Tennis

Holger Rune, the former world No. 4, is making the most of his off-season with an ambitious vacation itinerary that has seen him split his time between Dubai and the Maldives.After a semifinal finish at the Rolex Paris Masters, the 21-year-old Rune has gone from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean to recharge after an up and down season. While some of his colleagues are still competing in Turin, Rune is enjoying his early start to his off-season.Rune has been sharing his adventures on social media, including jet-skiing in Dubai and snorkeling in the Maldives. He has also been working out and indulging in his crafty side with a pottery outing.Rune's off-season plans are a departure from the traditional "too-short off-season" truism. By taking an extended break, Rune is prioritizing his physical and mental well-being, which will be crucial for his success in the upcoming season.With six weeks until the tour begins its annual trek to Australia, it remains to be seen where Rune will head next. However, one thing is for sure: he is making the most of his time off and preparing for a strong 2025 season.

Elena Rybakina, the WTA Tour's reigning cool-girl, has showcased her impeccable "tenniscore" style in a recent photo shoot in Dubai. The world No. 4, known for her on-court prowess and off-court fashion sense, has embraced the trend that seamlessly blends vintage tennis aesthetics with everyday athleisure.Rybakina's photo shoot, captured by Kazakhstani photographer Timur Uteshbekov, features her in a series of preppy, tennis-inspired looks curated by Dubai-based stylist Azhar Yeleussizova. Against a sunny beach backdrop, she exudes a casual-cool vibe in a white cropped polo-neck jumper and matching pleated skirt from Sandro Paris.The "tenniscore" trend, which peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, has resurfaced as fashion consumers embrace "quiet luxury" and timeless pieces. Rybakina's outfit exemplifies this aesthetic, with minimal branding and understated accessories taking center stage. She accessorizes with classic black Celine sunglasses, high athletic socks, and white platform Walk'n'Dior sneakers adorned with Christian Dior's signature Plan de Paris motif.Beyond her on-court achievements, Rybakina's style has garnered attention. In 2022, she made a fashion statement at the Wimbledon champion's ball by pairing a delicate white tulle Monique Lhuillier gown with Gucci "Ace" sneakers.The photo shoot serves as a signal to luxury fashion brands that Rybakina is open to collaborations. With the 2024 Paris Olympics approaching, where fashion will play a prominent role, it remains to be seen if she will secure a major maison's sponsorship, following in the footsteps of Carlos Alcaraz (Louis Vuitton), Jannik Sinner (Gucci), and Emma Raducanu (Christian Dior).In the meantime, Rybakina will focus on her title defense at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Despite recent setbacks due to illness, she remains a formidable force on the court, eager to add to her seven career titles.