before suffering this injury was the Merida Open where she was also knocked out after losing in the first round to Petra Martic in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-3.