Sloane Stephens was born to athletic parents with backgrounds in collegiate swimming and professional American football, Stephens was introduced to tennis at the club across the street from her house in Fresno, California. Her stepfather was a competitive recreational tennis player and was her primary inspiration for beginning to play the sport.

Stephens moved to Florida to train at a tennis academy, ultimately working with Nick Saviano. She became a promising junior player, reaching an ITF junior ranking of world No. 5 and winning three out of four major girls’ doubles titles in 2010 with her partner Tímea Babos.

Sloane Stephens Varvara parents: Meet Sybil Smith, John Stephens

Sybil Smith and John Stephens are the parents of Sloane Stephens Varvara.

Sybil and John are both accomplished athletes. Sybil was the first African-American woman to be named a first-team All-American swimmer in Division I history. She is enshrined in the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame and recognized as the greatest swimmer in the history of the university.

Whiles John was a Pro Bowl running back for the New England Patriots in the National Football League. Pro Football Hall of Famer Raymond Berry regarded him as the best athlete he had ever seen.

Sybil left her husband after his multiple arrests in 1994. In 1997, she married  Sheldon Farrell, who worked as a business consultant.

John was diagnosed with degenerative bone disease when his daughter was 13 years old and wanted to express interest in getting to know her better. He later died in a car crash in 2009.

Source: Ghanafuo.com