French Open tennis star is married to notorious ex-Premier League flop

The sporting duo had been childhood friends during their time growing up in Florida. After drifting apart as both athletes pursued their career paths, a chance meeting saw them reconnect in 2016, eventually becoming wed on New Year’s Day in 2022.

“I was doing a media scrum in the hallway during a US Mens National team camp,” Altidore told VOGUE. “Sloane was there training for Fed Cup in Hawaii. Sloane turned the corner while having a loud conversation on FaceTime.

“We locked eyes and started talking during the scrum. We exchanged contacts and went to dinner after my game versus Iceland. The rest was history.”

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It remains to be seen whether Altidore, who also endured an unsuccessful loan spell at Hull City early in his career, will find another club or hang up his boots. Despite his torrid time in England, Altidore enjoyed prolific stints at Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and in MLS with Toronto, as well as scoring 42 goals in 115 caps for his country.

Speaking in 2022, Stephens explained how Altidore being a footballer had enabled their relationship to flourish: “Because Jozy is also a professional athlete, there is so much implied understanding about what is required for each of us to do to be and feel our best. It is so comforting to have that level of understanding in a partner.”

Stephens reached the fourth round of the French Open in 2023. She will take on Yulia Putintseva in her first round clash at 10am on Tuesday.