Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion and former world number 3, has not recorded a win since beating Elsa Jacquemot in the first round of Wimbledon in 2024. Since then, the American has lost her last 12 matches – losing her last six matches of 2024, as well as all six of her matches played this year.
In January and February this year, Stephens achieved first-round exits in Auckland, Hobart, the Australian Open and Merida. The 32-year-old then took an extended break to treat a foot injury – and also worked for ESPN during the US Open – before returning to action in late 2025. The former world number 3 played two tournaments in Mexico and lost in the first round to Guadalajara and Tempico.
Stephens playing just six games in 2025 and plummeting to world number 1075 naturally left some wondering if she would return in 2026. But that is now clear as the American is set to return to Auckland and play her sixth main draw at the tournament, which she won in 2016.
Stephens had an icy message for critics earlier this year
After ending 2024 on a losing streak and also only starting her 2025 season, Stephens responded bluntly to claims that it was time for her to retire.
“People have no filter. They also don’t realize that you’re a different person. They would never say it to your face. It basically prohibits people from risking their lives because they don’t want to be judged. It’s about what the athlete can handle, right? ‘You should retire?’ I’m like, ‘If these people are still paying me, I’m not going.’ I don’t think people realize that if someone paid you a lot of money, you wouldn’t quit your job. You wouldn’t give up your job,” the former world number 3 said earlier this year.
It remains to be seen if Stephens can turn the page in 2026.
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