In Pictures: Sloane Stephens explores the Great Wall of China, shows off her & mother Sybil's 'cute' matching keychains after early Korea Open exit

Sloane Stephens decided to make the most of her time in Asia as she headed to China following her disappointing singles and doubles losses at the 2024 Korea Open. Stephens explored the Great Wall of China and also got matching keychains for her mother Sybil and herself.

The former World No. 3 entered the Korea Open on the back of first-round exits from the US Open and the Guadalajara Open. Stephens had a poor run in Korea as well, with the 2017 US Open champion bowing out to compatriot Hailey Baptiste in yet another first-round loss. Her luck was slightly better in doubles, where she paired up with Su Jeong Jang and reached the quarterfinals.

Despite these defeats, Sloane Stephens remained upbeat, as she headed to China and visited the iconic Great Wall of China. The 31-year-old also struck a pose under a beautiful Chinese oil paper umbrella ceiling with her back to the camera. Last but not least, Stephens shared a picture of cute, matching, custom keychains she got for herself and her mother Sybil.

The 2017 US Open champion later replied to a user's comment on her Instagram post as well, calling the matching keychains "cute".

"Isn't it soooo cute!" Stephens wrote.

Sloane Stephens' reply to an Instagram user's comment on the matching keychains (Source: Instagram/Sloane Stephens)

Stephens shares an extremely close bond with her mother Sybil. In the past, the former World No. 3 has credited her mother for her powerful brand of tennis.

"She's the most athletic person in my family" - Sloane Stephens on mother Sybil in French Open 2023 admission

Sybil Smith (L) and Sloane Stephens (R) (Source: Getty)

In the third round of the 2023 French Open, Sloane Stephens registered a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 win over Yulia Putintseva. It was quite a powerful display from Stephens, which prompted Fabrice Santoro to ask her about the roots of her brand of tennis during the post-match on-court interview.

The former World No. 3 stated that she has inherited the quality from her mother Sybil, who was a renowned collegiate swimmer in her prime. Sybil was in attendance at Roland Garros as well, and Stephens was quick to point toward her while giving her answer.

"Yeah, but I'd say I get it from my mom! She's the most athletic person in my family, so I definitely got it from her," Stephens said.

Currently ranked World No. 75 in singles, Stephens' 2024 season so far has been underwhelming for the most part. She has a 19-22 win-loss record on the WTA Tour this year, with her best moment coming at the Open de Rouen, where she won the title after defeating Magda Linette in the final. It was Stephens' first WTA Tour-level title in two years.