American tennis star Sloane Stephens and former Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore have publicly announced the dissolution of their marriage, marking the end of a union that began in early 2022. The news broke over the weekend when Stephens took to her Instagram Stories to share a heartfelt message with her followers.
Social Media Announcement Details the Split
Stephens, who captured the U.S. Open title in 2017, posted a statement on Saturday revealing the couple's decision to part ways. "Jozy and I have decided to end our marriage," the message began. She continued, expressing a desire for privacy and mutual respect during this challenging period. "Just with peace, I am navigating this transition with mutual respect and kindly ask for privacy during this time," Stephens wrote. "Thanks for your love, understanding and continued support."
Legal Proceedings and Background
According to a report from gossip news outlet TMZ, divorce documents were filed by Stephens earlier this month in Florida. In the paperwork, the 32-year-old tennis professional described the marriage as "irretrievably broken." The report also indicated that the couple had a prenuptial agreement in place, which will likely govern the division of assets.
Stephens and Altidore have a long history together, having first met during their middle school years. However, they did not begin a romantic relationship until reconnecting in 2016. The couple tied the knot on New Year's Day in 2022 during a ceremony held in Miami Beach, Florida.
Career Highlights and Personal Lives
Jozy Altidore, now 36 years old, is a retired soccer star who enjoyed a successful career both internationally and in Major League Soccer. He represented the United States men's national team, scoring 42 goals across 115 appearances. Altidore also made a significant impact during his time with Toronto FC from 2015 to 2021, netting 62 goals in 111 starts for the Canadian club.
Altidore has a child from a previous relationship, but he and Stephens did not have any children together during their marriage. The Livingston, New Jersey native bid farewell to Toronto FC in 2021, expressing that "Toronto will always be home" in a heartfelt message to fans.
Stephens' Tennis Career and Recent Challenges
Sloane Stephens has faced numerous obstacles in her professional tennis career in recent years, battling through various injuries that have impacted her performance on the court. At her peak, Stephens reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world, but she has since fallen to 775th in the Women's Tennis Association rankings.
One of her notable achievements includes reaching the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto in 2018, which is now known as the National Bank Open. In that championship match, Stephens pushed Simona Halep to three sets before ultimately falling short of the title.
The announcement comes as both athletes navigate new chapters in their personal and professional lives. Stephens continues to compete on the tennis circuit while managing her recovery from injuries, while Altidore has transitioned into retirement from professional soccer. The couple's request for privacy suggests they hope to handle this personal matter away from the public spotlight as they move forward separately.
