It’s hardly uncommon for athletes to spin their career success into a broadcasting job after retirement. But Sloane Stephens is doing just the opposite: Her brief spell as a Tennis Channel analyst played a small role in propelling her to the U.S. Open quarterfinals.
For several months during her recovery from foot surgery earlier this year, Stephens couldn’t walk, much less practice tennis. The operation, which stemmed from a stress fracture in her left foot, was the latest, most severe setback to a promising career for the 24-year-old American. But instead of completely disengaging from tennis, Stephens joined the sport’s flagship American television network as a contributing reporter, providing analysis during Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston.