Sloane Stephens may not be wielding a racquet at Roland-Garros this year, due to a foot injury she sustained back in March, but that doesn’t mean the tennis star is sitting out the French Open—her favorite tournament—entirely. No, the 32-year-old is showing up and showing out on the clay as the newest face on TNT’s broadcasting team!
“I promise to keep it just as entertaining as I do on court,” she said in an Instagram post earlier this month announcing her commentator role.
Though her tennis schedule looks slightly different as she rehabs her injury, one constant remains: penciling in time at the gym to build strength. For now, however, her focus remains squarely on her upper body, she explains to Women’s Health in the latest episode of Strong Likea fitness series that explores the many facets of both inner and outer strength.
“My current fitness goal is to get out of a boot and get back strong,” Sloane says. “My favorite move in the gym that makes me feel strong and empowered is doing pull-ups.”
Good thing her signature “arm burnout” workout, which she demos in the video above, includes a whole bunch of them! (She says the move makes her feel “really cool”—as it should! If impressing folks at the gym with your pull-up skills is on your bucket list, too, check out WH‘s Ultimate Pull-Up Plan here.)
Here’s her full upper body routine. For each supersetSloane performs 8 reps of both moves, followed by one pull-up. She’ll repeat those three moves for a total of three rounds before moving on to the next superset.
Superset 1 (3 sets total)
- Lat pull-down: 8 reps
- Triceps press-down: 8 reps
- Pull-up: 1 rep
Superset 2 (3 sets total, or more if you’re feeling spicy)
- Bench press: 8 reps, increasing weight each set
- Pull-up: 1 rep
Sensing a theme here with the pull-ups?! “If we end up doing 10 sets, we end up doing 10 pull-ups, and by the end, your arms feel like Jell-O—but it’s amazing,” she says.
Watch Sloane’s full episode of Strong Like for more on her approach to strength training, plus a glimpse into her gym bag full of workout essentials. (Hint: It Includes her own body care line, Doc & Glonamed after her grandparents!)
What’s In Sloane Stephens’ Gym Bag
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Dr.G Black Snail Cream, 50ml – Snail Mucin Moisturizer
Now 41% Off
Therabody SmartGoggles
Now 12% Off
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Red Baccarat 540 Eau de Parfum
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Now 20% Off
Amy Wilkinson is a contributing entertainment editor at Women’s Health, where she edits the magazine’s celebrity cover stories and writes health features. She has previously held editor titles at Entertainment Weekly and MTV News. In 2021, Amy completed her 600-hour teacher-training at Core Pilates NYC to become a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor.
ARTICOL EDITAT:
The Athlete-Broadcaster Pivot: How Sloane Stephens Signals a Growing Trend in Sports Media
The line between athlete and media personality is blurring faster than ever. While injury sidelined Sloane Stephens from the 2024 French Open, her immediate transition to the TNT broadcasting booth isn’t just a temporary fill-in – it’s a signpost pointing towards a significant shift in how athletes leverage their platforms and build careers beyond the playing field. This isn’t simply about “second acts”; it’s about proactive brand building, diversifying income streams, and a fundamental reimagining of what it means to be a professional athlete in the 21st century.
From Court to Commentary: A Natural Evolution?
For decades, former athletes have transitioned into broadcasting, often after years away from their sport. But Stephens’ move is different. It’s happening during her active career, driven by a desire to stay connected to the game she loves and a recognition of the power of her voice. This immediacy is key. Fans crave authentic insights, and who better to provide them than someone currently experiencing the pressures and nuances of professional tennis? This trend is fueled by the rise of social media, where athletes already cultivate direct relationships with fans, and the increasing demand for compelling sports content across multiple platforms.
The financial incentives are also substantial. While top-tier athletes earn significant income from endorsements and prize money, broadcasting offers a lucrative and sustainable revenue stream, particularly as athletic careers are often relatively short. This diversification is becoming increasingly crucial, especially in sports where endorsement opportunities are limited or highly competitive.
The Power of Personal Branding and the “Athletic Entrepreneur”
Stephens’ foray into broadcasting isn’t happening in a vacuum. Her active engagement with brands like Doc & Glo (her own body care line) and her openness about her fitness regimen – showcased in the “Strong Like” series with Women’s Health – demonstrate a broader trend: the rise of the “athletic entrepreneur.” Athletes are no longer solely defined by their performance on the field or court; they are building multifaceted brands that encompass lifestyle, wellness, and media.
This shift is partly a response to changes in the media landscape. The fragmentation of traditional media and the rise of streaming services have created new opportunities for athletes to control their narratives and reach wider audiences. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow athletes to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with fans, fostering a sense of authenticity and community.
Strength Training as a Cornerstone of the Athlete-Broadcaster
Stephens’ dedication to strength training, even while injured, highlights another important aspect of this trend. Maintaining peak physical condition isn’t just about recovery; it’s about projecting confidence and authority, both on and off the court. Her focus on upper body strength, particularly pull-ups, as a source of empowerment resonates with a broader cultural emphasis on physical and mental resilience. This emphasis on holistic wellness is increasingly appealing to fans and sponsors alike. The fitness routines and insights shared by athletes like Stephens are becoming valuable content in their own right, attracting a wider audience beyond traditional sports fans.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Athlete-Driven Media
We can expect to see more athletes actively pursuing media opportunities during their playing careers. This will likely lead to the emergence of athlete-owned media companies, specialized content platforms, and innovative broadcasting formats. The lines between athlete, commentator, and content creator will continue to blur, creating a more dynamic and engaging sports media ecosystem.
Furthermore, the skills required to succeed as an athlete – discipline, teamwork, communication, and resilience – are highly transferable to the media world. Athletes who can effectively leverage these skills will be well-positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape. The ability to tell compelling stories, connect with audiences, and provide insightful analysis will be paramount.
The athlete-broadcaster pivot isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in the power dynamics of sports media. Sloane Stephens’ move is a compelling example of how athletes are taking control of their narratives and building sustainable careers beyond the game. This is a model we’re likely to see replicated across a wide range of sports in the years to come.
What impact will this trend have on the traditional sports media landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
