Sloane Stephens made a stylish start to her new role as a broadcaster at the 2025 US Open. The former US Open champion, now part of ESPN’s broadcast team, appeared on the opening day in an off-the-shoulder pleated twofer mini dress.
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Stephens shared the look with her Instagram followers, posting photos of herself in the dress and captioning them: “First day, first fit. ESPN, let’s do this!”
Stephens shared behind-the-scenes clips from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center as players prepared for the year’s final Major. One Instagram Story showed her recording 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic practicing ahead of the event, which kicks off on August 24. She captioned the clip simply: “First day of work.”
Her broadcast debut comes at a time when her playing career has been interrupted by injury and inconsistent results. The 32-year-old has not won a singles match since Wimbledon 2024 and has been sidelined this season with a right ankle problem.
Known for her breakout semifinal run at the 2013 Australian Open and her 2017 US Open title, Stephens climbed as high as No. 3 in the rankings after reaching the French Open final in 2018. Recent struggles have shifted her focus off the court, where she is finding success in broadcasting.
That shift has been anything but accidental. Stephens tested the waters in front of the camera last year, working as a guest analyst for Tennis Channel alongside respected voices like Tracy Austin and Paul Annacone. She expanded her résumé this summer at the 2025 French Open, where she was featured prominently in TNT Sports’ coverage, working alongside Venus Williams and Andre Agassi.
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Reflecting on those experiences in an Instagram post, she admitted she walked into the job with “zero expectations” but quickly realized it was more than just a side project. “Yes, I did the interviews. Yes, I did the desk. But I also learned so much about myself. From the jump, I said if I’m doing this, I’m doing it all the way. I was gonna bring the looks, bring the energy, be a team player, speak on what I know, and most importantly, just be me.”
Stephens has also thanked fans for their support as she navigates this new chapter. In an Instagram Story, she said she had “never felt so much love and support” and called the encouragement something she will “always remember.”