Sloane Stephens Is Back at the US Open—And Has an Intuitive Wellness Routine to Keep Her Grounded
Our take
Sloane Stephens’ return to the US Open isn't just a story about athletic prowess; it’s a quiet affirmation of the evolving intersection of high performance, personal wellness, and intentional self-care within the public eye. The article highlights Stephens’ intuitive approach to wellness, moving beyond prescriptive routines to a personalized system that prioritizes mental and emotional grounding amidst the intense pressures of professional tennis. This resonates powerfully with a growing audience seeking authenticity and mindful practices, a shift we’ve observed keenly in the broader cultural conversation—as evidenced by our own recent celebration of women shaping the game, both on and off the court, in “Power Play” Serves Up a Night of Tennis, Diamonds, and Big Plans. It's a move away from the sometimes performative wellness trends and toward a deeper understanding of individual needs and the holistic nature of well-being, a perspective increasingly valued by discerning consumers. The emphasis on intuition, rather than rigid adherence to trends, is particularly compelling and a welcome counterpoint to the often overwhelming noise of the wellness industry.
Stephens' approach feels particularly relevant in the context of other high-profile athletes redefining their personal brands. Consider Naomi Osaka’s recent US Open appearances, notably her collaboration with Law Roach and the striking, basketball-inspired gown, a powerful statement of personal style and cultural reference – a moment captured in Naomi Osaka's US Open Return Included A Basketball-Inspired Gown Styled By Law Roach. These narratives demonstrate a conscious shift towards self-expression and individuality, extending beyond athletic achievement to encompass fashion, cultural identity, and mental health. The layering of these elements—the athleticism, the beauty, the personal wellness—creates a more complete and relatable image for fans. It’s a departure from the traditionally stoic and relentlessly focused portrayal of athletes, allowing for vulnerability and a more human connection. This nuanced presentation is driving a new level of engagement and loyalty among audiences who are increasingly drawn to authenticity and purpose.
The significance of Stephens’ story extends beyond the tennis world, reflecting a broader cultural movement towards mindful living and prioritizing mental well-being. The "Doing Well" series from Marie Claire, which frames this discussion, highlights a growing recognition that success isn't solely defined by external achievements but also by internal balance and self-awareness. This is particularly pertinent for women in high-pressure fields, where the demands on time and energy can be immense. Stephens’ emphasis on an intuitive wellness routine—listening to her body, prioritizing rest, and cultivating inner peace—offers a valuable model for navigating the complexities of modern life. It’s a subtle yet powerful message: that true strength comes not just from physical resilience but also from emotional and mental fortitude, a sentiment beautifully echoed in the artistry showcased in Law Roach Brought Naomi Osaka's First 2026 US Open Outfit to Life in “Roughly 30 Hours”, demonstrating the dedication to a refined aesthetic and personal vision.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how this trend of athletes embracing holistic wellness continues to evolve. Will we see more athletes openly sharing their mental health journeys and advocating for accessible mental health resources? Will the lines between athletic performance and personal brand continue to blur, with athletes becoming increasingly influential voices in the wellness space? The quiet confidence and intentionality embodied by Sloane Stephens—and increasingly mirrored by others like Osaka—suggests a future where authenticity and self-care are not just desirable qualities but essential components of success and influence. The question remains: how will brands adapt to authentically connect with this evolving audience, moving beyond surface-level endorsements to genuinely support the well-being of these influential figures and their followers?
There’s no right way to “do” wellness, but Marie Claire’s Doing Well offers a glimpse into the self-care mantras, therapies, and affirmations practiced by industry trailblazers.
There are probably calmer times to talk about wellness than in the middle of a US Open comeback, but that’s exactly why I wanted to know what was keeping Sloane Stephens grounded. She’s back in New York after an injury kept her out of last year’s tournament, and her return already has some momentum: an opening-round win, her first at the US Open since 2022. There was more wrapped up in the moment than tennis, too. A group of students from the Sloane Stephens Foundation—which supports underserved students through tennis and education—flew in from Compton to watch her win, just one day after she was honored with the USTA’s Serving Up Dreams Award for the foundation’s work.
A week that full makes the whole wellness conversation feel a little different. It’s not just what you can buy or book—it can also be the things that make all of it feel meaningful. For Stephens, that starts with giving herself a little grace. Therapy has long been part of her life, and she talks a lot about being patient with herself, especially as a professional athlete dealing with the constant ups and downs that come with the job.
Then, of course, there’s the fun stuff. Stephens’s day-to-day routine lands somewhere between pro athlete and beauty girl. She’s been using vibration plates since she was about 15, long before they became trendy, and she’s currently plotting a sauna big enough for friends. Skincare is another story: bring up Dr. Diamond’s Metacine, and she has opinions about the luxury skincare routine she says changed her complexion. Some days, though, wellness looks a lot simpler: a cold shower or 10 minutes listening to her favorite podcast. Ahead, Stephens shares how she’s Doing Well in the middle of a pretty major comeback.
I think my vibration plate and my red light in the morning, but I don’t even know if that’s really woo-woo anymore. Everyone’s doing it now. I’ve been using vibration plates since I was probably 15 years old because we use them to warm up when we train, so I’ve been doing that for a really long time. But it didn’t really become a wellness thing for me until I started doing it in the mornings with my infrared light. That changed the game.
Right now, I love Jay Shetty, and I love Bible widgets. Even if you’re not super religious and you’re just spiritual, they really help you tap back in. I think sometimes when you get a little lost or confused in your world, the Bible widgets are really good reminders.
I don’t really have a morning one, but I think my one in general is, ‘It’s not if, it’s when.’
My vibration plate and red light are probably my highest-priced items. I’m also getting an in-home sauna, and my mom and I were trying to decide whether to get a two-seater so we can both use it or a three-seater so we can have little parties. I have an outdoor one currently, and I have a cold plunge, so I do back and forth for recovery, but that’s more sports recovery. The infrared sauna is more of a wellness thing—something I can do with my mom or friends.
There’s also a retinol from Dr. Diamond‘s Metacine that has changed my face completely. It is so good. It’s so expensive—so expensive. I’ve told five of my friends about this brand, and everyone’s buying it. They’re like, ‘How are you convincing us to buy $800 products?’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m telling you, it works.’ It’s that good. There’s a three-step routine that they gave to me, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to try it,’ because everyone says it works so well. And I’m telling you, it’s changed my face. Honestly, once you start it, you can’t go back.
Honestly, cold water. I always take a cold shower in the morning just to wake up.
A lot of journaling, a lot of therapy, and just being patient with myself. I think as a professional athlete, there are always a lot of things happening and a lot of adversity, so I’m trying to be very patient with myself. I’ve definitely gotten better at prioritizing it as I’ve gotten older, but my mom’s a psychologist, so mental health has always been part of my life.
I don’t know if I would tell my younger self anything. I think I would just create better routines that worked for me and that I could actually stick to, then adapt them as I got older.
Shop Sloane Stephens' Wellness Routine
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