Sloane Stephens reflects on the possibility of missing out on representing the USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In 2018, Stephens soared into the top 3 of the WTA rankings, propelled by her remarkable victory at the US Open in 2017. However, her form began to wane towards the end of that year.
Despite sporadic flashes of brilliance since then, the 30-year-old has struggled with inconsistency, currently holding the World No. 41 ranking.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics loom closer, Stephens acknowledges the stiff competition within the American tennis ranks. Players like Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Emma Navarro are ahead of her in contention.
“Obviously, I’d love to make it (to the Olympics) but our bench is tough; it always has been and someone always gets left out,” Stephens remarked in an interview with Arab News.
However, Stephens maintains that failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics won’t significantly impact her.
“It won’t be the end of the world if I don’t make it. But, Paris, playing at Roland Garros, is one of my favorite venues I’ve ever played at and done well at, so it would be nice. But I’m not going to die if I don’t make it.”
Stephens’ sole Olympic appearance was at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she faced an early exit after Eugenie Bouchard eliminated her in the first round. She later revealed struggling with a left foot injury, which likely impeded her performance.
