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Sloane Stephens Reveals Her Tennis Rituals, Italian Open Prep, and Game-Day Must-Haves
Sloane Stephens, a trailblazer in professional tennis, has captivated fans worldwide with her resilience and dedication to the game. Now at 33, the 2017 US Open champion continues to chase new milestones while staying grounded through her carefully curated pre-match rituals. With the Italian Open underway and a packed schedule ahead, Stephens shares insights into her mindset, game-day practices, and how she finds balance both on and off the court.
- Sloane Stephens relies on specific rituals, like word searches and 20-minute pre-match naps, to stay focused and calm.
- She credits her comfort on red clay courts for her confidence heading into the Italian Open.
- Her self-care brand, Doc&Glo, reflects her commitment to wellness beyond tennis.
- Stephens emphasizes the importance of visualization and muscle memory in her gameplay strategy.
- Her go-to hydration tip? Always use a straw to make drinking water easier.
Tennis Life: From Childhood Dreams to Global Stardom
Growing up across the street from a tennis club, Sloane Stephens was destined for the sport. “My mom secretly wanted me to be a tennis player,” she shared. Starting lessons at the age of nine, her natural talent and passion quickly propelled her to the professional circuit by 16. By 2012, she had already entered the top 50 rankings—a significant milestone as the only teenager to achieve that feat that year.
Her journey has not been without challenges. After a debilitating foot injury in 2016 forced her to withdraw from the US Open, she underwent surgery and made a triumphant return, winning the tournament the very next year. “As long as you’re not giving up, there’s always an opportunity for you,” she said, reflecting on her career’s ups and downs.
Prematch Rituals: The Secret to Staying Calm
For Stephens, preparation goes beyond physical training. Her pregame rituals are as much about mental readiness as they are about physical performance. “I always warm up with my coaches, eat, and listen to music. Then I do a word search and lay down for 20 minutes to reset my brain,” she explained. This moment of silence helps her enter a calm, focused state before stepping onto the court.
One quirky superstition stands out: earrings. “I always have to wear earrings. I feel so naked if I’m not,” she admitted. One match without them left her feeling out of sorts, even though the outcome was fine. “I saw pictures of myself after and thought, ‘This can never happen again,’” she joked.
Style and Self-Care: Stephens’ Game-Day Essentials
Stephens’ commitment to self-care extends to her beauty and skincare routines. “I go for a fresh-faced look,” she said, mentioning her favorite Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara for its sweatproof durability. She also swears by the OLEHENRIKSEN lip scrub to keep her lips hydrated during intense matches.
As a Free People Movement athlete, Stephens’ outfits are both functional and stylish. “Sometimes I pick the color based on the court,” she shared. For the red clay of the Italian Open, she’s opting for blue and light yellow to create a striking contrast.
Italian Open: A Favorite Stage for Stephens
Stephens’ love for red clay courts gives her an edge heading into the Italian Open. “It works for my playing style,” she explained, noting how the surface slows the ball, allowing for more strategic gameplay. This month’s tournament holds special meaning as she continues to aim for a Grand Slam title and explore new goals, such as excelling in doubles tournaments.
“Visualizing the game before that first serve is key for me,” she said. “The rest is muscle memory. After playing for so many years, you start to see the game analytically.” This blend of instinct and analysis is central to her success.
What This Means for You
Sloane Stephens’ approach to tennis offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to excel under pressure. Her rituals—like finding moments of calm, staying hydrated, and focusing on visualization—can be applied to high-stakes situations in any field. Consider adopting small habits, such as a short pre-task meditation or a consistent accessory, to build confidence and mental clarity.
Her emphasis on self-care is another reminder that looking and feeling your best can positively impact performance. Whether it’s finding reliable beauty products or crafting a functional wardrobe, taking care of yourself is always worth the effort.
FAQ
- What is Sloane Stephens’ favorite court surface? Red clay courts, as they complement her playing style by slowing down the ball.
- Why does Sloane Stephens always wear earrings during matches? She considers them a lucky charm and feels incomplete without them.
- What is her go-to beauty product for matches? The Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara for its sweatproof properties.
- What is Stephens’ hydration tip? She recommends using a straw to make drinking water easier.
- What are her future career goals? Winning another Grand Slam title, excelling on grass courts, and achieving success in doubles tournaments.
