APPLETON, Wis. — In a candid announcement shared on social media, former U.S. Open tennis champion Sloane Stephens revealed that she and her husband, retired U.S. men's national soccer team star Jozy Altidore, are divorcing after four years of marriage. The news, posted on Stephens' Instagram story on Saturday, marks the end of a high-profile union between two prominent figures in American sports.
Stephens, 32, captured the tennis world by storm when she won the 2017 U.S. Open, defeating her childhood idol Madison Keys in the final to claim her first Grand Slam title. That victory propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world and established her as a trailblazer in women's tennis. She followed up with a runner-up finish at the 2018 French Open, where she fell to Simona Halep in straight sets. Throughout her career, Stephens has been known for her resilience, overcoming injuries and ranking dips to remain a competitive force on the WTA Tour.
"Jozy and I have decided to end our marriage," Stephens wrote in her Instagram post, according to ESPN. "With peace, I am navigating this transition with mutual respect and kindly ask for privacy during this time. Thank you for your love, understanding and continued support." The message was brief but poignant, emphasizing amicability amid what could have been a more contentious split.
Altidore, 36, enjoyed a distinguished career in soccer, scoring 42 goals in 115 appearances for the U.S. men's national team between 2007 and 2019. His international exploits included key contributions to the Americans' 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph and memorable performances in World Cup qualifiers. Domestically, Altidore spent significant time in Major League Soccer, notably with the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals over six seasons from 2015 to 2021. His professional journey also took him overseas to clubs in England, the Netherlands, and Turkey, showcasing his versatility as a forward.
The couple's relationship first gained public attention in 2019, when they were spotted together at various events, blending the worlds of tennis and soccer. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2020, though details were kept low-key to maintain privacy. Over the years, Stephens and Altidore supported each other's endeavors, with Stephens attending Altidore's MLS matches and Altidore cheering from the stands at WTA tournaments. Their shared experiences as elite athletes navigating the pressures of professional sports seemed to forge a strong bond, at least publicly.
According to reports from ESPN, the decision to part ways comes after a period of reflection, though no specific reasons for the split were disclosed in Stephens' announcement. Sources close to the couple, speaking on condition of anonymity, have indicated that the divorce proceedings are proceeding amicably, with both parties focused on maintaining a positive co-parenting dynamic if applicable—though the couple does not have children together. Legal experts in family law note that such high-profile divorces often prioritize prenuptial agreements to protect assets accumulated during careers, but no details on financial arrangements have been released.
Stephens' career has seen its share of personal milestones intertwined with her professional ones. Born in Fresno, California, she rose through the ranks of junior tennis before turning pro in 2008. Her 2017 U.S. Open win was particularly emotional, as it came after a string of injuries that had sidelined her for much of the previous two years. Off the court, Stephens has been vocal about mental health in sports, partnering with organizations to promote wellness among athletes. Her marriage to Altidore added another layer to her public persona, often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media.
Altidore's path to stardom began early, when he moved from Haiti to the U.S. as a child and joined the Red Bulls' youth academy. By age 17, he was making his MLS debut, becoming one of the league's youngest players ever. His international debut came in 2007, and he quickly became a fixture in the U.S. attack, though not without criticism for inconsistent form at times. Retirement from international duty in 2019 allowed him to focus on club soccer, but injuries and team transitions led to his eventual step back from the professional game in recent years.
The announcement has elicited an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes. Tennis star Coco Gauff posted a message of encouragement on X, formerly Twitter, saying, "Wishing you strength, Sloane. You've always been an inspiration." Similarly, former U.S. teammate Christian Pulisic shared, "Respect to both of you for handling this with class." Such responses underscore the respect Stephens and Altidore command within their respective sports communities.
While the couple's split is undoubtedly personal, it occurs against a backdrop of evolving dynamics in athlete relationships. Marriages between stars from different sports are not uncommon—think of Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen—but they often face unique challenges, including demanding travel schedules and time zone differences. Stephens, who splits time between training in Florida and competing globally, and Altidore, based in the U.S. post-retirement, likely navigated these hurdles during their four years together.
Looking ahead, Stephens is scheduled to compete in upcoming WTA events, including the U.S. Open in late August, where she returns as a past champion. Her recent form has been solid, reaching the quarterfinals at the 2023 Australian Open, suggesting the divorce may not derail her focus. Altidore, meanwhile, has transitioned into post-playing roles, including media appearances and youth coaching initiatives, leveraging his experience to mentor the next generation of soccer talent.
The privacy request in Stephens' statement is a common refrain in celebrity divorces, aimed at shielding personal matters from tabloid scrutiny. Representatives for both have not responded to requests for further comment, leaving the Instagram post as the primary source of information. As proceedings unfold, court filings in their home state of Florida could provide more insights, though many such cases are sealed to protect privacy.
Beyond the immediate news, the split highlights the human side of sports icons, reminding fans that even champions face personal trials. Stephens and Altidore's story, from courtship to collaboration to conclusion, reflects the highs and lows inherent in lives under the spotlight. Their emphasis on mutual respect sets a tone that could influence how similar announcements are received in the future.
In the broader context of American sports, this development adds to a year marked by personal announcements from athletes. From retirements to relocations, 2024 has seen turbulence, yet resilience remains a theme. For Stephens and Altidore, the road forward promises new chapters, each continuing to contribute to the sports they love in their own ways.
As The Appleton Times follows this story, updates will be provided as more details emerge. For now, the sports world watches with empathy, hoping both find peace in their next pursuits.