Work Hard, Relax Hard: At Home with Sloane Stephens

By Volvo Car Open Apr 2, 2019 06:36pm ET

Ice cream on the couch, a dose of perspective and two loveable dogs. Those are the must- have items for Sloane Stephens, the 2016 Volvo Car Open winner and 2017 US Open champ, when she’s at home in the Los Angeles area, training for her next big event.

We caught up with the 26-year-old American to find out what makes her tick away from tour.

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Volvo Car Open (VCO): Walk us through a day of training when you’re at home.
Sloane Stephens: I’m always training, whether it be on court or in the gym. It takes up a good part of each day. My foundation, The Sloane Stephens Foundation, is a major priority for me, so I spend a lot of time on the phone with the team. Outside of that, I love to see my friends and family when I’m home. I also like to cook when I get the chance. It’s relaxing to me and challenges my creativity.

VCO: What’s your morning routine?
Sloane: I get up relatively early, brush my teeth, and start my skincare regimen, which I’m pretty religious about. I use a variety of DoTERRA essential oils before bed and also in the morning, plus some moisturizers.

I like to have a medium-sized breakfast… maybe a big smoothie packed with nutrients or avocado toast. Then I head over to the gym or do some yoga. Training varies: Sometimes I’ll start the day with tennis, sometimes with speed and agility drills. I like to mix it up so it never gets too monotonous. In the afternoon, I’ll hit the gym and sometimes add another session on court after that.

VCO: You always have _______ with you on court.
Sloane: Perspective. I try to remember why I started down this path, why I’m still playing and the incredible opportunities tennis has given me and my family. It’s simple and motivating to think that way.

VCO: When you’re in L.A., what are some of your creature comforts? 
Sloane: I have a major sweet tooth, so when I’m home I always treat myself to ice cream. Ice cream on a comfy couch with a good show… nothing better!

VCO: What sort of work is your foundation up to? 
Sloane: We’re so busy in the Compton Unified School Districts right now. We run after school, recess and weekend tennis programs, so it takes a lot of work to stay on top of everything the kids need. My mom and some friends do an incredible job, so it’s nice for me to get home and see the results of all the hard work.

VCO: Quick hits… Favorite place for brunch in L.A.?
 Sloane: I like to explore and I love finding new fun, fresh spots. There are so many amazing brunch spots in Venice, Santa Monica… I can’t pick one!

VCO: Favorite place to get away for a vacation?
Sloane: Hawaii, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas. There are so many beautiful places and I want to visit them all!

VCO: Tell us about your dogs!
 Sloane: Teddy and Raj, they’re the best. They love unconditionally… who doesn’t love that?