'Just stop playing': Former US Open champion urged to quit by concerned fans

Tennis star Sloane Stephens has reached the pinnacle of women's tennis, according to the WTA website, having achieved a career-best ranking of third in the world.

Stephens broke onto the scene at the 2013 Australian Open at 19 years old, beating GOAT Serena Williams on her way to the semifinals.

Stephens has reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam competitions, including the French Open final in 2018 and winning the US Open in 2017, beating Venus Williams in the semifinals before a straight sets win over Madison Keys.

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From the dizzying heights of Grand Slam success, Sloane Stephen's tennis career looks very different in 2024, with several fans concerned about what she is producing on the court.

The 31-year-old, who turned professional in 2009, most recently lost to World No. 152 Olivia Gadecki in straight sets in the first round of the 2024 Guadalajara Open.

According to Sportskeeda, Stephens' stint in North America has been as bad as it gets. She lost in the first round of the Citi Open, Canadian Open, and 2024 US Open before her latest exit in Mexico.

The Grand Slam winner is currently on a five-match losing streak after being knocked out of Wimbledon's first round, and some fans have taken to X to comment on her current situation.

One fan wrote: "What's going on with Slone? This is a whole grand slam winner." Another added: "Losing to Gadecki? Like, just stop playing ATP." Finally, another said: "I thought she was done after the US Open. I kind of hope she wraps it up soon because things are looking bleak."

Stephens currently ranks 63rd in the WTA rankings, but her opponents haven't exactly been world-beaters. Amanda Anisimova, whom she faced in the Citi Open, is 46th in the rankings. Her Canadian Open Opponent, Greet Minnen, is 88th, and Clara Burel, whom she played in the US Open, is 42nd.

The 31-year-old has previously stated that she will hang up her racket if she wins her second major title. However, the last time she reached a quarterfinal of a Grand Slam was at the French Open in 2022.

After finishing with an abysmal record of 4 wins and 11 losses in 2020, Stephens has dropped from the top 30 to the top 80 in four years. Is it time to retire?

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