At just 31, tennis champion Sloane Stephens is officially not just a force on the court, but a burgeoning entrepreneur with a clear vision for her future beyond the baseline.
Stephens’ journey unfolds against the backdrop of a seismic shift in the world of athletics. Women’s sports are experiencing unprecedented growth and recognition, with tennis leading the charge. As stars like Stephens dominate on the court and make significant impacts off it, they’re not just winning matches—they’re changing the game for future generations of women in sports.
Stephens’ tennis journey began at nine, quite by chance—or so she thought. “I lived across the street from the [tennis] club, and I just started in regular summer camp,” she recalls. “My mom was testing the waters to see if I liked it.” Little did young Sloane know, her mother had secretly harbored dreams of her daughter becoming a tennis player all along.
The pivot came at 10 when her family moved to Florida, thrusting her into the competitive world of tennis academies. “Tennis in Florida is way more serious than Fresno, California,” Stephens says with a laugh. It wasn’t an easy transition; many of her peers had been wielding rackets since they could walk. “I was a little bit of a late bloomer,” she admits. “Some of the people that I’ve even been competing against had started when they were four or five.”
But Stephens’ determination paid off. The defining moment? Winning the US Open. “Obviously winning your home slam is always incredible,” she says, filled with pride, “but doing that after having broken my foot at the beginning of the year, not really knowing what was going to happen, was crazy. I was commentating in March, and I was winning the US Open in September.”
Yet, with the highs come the challenges. For Stephens, the constant travel and time away from home have been significant hurdles. “Being on the road 40 weeks a year is very difficult,” she says. Her solution? Creating pockets of home wherever she goes. “Whether that means people coming to visit me and hanging out, or that’s bringing my candles from home, whatever it is, it helps.”
Stephens’ Favorite Candle – $140
But perhaps an even greater challenge in modern athletics is navigating the digital landscape. Stephens doesn’t mince words when discussing the impact of social media on athletes. “The internet has completely changed the game in terms of how much people have access to you,” she says. “Anyone can say whatever they want to say. And there’s really no consequences to any of it.” The weight of constant public scrutiny is palpable in her voice as she continues, “You’re a normal person too. You have feelings and some of the things you wouldn’t say to your worst enemy. It’s just on the internet for everyone to read.”
It’s clear this is a struggle shared by many in her position. “It’s been hard. It’s been hard for me, and I know it’s been hard for other people,” she admits. “But it’s just something that you just deal with. You have to figure it out on your own; you have to manage and do the best you can with it all.”
It’s this blend of grit and grace that Stephens brings to her newest venture: Doc + Glo. Born out of the pandemic’s unique challenges and inspired by her late grandparents, Doc and Glo, the brand is Stephens’ answer to the hygiene hurdles athletes faced during COVID-19, unable to use facilities to shower or freshen up after rigorous practices. “It’s been four years in the works,” Stephens explains, her enthusiasm palpable. “This is my COVID baby.”
Available beginning today, August 21, Doc + Glo’s initial launch includes two key products: the aluminum-free NO. 3161 Game-Changing Deodorant ($18), and odor-zapping 24/7 Hustle Deodorizing Body Mist ($22). Both products are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested for sensitive skin and refillable, housed in a chic glass bottle. The development process was meticulous, with Stephens deeply involved in every step, and her commitment to quality and efficacy is evident: “I was hell bent on finding something that actually works.”
Both products feature active ingredients like odor-neutralizing enzymes, brightening acids, soothing chamomile and ashwagandha and skin barrier–boosting niacinamide.
While she’s particular about her body care, Stephens’ approach to beauty is refreshingly low-key. On the court, makeup is a no-go. “That’s a recipe for disaster,” she laughs. “And also, I wear so much sunscreen that I’m always afraid it’s gonna fall off.” (Her go-to is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 70.) Off the court, Stephens keeps it simple with a few trusted products, including the ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray, a product she’s purchased in bulk for family and friends, and her trusty MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.
Looking ahead, Stephens has big dreams for Doc + Glo. “I hope that it empowers people to do more,” she says. “I think these products are really products that are made to make you feel comfortable.”
As our conversation winds down, Stephens reflects on her personal legacy. She hopes to be remembered not just for her skill on the court, but for her contributions to the sport. “If one kid plays tennis because they saw me, that would be incredible,” she muses.
From a nine-year-old crossing the street to tennis camp to a US Open champion and entrepreneur, Sloane Stephens’ journey is far from over. With her infectious personality and determined spirit, she’s poised to leave a mark both on and off the court—and maybe help a few people smell better along the way.
