Sloane Stephens poses in stunning outfit at Jamaican carnival

Kevin Palmer
Sloane Stephens
Sloane Stephens

Tennis star Sloane Stephens has never been afraid to make daring statements on social media and she did the same again after posting images from her trip to visit a carnival in Jamaica.

The 2017 US Open champion has posted some stunning images of her break in the Caribbean island, with her outfit for the Xodus Carnival an explosion of colour and joy.

Stephens is currently ranked at No 49 in the WTA rankings and she is making best use of her short break away from the game after a challenging start to 2023 on court.

This fine role model confirmed she was ready to embrace her Caribbean heritage, with her parents hailing from the island of Trinidad.

With her famous smile lighting up her social media platforms, 30-year-old Stephens was radiant as she posed for photographs in a colourful costume.

Stephens has always had a passion for fashion and has spoken about her opportunity to use her fame to promote a positive image via her Foundation.

“I am so fortunate to have this platform and absolutely recognize the opportunity I have to positively impact others,” she told Shape magazine.

“My foundation has supported more than 8,000 youth since we started in 2013, so I always think of those kids before I do anything. Would they feel inspired if they read or saw what I did? Would their parents be proud to have their child in my program?

“I’m all about representation — I think it’s so important for young people, and especially young girls of color, to have positive role models that look like them and are doing amazing things.

“Once someone sees something, it creates that spark that they can do it, too. I want every child to dream big.”

“I don’t remember the specific publication where I was first represented accurately, but I remember realizing that non-tennis fans and strangers would read that article and learn about my story directly through my own words.

I’ve gotten used to having people watch my matches and practices from an early age, but seeing my name and thoughts in major publications was totally surreal.

“Realizing that people were interested in learning about me as a person and as more than an athlete, was, and still is, very humbling.

“I think there are so many amazing role models and positive stories that we could choose to celebrate and uplift each other, but the headlines don’t always choose to highlight the positive because it’s more interesting to sell controversy or drama.

“There’s so much pressure on women of all ages, especially related to appearances, and it’s tough to find accurate representation and role models.

“I do think this is changing for the better, and I’m hopeful that these conversations will continue to progress.”

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