'Tennis has been my vehicle to serve': Sloane Stephens shares her love for community and philanthropy

Sloane Stephens has had quite a week in Flushing Meadows. The night before her first round win against No. 38 Clara Tauson at the 2026 US Open, Stephens was given the “Serving Up Dreams” award at the USTA Foundation's annual Opening Night Gala. Both significant victories for the 2017 US Open champion, but what most likely meant most? Watching young people from the Sloane Stephens Foundation enjoy their first US Open experience.

“It's not always about tennis, it's about how we're able to impact lives,” Stephens told USTA.com.

“This year, we're taking 15 kids to the US Open, who all have never been on an airplane and all have never been out of the state of California. Being able to change lives in that way is far more incredible than playing a match, because it really opens up people's eyes to what their future can be. And that's what serving is about.”

Stephens established her foundation when she was just 20 years old, but her affinity for philanthropy began well before that—from the very beginning, perhaps.

“I think it's just in my soul, it's who I am, it's part of my DNA,” Stephens said. She recalls being active in her community at a young age, a value instilled in her through her family. When tennis came into her life, she immediately found ways to give back to others through the sport. It was her uncle who suggested they start a nonprofit.

Her impact on young people is overwhelming. In 2025 alone, the Sloane Stephens Foundation served 7,500 young people through 1,500 hours of tennis, education and life skills programming. That work is exactly why she was honored with the “Serving Up Dreams” award at the US Open. 

Fifteen-year-old Riley Woodson, a member of a Sloane Stephens Foundation chapter, surprised Stephens at the gala event, sharing how impactful the foundation has been for her development.

"I've loved tennis for as long as I remember. I wasn't being taught on how to take my game to the next level. I wanted something more," Woodson said on stage at the gala. "Then, by chance, my family found the Sloane Stephens Foundation. I feel like people really saw my potential. Sloane has been a huge part of that."

Woodson's experience affirms Stephens goal, one that she's worked toward for many years and hopes to continue growing. 

“I just wanted to help people and give a lot of kids the opportunity to play tennis, who normally wouldn't be able to play the sport,” Stephens said.

“Tennis has been my vehicle to serve the communities I’ve served, and to make tennis as accessible as possible.”