Sloane Stephens opens up about inspiring younger generation in latest issue of Shape Magazine

Sloane Stephens is a cover girl once again, and for good reason. The 2017 US Open champion’s accomplishments extend far beyond the tennis court, and afford her a well-deserved spot on the cover of Shape’s Women Run The World digital edition. The 28-year-old looks the part, serving both power and poise in her photoshoot for the fitness and lifestyle magazine. Her looks are as bright and captivating as herself, ranging from a pink bustier, silver pants and a statement jacket to a light blue fringe-sleeved dress.

Stephens joins four other trailblazing women as the cover stars for the issue; actresses Lana Condor, MJ Rodriguez, and Kaitlyn Dever, and singer Andra Day. All were highlighted for the barriers they’ve broken and how they’re changing the game in their respective fields. When Shape asked why being a “woman who runs the world” is important to her, Stephens responded “I can use my platform to inspire others and encourage others to be their best selves.”

The former world No. 3 started the Sloane Stephens Foundation in 2013, with the goal of giving back before she even found her way to the top of the rankings. The foundation uses tennis and education to help build a promising future for young people, with a focus on healthy lifestyles and physical fitness activities. While her job is playing professional tennis, Stephens’ work off the court is undoubtedly one of her top priorities.

“I always think of those kids before I do anything. Would they feel inspired if they read or saw what I did? Would their parents be proud to have their child in my program? I'm all about representation — I think it's so important for young people, and especially young girls of color, to have positive role models that look like them and are doing amazing things.”

But that’s not all Stephens is passionate about. In her interview with Shape, she also spoke on the way the media portrays women, mental health, and her own experience with being misrepresented. Because she’s gone through it herself, Stephens hopes to be a role model for younger generations and a catalyst for change.

“There’s so much pressure on women of all ages, especially related to appearances, and it's tough to find accurate representation and role models. I do think this is changing for the better, and I'm hopeful that these conversations will continue to progress."

Stephens fell in the second round of the Omnium Banque Nationale to Aryna Sabalenka, but her work both on and off the court is far from done. Catch her back in action at the Western and Southern Open next week, and likely on the cover of many more magazines to come.