Tennis

The 2024 Met Gala witnessed a remarkable convergence of tennis and fashion, with tennis stars and celebrities alike gracing the red carpet in stunning ensembles.Tennis has long been intertwined with style, dating back to the iconic Ted Tinling. This year's Gala saw a surge in tennis-inspired looks, led by "Challengers" star Zendaya.Venus and Serena Williams, along with Maria Sharapova, made their customary appearances, embodying the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme. Venus dazzled in glittering gold, while Serena opted for a radiant silver gown. Sharapova exuded elegance in a tennis ball-inspired dress.Zendaya, who portrayed a tennis player in the film "Challengers," showcased her versatility with multiple red carpet looks. She channeled an enchanted princess theme, captivating onlookers with her ethereal gowns.The tennis takeover extended beyond the red carpet. Sharapova shared a playful selfie video with Venus and Serena, capturing their camaraderie.The Met Gala has emerged as an unofficial fifth Slam, where tennis stars and fashion icons converge to celebrate the intersection of sports and style.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has made a triumphant return to the tennis court, albeit in a virtual capacity. The Russian legend is one of over two dozen playable characters in the newly released tennis video game, TopSpin 2k25.Sharapova's inclusion in the game marks her third appearance in the Top Spin franchise, having previously graced the covers of Top Spin 2 and Top Spin 3. Early reviews suggest that her character possesses formidable strengths, making her a formidable opponent in the game's online multiplayer mode."The world tour [is] full of Sharapovas," joked one fan, highlighting her popularity among players. Another quipped, "your character needs a new outfit," referring to her signature on-court attire.Sharapova is not the only tennis star excited about the latest installment in the Top Spin series. American players Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe are also eager to take to the virtual court, with Tiafoe even gracing the cover of the game's deluxe edition.Tiafoe collaborated with rapper Pusha T on a special teaser to promote the game, which hails him as a "tennis aficionado." The 2022 US Open men's singles semifinalist expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating, "This was a fun shoot." Keys added, "I've been waiting so long for this."Even players not featured in the game are showing their support. Gael Monfils, a renowned Twitch streamer, sought feedback on the game, while Liam Broady showcased his gameplay on his own Twitch channel.Broady, currently sidelined due to injury, provided an honest review on social media. "Game is really fun but not much depth to it and compared to other video game prices I feel like you should get more for your money," he said.TopSpin 2k25 is now available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows PC platforms, offering tennis enthusiasts the chance to experience the thrill of the sport from the comfort of their homes.