American professional tennis player Sloane Stephens has had great success on the court but she’s also proving to be quite the powerhouse off the court as well. Just off of winning the 2025 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at the ESPYS, Stephens is making a name for herself in the beauty industry, advocating for women athletes in their fertility journeys and trying her hand in the booth as a sports broadcaster too. Did we mention she’s also getting noticed for her sense of style beyond serving up tennis looks? She’s a former US Open winner, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, changemaker and more. Sloane sat down with us about her new beauty brand, her charitable organization, her fight for women’s rights in sports, life outside the court and more.
MM: Congrats on receiving the 2025 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at the ESPYS recently. That’s quite an honor. Can you tell us about your organization and the work you do? Why is this so important to you?
SS: Thank you, it was such a special moment. The Sloane Stephens Foundation focuses on using tennis, education, and wellness to empower youth in underserved communities. We recently launched Compton Swim Club, the city’s first swim club. It’s important to me because I know firsthand what access to sport and mentorship can do, it can change the entire trajectory of a young person’s life.
MM: I know that you were overcoming an injury recently. How is recovery coming? During this setback came a new opportunity as a commentator. How did you like this new role? And, is this something you see for your future?
SS: Recovery is going well, it’s been a process, but I’m grateful for the progress. Commentating was such an exciting challenge for me. I loved being able to share the game from a different perspective and connect with fans in a new way. I could definitely see myself doing more of it in the future.
MM: You were also in the news yourself recently when the WTA made the decision to give ranking protection for players choosing to freeze their eggs. You were very instrumental in this and a strong advocate for women athletes in general regarding this issue. Can you speak to the importance of this, and what this means for women athletes?
SS: This is a huge step forward for women in sports. For too long, female athletes have had to choose between their careers and their families. This policy means women can take care of their reproductive health without being penalized professionally. It’s about equity, respect, and acknowledging that women’s lives and timelines deserve the same consideration as men’s in sport.
MM: You come from quite the family of athletes. Your mom’s accomplishments alone as a swimmer are really something. Can you tell us how sports has played a role in your life and shaped you as a person?
SS: Sports are the lens through which I see the world. My mom was the first African American woman to be an All-American swimmer at Boston University, so I grew up knowing the power of breaking barriers. Tennis taught me discipline, resilience, and how to problem-solve under pressure. It’s also given me a community, a sense of global perspective, and a deep appreciation for hard work.
MM: You’ve also been known to turn heads in some of your fashion looks off the court. How would you define your style? Any favorite designers or fashion icons you’d like to share with us?
SS: My style is sporty, feminine, and a little unexpected. I love mixing high fashion with effortless comfort. Designers like Brandon Maxwell, LaQuan Smith, and Ralph Lauren are staples for me, but I’m also inspired by street style and travel. Fashion is just another form of self-expression for me.
MM: Let’s talk beauty and your new brand, Doc & Glo. I love that the brand is named after your grandparents. Tell us about them. Who is Doc & Glo? And how much of an inspiration are they to you?
SS: Doc and Glo are my grandparents, two of the most incredible people I’ve ever known. They’ve been my anchors since day one, and their influence runs through everything I do. My grandfather “Doc” is strong, steady, and wise, and my grandmother “Glo” is the embodiment of warmth and light. The brand is my love letter to them, a way of carrying forward their values of hard work, care for others, and living with purpose. Every time I see the name, I’m reminded why I do this.
MM: What brought you to create this line of products? It’s not every day we see an athlete enter the beauty and skincare game.
SS: As an athlete, I’ve spent my life on the move, sweating on court, hopping on planes, adjusting to different climates and my skin has always had to keep up. I realized there wasn’t really a brand that spoke to movement-driven wellness, products designed to perform as hard as you do while still feeling luxurious and clean. I wanted to create something that worked in real life, not just on a shelf, and that’s where Doc & Glo came in.
MM: What is most important to you as an athlete when it comes to skincare and clean beauty?
SS: Performance and safety. I need products that can stand up to a match in 90-degree heat but are still gentle enough for everyday use. Clean ingredients are non-negotiable for me, no harsh chemicals, no fillers, because as athletes, we put so much stress on our bodies already. I want to give my skin the best possible foundation to recover and thrive.
MM: What does your own health and wellness regimen look like? What are your everyday musts?
SS: Movement is my baseline, whether it’s training, yoga, or even just a walk outside. I’m also big on recovery: sleep, hydration, and good nutrition are everything. And skincare is part of my routine the same way stretching is, I don’t skip it. My musts are a gentle cleanser, a hydrating mist, SPF, and something nourishing before bed.
MM: Let’s say you have a day off, away from the court and outside of business ventures and philanthropy work; how does Sloane like to spend her day?
SS: Easy, time with my family and friends, maybe a workout that’s fun and not “training,” and then something creative or relaxing. I love to cook, explore a new restaurant, or just be near the ocean.
MM: I like to ask this question. If you could paint the picture of your ideal life, ten years into the future, what does that picture look like?
SS: Ten years from now, I see a life filled with balance, thriving businesses, an even greater impact through my foundation, and a happy, healthy family. I see myself still traveling, still curious, and still surrounded by people and projects that light me up.