ROLAND-GARROS
18 May - 7 June 2026
The last time Sloane Stephens had to qualify for Roland-Garros she was 18 years old. Fifteen years — and 35 main draw wins — later, the American finds herself back where she started in Paris.
Same Paris, different journey for Sloane
Sloane Stephens is back in qualifying for the first time since 2011, and she is enjoying the ride
Different challenge
Now 33, and coming off a difficult foot injury (right foot, stress fracture), the former world No.3 just wants to regain her match toughness in 2026. The rest? We shall see, says the former finalist who owns a 35-13 lifetime record in the main draw at the Parisian Slam.
“Only time will tell, but I think I've had an interesting journey on the way back here,” Stephens said after her victory on Monday. “It just feels different this time, but it's fun. Playing on a protected ranking, playing qualies of Slams – just a different challenge.
“I think there's a lot of things that I haven't done and things I need to accomplish and overcome, and I'm just ready for that. I mean, I've done all the good stuff, so I might as well.”
It's going to be an uphill battle. I'm 33... I’m just trying to prove to myself that I still got it
There was plenty of good stuff during Stephens’ 6-3, 6-2 win over American Carol Lee on Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Monday.
Don’t let the ranking fool you. The world No.362 made it look easy at times, her quiet footwork and anticipatory skills allowing her maximum efficiency as she methodically deconstructed her 24-year-old opponent’s game.
“It would be so easy to just walk away and quit now, but I think it's just tennis,” Stephens said. “It just kills you, it's frustrating, and it's difficult and there's a lot of adversity.
“In general I’m here to prove to myself that my game is still there, that I can still play, that I'm still competitive. I think that's the most important thing.”
A Parisian powerhouse
Stephens, who lost a heartbreaking final from a set and break up to Simona Halep on Court Philippe-Chatrier in 2018, has always demonstrated a rare comfort level in Paris, where she has reached the second week in nine of her 13 main draw appearances.
She’s hoping that synergy with the Parisian clay will continue to buoy here.
“I've played a lot of matches on that court,” she said of the Lenglen stadium, then continued: “I'm super comfortable out there and just here at Roland-Garros in general.
“When you have a place that you're familiar with and you know how to manoeuvre, it feels good. So, who knows what will happen, but I am just happy to be playing well.”
Different foot same script
Stephens isn’t exactly swimming in unchartered waters this year. She dealt with a significant injury to her left foot in 2016. It required surgery and a long rehab. The American marked her official return to form a year later, when she won the 2017 US Open.
This time it’s the other foot, and she elected not to do surgery. She’s more than happy to draw parallels, but isn’t sure that lightning will strike twice.
“The first time it clicked and I won a Slam and it was great, but it's not going to be like that again, right? It's going to be an uphill battle. I'm 33. There's a lot more happening. I’m just trying to prove myself that I still got it.”