"Sloane Stephens is epitome of 'talent and no passion'" - Fans appalled by American 'choking' in ASB Classic 1R

Sloane Stephens looked in a commanding position after she registered a first-set win over compatriot Ann Li at the ongoing 2025 ASB Classic in Auckland. However, the 2017 US Open champion's fortunes soon went downhill, as Li made a spirited recovery to eventually oust the former World No. 3 from the WTA 250 event. Stephens' latest loss sparked a fresh wave of fierce criticism from tennis fans.

The last WTA Tour-level singles win for Sloane Stephens came at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships in July, a second-round win over Elsa Jacquemot at the prestigious grasscourt Major. Since then, all of the 2017 US Open winner's singles matches have ended in dismal opening-round defeats. Against Li, it was much of the same as Stephens' sudden mid-match slump resulted in a 7-5, 4-6, 4-6 loss.

Most fans were left aghast by Stephens once again producing a disappointing display despite initially showing promising signs. Several urged the former World No. 3 to retire from the sport.

"Is anybody else tired of Sloane Stephens playing in their face or is just me.. Why is she in a decider and losing? She needs to wrap this up. She is the epitome of "talent and no passion" cause what is this nonsense?" a fan questioned.

"Sloane Stephens has to be the biggest choker on the WTA tour, Lmao," commented another.

"Whyyyyyy thought she was clearing in straights after that first set," another fan chimed in.

Here are some other reactions from fans who were disheartened by Stephens' performance against Li:

"Sloane is now on a 7-match losing-streak dating back to Wimbledon," one fan wrote.

"Time to hang it up Sloane," another advised the seven-time WTA Tour singles titlist.

"I think the end is nearing for Stephens. Which is unfortunate bc she should have won RG at least once in her career," yet another fan opined.

During an appearance on a podcast in late 2024, Stephens had hinted at uncertainty regarding her future as a professional tennis player.

---

Sloane Stephens had expressed doubts over her future in tennis

Sloane Stephens (Source: Getty)

Sloane Stephens featured as a guest on an episode of the Tennis Insider Club podcast, which was released in October 2024. During her conversation with the podcast's co-hosts, the former World No. 3 admitted that age is catching up with her, despite her love for travel and competition. Stephens also stated that she does not know for how much longer her playing career will last.

"I realized that I'm like the oldest person here and very ancient, but I have enjoyed just traveling and being on tour and competing, and I think that's the most important part for me. So obviously, to take that into 2025 will be important for just the longevity of my career. I don't know how much longer I'm going to play, so just making sure that I enjoy it and having a good time," Stephens said.

The American is currently ranked at World No. 74 in singles. However, in doubles, Stephens is No. 63 on the WTA Tour rankings, and won her first-round women's doubles match in Auckland alongside Denmark's Clara Tauson.