Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens has updated fans about the physical issue that caused her to miss the 2025 Indian Wells Open.
Stephens had been given a wild card for the tournament in Indian Wells. She is currently outside the Top 100, meaning that intervention from the event organizers was necessary to guarantee her place in the main draw.
Unfortunately, Stephens withdrew from the tournament shortly before it began because of an injury. Her withdrawal was listed as a foot problem, but the 2018 French Open runner-up did not immediately make an announcement about it.
The American communicated about the issue for the first time on Saturday. In an Instagram post, Stephens shared a picture of her wearing a boot on her left foot, with a message confirming the injury.
“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.”
Stephens’ injury continues what has been a very challenging last 10 months. The 31-year-old seemed to be enjoying a late-career resurgence when she won seven consecutive matches in April.
That impressive run of results included securing a title on the indoor clay courts in Rouen. She then won two matches at the 2024 Madrid Open and looked ready to make some serious noise during the clay court season.
Unfortunately, Stephens has only managed two victories since losing to Maria Sakkari at the Madrid Open. Both of those came on grass, most recently in the opening round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships against Elsa Jacquemot.
The 2017 US Open winner has endured ten consecutive defeats since overcoming Jacquemot. That includes an absolutely brutal loss from 6-0, 4-1 up against Clara Burel in the first round of the 2024 US Open on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Some might wonder if Stephens is struggling to balance playing tennis with her busy off-court schedule. She remains actively involved with promoting Doc & Glo, a self-care brand she founded last year.
Stephens also has her own foundation that does superb work, offering educational, community, and tennis initiatives to support disadvantaged children in the U.S. and worldwide. It is something she feels rightly proud of.
While running a small business and foundation is admirable and inspirational to many since it shows players can have active outside interests while continuing to compete, balancing tennis and those initiatives is still challenging.
Having a break from tennis while she recovers from her injury might prove to be a blessing in disguise for Stephens. The former WTA world No. 3 has looked low on confidence for several months on the court and might return afterward with newfound belief.
Stephens did not give a timeline for her recovery. The American was given another wild card for the 2025 Miami Open, which follows the event in Indian Wells, but it is uncertain if she will be able to use it.
