While we at Racquet reserve judgement on the fundamental state of tennis today, an awful lot of people seem to think there’s something wrong with it, at least where spectators are concerned. Between Patrick Mouratoglou’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown, India’s Tennis Premier League, and INTENNSE, innovators are looking for ways to shorten matches, add pizzazz, and balance inequities in an attempt to draw, and keep, a younger crowd. This month grand-slam winner and former world no. 3 Sloane Stephens announced she’s joined INTENNSE as a team owner. We asked her about the new(ish) league, her role in it, and when we might see her back on court.
Racquet: Congratulations on becoming part-owner of the Rips. As someone who’s still on the tour, you have a unique perspective on the similarities and differences between a team-tennis league and the WTA. Do you see these leagues (there are a few) as the future of tennis, or something fun and different to do when there’s a break in the season? Or a way to extend a tennis career?
Sloane Stephens: INTENNSE brings a fresh burst of energy and personality to the sport, with a format that helps tennis feel more accessible and connected for the fans. For players, it offers a meaningful pathway to compete, earn money, and stay engaged in the game. The guaranteed salaries make it especially appealing for younger players who might otherwise be unable to afford life on tour. Plus, the team-based format is a natural fit for athletes coming out of college, giving them a familiar and supportive competitive environment.
R: What facets do you like about the INTENNSE format? What sets it apart from, say, UTS and India’s Tennis Premier League? World Team Tennis?
SS: I really like the INTENNSE team format because it is really built for today’s fans. It has a co-ed structure, which is a more inclusive game for fans to watch. It also has gender equity pay which is something I am super passionate about. The faster pace keeps things moving and makes matches easier to follow, and there’s a big focus on fan engagement, so people feel more connected to the action. On top of that, the attention to player mental health is a big plus and not something every league prioritizes. It really simplifies the experience without losing the strategy, intensity, and overall energy that make tennis great.
R: Do you see it as a proving ground for ways to address issues in tennis as a whole? INTENNSE focuses on gender equity and mental health; are there other policies or practices you’d like to see instituted tennis-wide?
SS: INTENNSE is setting a great example and proving ground for where not only tennis, but all sports could excel. There’s also a big opportunity to build out stronger support for player wellness more broadly, especially given how demanding the tour can be. And just as important is creating better pathways for players outside the top tier—there are so many good players who just don’t have the resources to stick with it. INTENNSE is genuinely focused on making the pro game more sustainable and accessible long term, and that’s something tennis as a whole could really benefit from.
R: You’re part-owner of a team, but have you considered playing, too? I believe I speak for all tennis fans when I say we love to see you on the court—any court!
SS: I’m really excited to be part of the ownership side and help build something new with INTENNSE. My focus is growing the league and supporting the players. Of course, I’ll never fully rule out getting back on court in some way, but for now I’m just enjoying being involved from a different perspective.
