Tennis

Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic Reunite for Tennis Gala in SofiaOn Tuesday, Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov welcomed 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic to Sofia for a special exhibition match. The "Tennis Gala" raised funds for Dimitrov's foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Bulgaria.The event showcased the close bond between the two players, who have developed a warm and respectful friendship over the years. At a joint press conference, they sported matching graffiti denim jackets designed by Bulgarian designer Vladimir Nikolov.On the court, the match featured more than just competitive tennis. Dimitrov engaged in an extended shirt change that turned into a playful striptease, much to the amusement of the crowd. Djokovic, known for his vocal performances, led the crowd in song before leaving the court.Dimitrov and Djokovic have a history of supporting each other. In 2014, Djokovic interrupted Dimitrov's press conference to declare him "the best looking guy on tour." When Dimitrov finished runner-up at the 2021 Rolex Paris Masters, Djokovic paused his interview to offer comfort to his friend.In a recent ATP video, Djokovic teased Dimitrov about his obsession with Van Cleef bracelets. Dimitrov retorted that Djokovic couldn't handle the amount of bling he wore. Djokovic later revealed that his son, Stefan, had been asking for a Van Cleef bracelet after seeing Dimitrov's collection.Dimitrov will now head to Berlin for the Laver Cup, while Djokovic is expected to compete in the Shanghai Masters 1000 event. The "Tennis Gala" in Sofia was a testament to the enduring friendship between two of the most successful tennis players of their generation.

Andrey Rublev, the Russian tennis star, has inked a multi-year deal with K-Swiss, a renowned American sportswear brand. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Rublev, who has been making waves on the tennis circuit with his impressive performances.Rublev's collaboration with K-Swiss extends beyond the court, as the brand plans to release a K-Swiss x Rublo capsule collection featuring apparel and a limited-edition performance sneaker. The collection will showcase Rublev's signature slogan, "Play for the Kids, Play for the Light," which reflects his commitment to charitable causes.In addition to the capsule collection, Rublev will sport K-Swiss' Free Motion apparel and Hypercourt Pinnacle shoes at the upcoming US Open. These co-branded items will feature Rublev's slogan, further amplifying his message of hope and inspiration.Rublev's partnership with K-Swiss is a testament to his growing stature in the tennis world. The brand's eclectic roster of tennis players, including Cameron Norrie, Zhang Zhizhen, and Liudmilla Samsonova, reflects its commitment to supporting athletes who embody both athleticism and style.Rublev's previous association with Nike ended in 2022 due to the company's suspension of operations in Russia. Since then, he has been out of an apparel contract, making his partnership with K-Swiss a significant development in his career.The launch of Rublo, Rublev's own charity project, has been a resounding success. The first shoppable drop, "Play for the Kids," raised over $150,000 within two months of its launch. Rublev's collaboration with K-Swiss will further amplify the reach of his charitable endeavors, allowing him to make an even greater impact on the lives of children.

Tennis Gear: Where Does It Go After the Match?Serena Williams' iconic black catsuit and Coco Gauff's US Open kit may have found their way into museums, but what happens to the countless other tennis outfits and equipment that players accumulate throughout their careers?For some players, like Emma Navarro, donating to charities is a way to give back. She recently donated 40-50 pairs of shoes to Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that distributes clothing and footwear to those in need. Jessica Pegula, on the other hand, keeps her favorite practice gear but donates her match outfits and most practice clothes to her foundation, Serving Up Hope.Elise Mertens sends boxes of her kits to Africa, while Lindsay Davenport, Caroline Dolehide, and others donate their gear to Goodwill. Dolehide also gives items to fans who ask, especially visors and jerseys.Taylor Townsend, who doesn't have a sponsor, keeps her kits because she purchases them with her own money. However, she does donate rackets and equipment.Some player clothing ends up in the fundraising pipeline. Players donate signed items and rackets to their own foundations or ones they support. Dealers often buy these items to resell to collectors. Prestige Memorabilia, a company that deals exclusively in tennis relics, has auctioned off Roger Federer's signed match shirt from the 2018 Australian Open for $33,000 and Rafael Nadal's racket from the 2007 French Open final for $118,000.However, according to Prestige Memorabilia owner Matt Cashin, only a minority of player clothing ends up at auction. "There have been very few of Serena's clothes or rackets on the collector market," he said.