The Overhead Compartment with Sloane Stephens

Shining a highlight on celebrities and athletes who like to journey.

Within the newest journey via The Overhead Compartment, we tag together with Sloane Stephens, who one way or the other manages to juggle strain, journey, and island vibes like they’re all a part of her warm-up routine.

Sloane Stephens is embracing this part of her profession with a grounded confidence, formed by her perception that strain is a privilege and by the quiet routines that hold her regular — from journaling within the mornings to surrounding herself with individuals who deliver her again to earth. Her 2017 comeback nonetheless reminds her to remain current and revel in each “bonus spherical,” a mindset she carries along with her to Virgin Gorda, a spot she says immediately seems like the place she’s meant to be.

That’s why she’s particularly excited for the upcoming Little Dix Bay Cup, a world-class tennis weekend at Rosewood Little Dix Bay that blends elite competitors with the softer, slower island tempo she loves. The Overhead Compartment was excited to step out with Stephens and uncover the proper setting for her to attach with followers, share her ardour for the game, and have a good time the group that retains her grounded on and off the court docket.

The Overhead Compartment with Sloane Stephens begins now….

OC: You’ve competed on the game’s largest levels. How has your method to strain and expectation advanced over time?

SS: Actually, I’ve realized to make peace with strain. It used to really feel heavy, like one thing I needed to conquer. Now I see it as a part of the job and a privilege. Strain means individuals imagine in you, and also you imagine in your self. I simply attempt to benefit from the trip a bit extra as of late.

OC: Tennis calls for a lot psychological power. What practices or routines aid you keep grounded via the highs and lows?

SS: Quiet mornings. A bit journaling. Numerous deep breaths. And my individuals, I’m large on surrounding myself with people who deliver me again all the way down to earth. If I can stroll my canine, eat one thing good, and name my mother, I’m good.

OC: Once you look again over your profession, what moments stand out as turning factors?

SS: Getting back from damage in 2017 modified the whole lot for me. Once you sit out for nearly a yr, you respect the game in a different way. Each match felt like a bonus spherical. It jogged my memory that I actually love competing, even the messy elements.

OC: Your 2017 US Open win was iconic. What classes from that also information you as we speak?

SS: Don’t overthink. Don’t get forward of your self. Belief your sport and keep current. That entire run taught me that you simply don’t need to really feel good to play nice, typically perception is the magic ingredient.

OC: What’s one factor about your coaching which may shock individuals?

SS: I take restoration VERY critically. Like, Olympic-level dedication to stretching, massaging, icing, all of it. And I’m a giant notes lady: I monitor the whole lot. I’m principally a scientist with my physique at this level.

OC: What recommendation do you give youthful gamers?

SS: Play YOUR path, not another person’s timeline. Defend your peace, ask questions, and do not forget that no person figures this out alone. And have enjoyable. It’s imagined to be enjoyable!

OC: You’ve traveled all over the place. What makes Virgin Gorda and Rosewood Little Dix Bay particular?

SS: It’s merely vibes. The views are insane, the water is unreal, and the whole lot strikes at a slower, softer tempo. The minute I arrive, I take a deep breath like, “Yep… that is the place I’m meant to be.” Neighborhood is connection. It’s the individuals who help you, push you, giggle with you, and present up when life will get chaotic. On tour, it’s the workforce and pals who hold me sane. Off court docket, it’s the children and households we serve via my basis. Neighborhood is the whole lot.

OC: Once you’re formally on island time, what’s your good day in paradise?

SS: Get up sluggish. Large breakfast. Seashore stroll. Possibly some snorkeling as a result of why not? Then a nap, a severe nap and a sundown dinner with one thing scrumptious and native. Excellent.

OC: Very first thing you do if you stroll right into a resort room?

SS: Test the view. At all times the view. Then I mild a candle and transfer in prefer it’s my house.

OC: Full the sentence: I by no means go away dwelling with out:

SS: My journal, my AirPods, and no less than one Doc & Glo product. Often the Deo, she goes all over the place with me.

Sloane Stephens, please use care upon departure as gadgets might have shifted in The Overhead Compartment throughout our journey. Thanks for selecting us on your journey ideas! Have an exquisite day!