The Complex Relationship Between Sloane Stephens and Serena Williams: A Story of Inspiration, Conflict, and Competition.
The phrase “never meet your heroes, they’ll undoubtedly disappoint” is often used to describe how our idols may not live up to our expectations. This sentiment rings true in the complex relationship between tennis stars Sloane Stephens and Serena Williams.
The Williams sisters have been dominant forces in tennis since the 1990s, inspiring many players, including Sloane Stephens. However, their relationship took an unexpected turn, marked by public tension and professional rivalry.
Sloane Stephens, once an admirer of the Williams sisters, expressed how much she was inspired by their success. “When I was younger, I never really watched tennis, but Venus and Serena were winning everything.
I absolutely adored them. They looked like me, and I wanted to win like them,” she once stated. Her admiration for Serena seemed genuine, but things changed after their encounter at the 2013 Australian Open, where Stephens defeated Williams in a surprising upset. It was a significant moment in Stephens’ career, but it also marked the beginning of a strained relationship.
During the 2013 Australian Open, Stephens’ victory over Williams drew emotional responses from both players. After the match, Stephens jokingly remarked that she should put up a poster of herself next to Serena.
However, behind the scenes, tensions were rising. Stephens accused Williams of being disrespectful during a previous match in Brisbane, claiming that Serena’s vocal “come on” during the match was out of line. What seemed like a friendly rivalry at first soon escalated.
Weeks later, Williams posted a cryptic tweet saying, “I made you,” further fuelling speculation about bad blood between the two.
In the same year, Stephens gave an interview with *ESPN* magazine, where she openly criticized Williams, accusing her of ignoring her during the Federation Cup and unfollowing her on social media platforms like Twitter and BlackBerry Messenger. Stephens candidly expressed her frustration, saying, “People think she’s so pleasant, but no—that’s not reality.”
Despite the rising tensions, Williams chose not to respond publicly to the comments. On the tennis court, however, their rivalry continued. Between 2013 and 2015, they faced each other six times, with Williams winning five of those matches.
By 2015, when asked about her relationship with Williams, Stephens diplomatically referred to Serena as a “colleague,” carefully avoiding any personal remarks about the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
In 2019, ahead of the US Open, Stephens made it clear that Williams had nothing to do with her own success, further distancing herself from her former idol. Their rivalry culminated at the 2020 US Open, where they faced off for the first time since 2015.
By then, Stephens had claimed her first Grand Slam title at the 2017 US Open, solidifying her place in tennis history. However, Williams emerged victorious in their 2020 match.
In response to questions about their relationship, Williams took the high road, stating, “I always root for her. I like seeing another African-American doing well. I think she’s extremely talented, and I always cheer for her.” Williams’ response was measured and respectful, despite the ongoing tensions.
As time passed, Williams retired from professional tennis in 2022, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Meanwhile, Stephens continues to compete, recently preparing to face Clara Burel in the first round of the 2024 US Open.
While their personal relationship may have been strained, there is no denying the impact both women have had on the world of tennis.
The story of Sloane Stephens and Serena Williams is a reminder that relationships between heroes and their admirers can be complicated. Their rivalry, both on and off the court, has been a defining narrative in modern tennis.
Yet, through it all, both athletes have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence in their sport. As they continue to carve out their respective legacies, their complex relationship will remain a significant chapter in the history of tennis.