Sloane Stephens shines at 2025 ESPYs, honored with Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award

Despite suffering a dip in form and drop in rankings this season, American tennis star Sloane Stephens had a lot to smile about as she received the prestigious Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at the 2025 ESPYs on Wednesday.

The former World No.3 launched the Sloane Stephens Foundation in 2013, with the goal of helping underprivileged kids on and off the court in Compton and South Florida. The foundation has been a huge success, helping over 10,000 children since it's inception a decade ago.

Stephens is changing lives as she makes tennis more accessible

The 2017 US Open champion was present to receive the award, as she attended the ceremony alongside Mia Parker, one of the beneficiaries of the Sloane Stephens Foundation.

“I’m so honored to be here tonight, to accept this award in the name of someone who meant to much to all of us," said Stephens of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who had the award named after him in 2017. "When I first met Mia, she was nine years old, this tiny powerhouse with a backhand like she’d been playing forever. What I didn’t know then was that we were starting a journey together.”

Stephens would later go to social media to thank her fans and family, and express the importance and impact of her eponymous foundation.

"It’s for the kids who deserve to be seen, the ones who just need a safe place to grow, and the communities that shaped me,” wrote the 32-year old. “I know I was put here to do more than hit a tennis ball and while I’ve done that with pride, I’m most fulfilled by the impact we’re building beyond the game.”

Stephens has been out of action since February 2025, when she competed at a WTA 500 event in Merida, Mexico. The Florida native has been quiet regarding any talks of retirement, and could potentially make a return at the upcoming US Open.