'Still waking up grateful every day': Sloane Stephens set for stint on the sidelines but remains optimistic of return

America’s tennis player Sloane Stephens has shared an update about her fitness after recently suffering a foot injury. The 31-year-old was forced to withdraw from the ongoing Indian Wells because of a foot injury. She was due to face Sofia Kenin in the first round.

Stephens shared a picture on her official account on the social media platform Instagram, where she expressed optimism about returning to the court soon despite suffering a setback. “Got a little boo boo on my foot again Setbacks are never easy—physically or emotionally—but I trust the universe to guide me in the right direction. Still waking up grateful every day I’ll do my best to get back on court soon! Thank you for all the love and encouragement, love you the most,” she wrote.

The development is a serious blow for Stephens who was still looking to secure her first win of the 2025 season after suffering four consecutive firs-round defeats in four events this year. Her first outing this season was at the ASB Classic where she lost to fellow American Ann Li with a score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.

After that, she featured in the Hobart International where she once again lost to Li, this time in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-1. Her next appearance was at the Australian Open where she was knocked out after losing to the reigning world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-2. Her last outing before suffering this injury was the Merida Open where she was also knocked out after losing in the first round to Petra Martic in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-3.