Tennis

Wimbledon 2023 has witnessed not only thrilling tennis matches but also a showcase of exquisite timepieces worn by celebrities and sports icons. From the classic elegance of Rolex to the bold designs of Hublot, these luxury watches have become a talking point alongside the on-court action.Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, made a statement with his Hublot Big Bang watch in dark green ceramic. This limited-edition timepiece, with only 250 pieces available, is valued at a staggering ₹21,90,000.Hollywood icon Tom Cruise opted for a timeless classic, the platinum Day-Date from Rolex. This luxurious watch carries a hefty price tag of ₹54,29,000.Roger Federer, the legendary Swiss tennis player, paid homage to his Wimbledon legacy with a Rolex Datejust inscribed with "Wimbledon" and featuring green numbers. This watch serves as a tribute to his record-breaking eight Wimbledon titles.Barbora Krejcikova, the Wimbledon women's singles champion, chose a more understated option with Rado's DiaMaster Thinline Automatic. Priced at ₹2,99,400, this watch exudes elegance and simplicity.James Bond veteran Pierce Brosnan sported a Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 in yellow gold. Featuring a sapphire dial, this luxury timepiece is valued at ₹15,88,115.Actor Rami Malek opted for a Tank Française large model from Cartier. This stainless steel edition is priced at ₹5,50,000.Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour made a bold statement with a white gold Daytona 'Le Mans' from the vintage brand. While this particular version is discontinued, a yellow gold variation is available for a price exceeding ₹2 crores.Prince Albert of Monaco was spotted wearing a skeletonized TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, valued at ₹9,40,318.Croatian tennis player Donna Vekic, a semi-finalist at Wimbledon, showcased a unique F.P. Journe Élégante studded with diamonds. This one-of-a-kind watch is priced at ₹24,28,985.These exquisite timepieces not only complement the style of their wearers but also serve as a testament to the enduring allure of luxury watches. Whether it's the classic elegance of Rolex or the bold designs of Hublot, these watches have become an integral part of the Wimbledon experience.

Naomi Osaka's triumphant return to Wimbledon after a four-year hiatus was marked not only by her hard-fought victory but also by her captivating fashion statement. The Japanese tennis star, who has become renowned for her bold and innovative on-court attire, once again turned heads with her custom Nike kit.Osaka's outfit, described as "an elaborate ensemble fit for the Met Gala," featured a cropped racerback tank top adorned with a flowing gauze-like ruffle that cascaded from her right shoulder. The skirt, crafted from the same ethereal material, billowed gracefully with every movement. The all-white colorway was accented by subtle pops of forest green, complementing her Nike x NO shoes and Tag Heuer Aquaracer watch.Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Osaka's outfit held personal significance. The gauze-like ruffle symbolized the delicate and transformative journey she has undergone since becoming a mother. "It's really cool to be here now," she reflected after the match. "I think my mindset last year was just trying to survive..."The outfit sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans expressing both admiration and skepticism. Some hailed it as a masterpiece of fashion innovation, while others questioned its practicality on the court. However, Osaka remained unfazed by the mixed reactions."I'm just trying to have fun with it," she said. "I think it's important to be yourself and not be afraid to express yourself."Osaka's victory and her eye-catching outfit have set the stage for an intriguing Wimbledon campaign. The four-time Grand Slam winner will face No. 19 seed Emma Navarro in the second round, aiming to reach the third round at the All England Club for the first time since 2018.

Jack Draper, the rising star of British tennis, has made waves both on and off the court. Fresh off his triumph at the BOSS Open, the 22-year-old has graced the pages of British Vogue, showcasing his passion for fashion and his meteoric rise in the ATP rankings.In an interview with Vogue's Emily Chan, Draper revealed his enjoyment of being in front of the camera, stating, "If I'm looking good, that is." His comments sparked a reaction from former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard, who tweeted, "If I had said this 10 years ago I would have been crucified."Despite his newfound modeling success, Draper remains focused on his tennis career. His victory in Stuttgart propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 31, making him the likely top-ranked British player ahead of Wimbledon 2024.Draper is set to face reigning Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz at the cinch Championships in Queen's Club. While he acknowledges the fulfillment he finds in modeling, he emphasizes that tennis remains his top priority. "Right now I'm giving myself the best chance to progress and beat the best players in the world," he said.Draper's journey has been marked by both success and adversity. In 2021, he suffered a serious ankle injury that sidelined him for several months. However, he has returned stronger than ever, proving his resilience and determination.As he prepares for Wimbledon, Draper is confident in his abilities. "I'm feeling good about my game," he said. "I've been working hard and I'm ready to compete with the best."

Roland Garros, the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam, has concluded, but the fashion moments continue to captivate. A day after Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek emerged victorious, they showcased their sartorial prowess in photocalls on the tournament grounds.Carlos Alcaraz: Louis Vuitton AmbassadorAs the global face of Louis Vuitton, Alcaraz exuded elegance in a bespoke double-breasted suit jacket and pants. The Spaniard's partnership with the French fashion house extends beyond the court, with a personalized Malle Vestiaire and a recent modeling stint for the 2024 men's collection. Alcaraz's winning look was complemented by a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch, featuring an 18 karat yellow gold case and a meteorite dial.Iga Swiatek: Polish Style IconSwiatek, the world's top-ranked player, made a statement in satin for her photo shoot with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen. She donned a cream-colored silk wrap-neck top and wide-leg cupro trousers by Polish designer Magda Butrym. The brand, known for its collaborations with independent artisans, has gained recognition in tennis circles after Swiatek's previous appearances in their designs. Swiatek completed her look with a Rolex Lady-Datejust watch in 18 karat Everose gold.Fashion and Tennis: A Symbiotic RelationshipThe Roland Garros photocalls highlight the growing intersection between fashion and tennis. Players are increasingly embracing high-end brands and using their platforms to showcase their personal style. This trend not only enhances the glamour of the sport but also provides opportunities for designers to reach a wider audience.

Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 Roland Garros champion, has made a statement on and off the court this clay-court season with her bold fashion choices. Partnering with Latvian clothing brand DK ONE, Ostapenko has opted for eye-catching ensembles that reflect her aggressive playing style."I like to mix colors, bright colors with darker ones," she said. "The previous dress was orange, and I think that wouldn't look as good on clay because then it's orange with orange."Ostapenko's style has evolved since joining forces with DK ONE in 2022. She has embraced skirts and other variations, while still providing input on the designs."It's never easy when you're first starting something," she reflected. "Latvia is such a small country and they don't have the same opportunities as a big country, so we have to make the most of what we get."While she draws inspiration from the runway, Ostapenko has her own unique fashion sense."I like their shoes," she says of Balenciaga, "but some of their stuff is really crazy. It's all oversized, very oversized. I like oversized stuff but some of it is too much; it's all unisex and oversized, so the fit is a little bit strange. I like Dior's stuff, and also some less-high brands, like Cinq à Sept or Alice and Olivia. I do have some stuff from Zara too."Ostapenko's eclectic taste extends to her entertainment choices. She prefers historical documentaries and comedies, but draws the line at fantasy and superhero movies."I hate fantasy, superhero movies, any non-realistic movie. I really hate those. Obviously, you know that can't happen in real life, like a huge monster is going to come and attack people!"Off the court, Ostapenko enjoys spending time with fellow Russian speakers Anastasia Potapova and Daria Kasatkina."With Dasha, I don't know why we weren't friends in juniors. But that's in the past, and now we're good friends," she said. "Nastya is a little bit younger than me, and so I got to know her later. Dasha, I've known since we were younger because we're the same age. But they're both really nice girls, and we're able to spend some time going for dinner."After a satisfying meal, Ostapenko turns her focus to tennis, preparing for her third-round match against Sara Sorribes Tormo.

Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams, two legendary tennis icons, have joined forces with Lacoste for a powerful advertising campaign that celebrates the brand's iconic crocodile symbol and the indomitable spirit of its ambassadors.The "Play Big" campaign features Djokovic and Williams posing with a colossal 26-foot activation of the Lacoste crocodile, constructed from tennis materials. Williams playfully lunges into the crocodile's open mouth, while Djokovic leans casually against its maw, showcasing their unwavering confidence and determination.Djokovic, the current ATP No. 1, embodies the brand's values of calmness, power, and fearlessness. His relaxed demeanor mirrors his unparalleled dominance on the court. Williams, known for her unwavering grace and commitment to excellence, symbolizes the power of two iconic forces meeting in a larger-than-life encounter.Djokovic has been a Lacoste brand ambassador since 2017, while Williams joined the family in 2022. The campaign also features four other ambassadors: French actor Pierre Niney, South Korean singer and model Jeon So-mi, actor Ahn Hyo Seop, and Chinese actor, singer, and dancer Wang Yibo.In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Williams acknowledged the resurgence of the "tennis-core" trend, thanks in part to the Hollywood blockbuster Challengers and its star Zendaya. She emphasized that tennis has always been at the intersection of sports and fashion, with Lacoste being a pioneer in elevating sports-chic looks.Djokovic, on the other hand, finds inspiration in the real-life behavior of the crocodile. "When I see a crocodile, it reminds me of René Lacoste, what he represents for our sport, what he represents for fashion," he said. "But it also reminds me of the fierce predator animal in the wild, and when I'm on the court, I have to turn into this almost predator-like mentality."The "Play Big" campaign is a testament to Lacoste's enduring legacy in the world of fashion and sports. It celebrates the audacity, unlimited creativity, and confidence that are the very essence of the brand, embodied by its iconic ambassadors.

Zendaya's Stunning Style Transformation at 'Challengers' Premiere and AfterpartyZendaya, the epitome of fashion and style, graced the red carpet of the Los Angeles premiere of "Challengers" in a breathtaking pink and black Vera Wang gown. The intricate lace bodice and voluminous tulle and satin skirt exuded elegance and sophistication. Her minimal accessories complemented the gown perfectly, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.During the red carpet, Zendaya revealed her admiration for tennis prodigy Coco Gauff, expressing her desire to meet the young star. Her passion for tennis was evident in her "method dressing" approach, where she incorporates elements of her movie characters into her outfits.For the afterparty at Funke in Beverly Hills, Zendaya transformed into a vibrant and playful persona. She donned a plunging neon yellow Celia Kritharioti Couture gown, reminiscent of the iconic tennis balls. The white heels added a touch of contrast and completed the look.Tennis stars past and present graced the event, including Venus Williams, Eugenie Bouchard, and Tracy Austin. They joined A-listers like Cynthia Erivo and Tina Knowles, adding to the star-studded atmosphere.Zendaya's style evolution throughout the "Challengers" promo tour has been a testament to her versatility and fashion prowess. From the Loewe tennis player dress in Sydney to the tennis ball heels in Rome, she has effortlessly blended her on-screen persona with her off-screen style.The premiere of "Challengers" marks a significant moment for Zendaya, who has established herself as a fashion icon and a rising star in the film industry. Her ability to captivate audiences with her performances and her impeccable style continues to inspire and amaze.

Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1 tennis star, has become a fashion icon known for her stylish on-court outfits. In a recent Instagram video, she shared her latest shopping finds with her followers, revealing the secrets behind her signature looks.Osaka emphasized that the video was not sponsored, showcasing a range of luxury pieces from various brands. She tried on platform sandals from Melitta Baumeister, a mohair baseball cap from Marni, a mesh camo and shark print hoodie from BAPE, and a jacket by Issey Miyake. The highlight of the haul was a smiley face jacket by Kapital, which Osaka exclaimed was "the star of the show."Osaka also received a one-of-a-kind leather jacket by Jeff Hamilton ahead of the Miami Open. Despite her busy schedule, she promised to play a full schedule upon her return from maternity leave. Her impressive performance during the Sunshine Swing included reaching the third round at both Indian Wells and Miami, defeating seeded players Liudmila Samsonova and Elina Svitolina.Osaka is set to make her clay-court debut at the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole with a wildcard. The WTA 250 event begins on April 15. Her return to tennis has been marked by both stylish fashion and strong performances on the court.

Andrey Rublev's unique eyewear has become a hot topic in the tennis world, sparking a trend among players. Rublev's signature look, featuring colorful glasses from Ra Optics, has drawn comparisons to celebrities like Elton John and Robert Downey Jr.The glasses, equipped with "blue-light blocking lenses," are designed to filter out harmful blue light emitted from screens. While the brand claims these lenses can improve sleep and reduce eye strain, scientific evidence remains inconclusive.Despite the lack of concrete benefits, the glasses have gained popularity among tennis players. Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina have been spotted wearing Ra Optics glasses, adding to the trend.Ra Optics was founded by Matt Maruca, who sought to address his own health issues by researching blue light. The company's glasses have become popular among athletes in various sports, including tennis.Maruca believes the glasses can help athletes adjust to different time zones and improve their performance. However, the effectiveness of blue-light blocking glasses remains a subject of debate.Regardless of their potential benefits, the glasses have become a stylish accessory in the tennis world. They represent a blend of fashion and functionality, adding a touch of flair to the sport.