Sloane Stephens recently admitted that she would immediately walk away from the sport if she bagged another Grand Slam title.
Stephens, who turns 31 next month, is among the most experienced players on the women's tour. She became a professional in 2009 but had to wait until a year later to make her WTA main draw debut at Indian Wells.
The American's first taste of Grand Slam competition was at the 2011 French Open, where she played in the main draw for the first time. Since then, she has reached at least the quarterfinals at all four majors and memorably won her one and only Grand Slam crown at the 2017 US Open.
It remains her career highlight, even though she came within a set from adding to her collection at the 2018 French Open but lost to Simona Halep in the final in three sets. Stephens appeared in an episode of the Cinema Sessions at this year's Australian Open.
The 30-year-old sat for an interview with journalist Nick McCarvel and her coach Kamau Murray to discuss some of her memorable moments at the Melbourne Slam. Stephens was recently knocked out by Anna Kalinskaya in the third round of the 2024 Australian Open.
She stated that she has more to give even though the clock is ticking, but she suggested a second Grand Slam win would shorten her late career phase.
"There is more, I feel like there is more. But let me tell you this, if I win a Grand Slam, I’m never playing tennis again. That would be the last, I’ll be like: 'I'll see you guys never, I’m out."
Stephens' coach, Kamau Murray, also made a similar promise, explaining that his family "misses" him while he is on tour. It is under Murray's tutelage that the former World No. 3 has enjoyed her most productive years on the tennis circuit.
"If you win a Grand Slam, I’m going to ask for my bonus check and I’m going to quit the next day too. Because my kids and my wife, they miss me. So, as soon as you win again, cut the check and let me go about my business."
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