Today, Sloane Stephens will face Madison Keys in the first round of the 2021 Women's US Open. This is not the first time the two friends have battled on the court: in 2017, Stephens defeated Keys in the final of this tournament to win the coveted title. While victory is certainly on her mind, Stéphane is fighting for more than a trophy this year. She is fighting for change in the game.

Stephens is one of many athletes, including Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, who have opened up about how the intense pressure of professional athletics can affect an athlete's mental health. Speaking with Peloton's Tunde Oyeneyin (Stéphane is a Mercedes-Benz ambassador) at a Mercedes-Benz event last week, Stéphane talked about how she used to base her choices on the opinions of others and the public, which led her down a dark path led her down a dark path.

"I've been in dark, deep, sad places," she said. 'I want to get out of that place. It's a cold world out here and I need to take care of myself."

So this year, Stefan is prioritizing his own mental health and doing what makes him feel the most comfortable before he steps on the court, rather than letting other people's opinions determine his worth. Even if that means eating a pizza right before playing. It's the little things, like eating what she wants to eat, that give her strength on and off the court, she says.

"It may not be the best food to eat before a game, but it makes me happy and makes me feel good," she says.

"And your performance may be based on you getting out there and being happy."

Taking small steps, like eating pizza, and big steps, like talking openly about her own experiences, can really move the needle. She hopes that the chorus of voices calling for change in professional sports will help protect up-and-coming athletes. I've been saying for years that we need to change the dynamic of how the Tour is run, how tournaments are played, and how long they are played for," she said. 'We play the season from January through November. I don't think young players are taught enough that it's okay to be sad, it's okay to be happy, it's okay to show emotion. I don't feel like anyone in the sports industry comforts them with that."

As a member of the Women's Tennis Association Players Council, Stevens says she has heard many of these kinds of concerns from athletes. She said, "I obviously think we can do better to support each other."

Stevens and Keys are setting an example. Although they are rivals, the two still find ways to support each other. In fact, Stevens told the 2017 British Open final that Keys gave her sushi during the match.

It is too early to say whether we will see fish swapping on the court this year, but one thing is for sure, by speaking up, speaking out, and giving himself grace, Stevens is winning for athletes around the world.