Sloane Stephens has confirmed that she intends to play in 2026 after receiving a wildcard for the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland, which is scheduled to take place between January 05-11.
Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion and a former world No. 3, hasn't registered a win since beating Elsa Jacquemot in the 2024 Wimbledon first round. Since then, the American has lost her last 12 matches - she lost her last six matches of 2024, as well as all of her six matches played this year.
Across January and February of this year, Stephens picked up first-round exits in Auckland, Hobart, the Australian Open, and Merida. The 32-year-old then took an extended break to treat a foot injury - and also worked for ESPN during the US Open - before returning to action in late 2025. The former world No. 3 played two tournaments in Mexico, losing in the Guadalajara and Tempico first round.
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Stephens playing just six matches in 2025 and plummeting to No. 1075 in the world naturally led to some wondering if she would return in 2026. But that has been cleared now as the American is set to return to Auckland and make her sixth main draw appearance at the tournament, which she won in 2016.
Stephens had an icy-cold message for critics earlier this year
After ending 2024 on a losing streak and also starting slow her 2025 season, Stephens bluntly responded to the claims that it was time for her to retire.
"People dont have any filter. They also dont realize that youre another human being. They would never say it to your face. It actually prohibits people from putting their lives out there because they dont want to be judged. Its all about what the athlete can handle, right? You should retire? Im like, If these people are still paying me, Im not going. I think people dont realize, if someone was paying you a lot of money, you wouldnt quit your job. You wouldnt leave your job," the former world No. 3 said earlier this year.
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It remains to be seen if Stephens can turn the page in 2026.
