Sloane Stephens says spare the Serena comparisons

Weeks after Serena Williams' Essence magazine cover shook an army of fashion photographers and stylists, Sloane Stephens spoke with the publication about separating herself from the GOAT's legacy, among other topics.

"Just because Serena is great and has done all the things she's done, that has nothing to do with me," Stephens shared with interviewer Danielle Young, gesturing for emphasis. "I'm my own person, I've done what I've done, I'm proud of my accomplishments."

"I'm trying to do this, in this lane, and it has nothing to do with her," Stephens continued. "Whatever she does, it's amazing. She's done so much for the sport."

Currently in Stephens' lane: sponsorships with Mercedes-Benz and more merchants, a shoe collaboration with Nike's Air Jordan brand (an aqua, 1993-channeling kick), and more.

Speaking to comparisons between black women in tennis, to how women are received in tennis and the sports world in general and more topics, Stephens got a lot in over five-plus minutes.

"I just try to be me and pick and choose what I want to do."

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