Tennis

In the midst of a global sporting extravaganza, Prime Video's "Federer: Twelve Final Days" offers an intimate glimpse into the final days of tennis legend Roger Federer's illustrious career. Directed by Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia, the documentary transcends the realm of promotional tribute, capturing the essence of Federer's greatness both on and off the court.Despite initial concerns that "Twelve Final Days" would fall into the trap of overhyped sports documentaries, the film delivers a refreshing and authentic portrayal of Federer. Through interviews, tributes, and unseen footage, the documentary reveals the human side of the tennis icon, showcasing his self-awareness, self-deprecation, and unwavering commitment to the sport.One of the film's most poignant moments occurs in the Laver Cup locker room, where Federer and Bjorn Borg engage in a lighthearted exchange that humanizes the larger-than-life figure. Such moments provide a glimpse into Federer's genuine character, reminding us that even the most elite athletes are ultimately just people.As Federer's final match approaches, the documentary captures the emotional toll it takes on him. Known for his stoicism on the court, Federer's vulnerability and tears are a testament to the depth of his connection to the sport. However, the true magic of Federer's era is not evident in his own emotions, but in the reactions of his rivals.After Federer's farewell match, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are seen breaking down in tears. This outpouring of emotion speaks volumes about the respect and admiration Federer has earned from his fellow competitors. It highlights the unique bond that exists between athletes who have pushed each other to the limits and shared countless moments of triumph and defeat."Twelve Final Days" is a testament to Federer's enduring legacy. It captures the essence of his greatness, not only as a tennis player but as a human being. The film provides a fitting tribute to a legend who has inspired generations of fans and left an indelible mark on the sport.

Zendaya and Roger Federer Engage in Surreal Air Tennis Showdown for OnSwiss sportswear giant On has released a captivating new advertisement featuring global brand ambassador Zendaya and 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in an epic air tennis showdown. The surreal ad invites viewers to suspend disbelief and witness a clash between these two cultural icons.Zendaya, who recently starred as a retired tennis prodigy in the film "Challengers," reprises her role in the ad. After spotting Federer in an On store, she challenges him to a game of air tennis, a mimed tennis match without the ball.The ad is filled with references to "Challengers," including Zendaya's signature sunglasses stare-down, the presence of her personal assistant Darnell Appling as chair umpire, and the techno soundtrack inspired by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.On's partnership with Zendaya marks a full-circle moment for the actress, who has been a longtime fan of the brand. "I'm always wearing them on set, or when I'm traveling, rehearsing or running around with my dog," she said.Federer's involvement with On dates back to 2019, when he acquired a stake in the company. Since then, he has helped develop "The Roger" line of tennis shoes and has served as a global spokesperson.On has made significant strides in the tennis market in recent years. In 2022, the brand signed world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and American Ben Shelton to head-to-toe deals.The Zendaya and Federer air tennis showdown is a testament to On's growing presence in the sport. The ad showcases the brand's innovative spirit and its ability to connect with a wide audience through unique and engaging content.

Roger Federer, the legendary Swiss tennis player, has been spotted enjoying the latest stop of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Zurich, Switzerland. Federer, who retired from tennis last year, was accompanied by his family at the Stadion Letzigrund, where he embraced the occasion by collecting numerous friendship bracelets and even getting a selfie with the star herself.Federer's attendance at the concert is not surprising, as he has previously expressed his admiration for Swift's music. In the recently released Amazon documentary "Federer: Twelve Final Days," he revealed his plans to attend one of Swift's concerts in Switzerland. Federer has also used Swift's music in his social media posts, and his twin teenage daughters are huge fans.Federer's appearance at the Eras Tour comes just days after he was seen in the crowd at Wimbledon, giving James Bond a run for his money. He was also present for his long-time friend and rival Andy Murray's final match at the All-England Club.Federer's retirement from tennis has allowed him to pursue his other interests, including music and spending time with his family. He has been spotted at several concerts in the past year, including Bruce Springsteen and Elton John.Federer's presence at the Eras Tour is a testament to his love of music and his ability to enjoy life after tennis. He is a true icon of the sport, and his fans are happy to see him living his best life.

Wimbledon 2024 has witnessed a star-studded affair, with celebrities gracing the hallowed grounds of the Grand Slam event. Among them, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar stole the limelight during Alexander Zverev's third-round victory over Cameron Norrie.Tendulkar's presence at Centre Court elicited a thunderous standing ovation from the capacity crowd. Dressed in an elegant beige suit, he acknowledged the warm welcome with a wave of his hand. The camera also captured the presence of other sporting icons, including Ben Stokes and Joe Root.Meanwhile, tennis legend Roger Federer was also in attendance, and a photo shared on Wimbledon's social media handles showed him catching up with Tendulkar. The caption read, "You never know who you'll bump into at #Wimbledon."After his victory, Zverev expressed his admiration for Tendulkar. "It was an honor to play in front of such a legend," he said. "He's an inspiration to all of us."Zverev also revealed that he had a message for Pep Guardiola, who was present for the match. "When I saw Pep, I got so nervous for a few games there," he joked. "Bayern Munich needs a coach, man. And if you're tired of football, you can coach me on the tennis court anytime."The presence of these legendary figures added to the grandeur of Wimbledon 2024, showcasing the enduring appeal of sports and the camaraderie among its icons.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) is undergoing a $3 million renovation to enhance its museum experience and prepare for the induction of legendary players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams. The project aims to double the exhibit space and redesign the plaque gallery, creating a more immersive and interactive experience for visitors.The centerpiece of the renovation is a new display for inductees, replacing the traditional plaques on the wall with a lineup of markers featuring golden tennis rackets. These rackets, mirroring the ITHF logo, will symbolize the prestige of being a Hall of Famer and will be presented to inductees during the enshrinement ceremony.The gallery of inductees will be relocated to the end of the museum tour, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical significance of the Hall before exploring the exhibits. A new retail store will also be added to enhance the visitor experience.The renovation is the first major upgrade to the ITHF since 2015 and addresses the need for a more modern and accessible museum. The exhibits will be redesigned to blend seamlessly with the historic architecture of the 19th-century building, while also incorporating interactive elements and digital displays.The ITHF hopes to double its annual visitor count of 30,000 by making the exhibits more accessible online for those unable to visit in person. The renovation is scheduled to begin in November and be completed by May 2024.With the retirement of Federer and Williams, the ITHF is preparing for a new era of tennis legends. The organization is also planning new events to replace the Hall of Fame Open, which lost its spot on the ATP calendar after this season.

Roger Federer's Final Days Immortalized in Epic PromosAmazon Prime's release of "Twelve Final Days," a documentary chronicling Roger Federer's final two weeks as a professional tennis player, has sparked a global marketing campaign that has left fans in awe.In London, where Federer played his final match at the 2022 Laver Cup, the city's iconic Tower Bridge became a canvas for a breathtaking promo. The Federer of 2022 was seen hitting against his younger self, draped on the bridge's canvas. A tennis ball floated between the two towers as the dueling Federers rallied, before the film's poster materialized between them.The same imagery was replicated in New York's Times Square, where Federer rallied with himself across Broadway. The promos have garnered widespread acclaim on social media, with fans hailing them as "insanely cool marketing" and the "holy s— of advertising."Federer himself expressed his admiration for the promos, commenting on Instagram, "These are so cool."The promotional circuit for the film also included screenings in both London and New York ahead of its June 20 premiere. The documentary features exclusive footage and interviews from Federer's final tournament, including insights from his wife, Mirka Federer, and rivals Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Rafael Nadal.The promos for "Twelve Final Days" have not only captured the attention of fans but have also set a new standard for sports marketing. The innovative use of iconic landmarks and the seamless animation of the tennis ball have created a truly unforgettable experience that celebrates the legacy of one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Joao Fonseca, a rising star in the tennis world, is making his tour-level debut on grass at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, Germany. The 17-year-old Brazilian received a wild card to the tournament, which holds special significance as it is where his idol Roger Federer has won 10 titles.Fonseca's journey to Halle has been marked by impressive performances at various levels. He reached the quarterfinals of the Rio Open, defeated Arthur Fils and Cristian Garin, and secured his first ATP 1000 match win in Madrid. His recent victories in Bucharest have propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 217.The Terra Wortmann Open provides a unique environment for Fonseca to learn and grow. The tournament's relaxed atmosphere and convenient amenities allow him to focus on his game. He has already had the opportunity to train with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Chris Eubanks, gaining valuable insights into the routines and strategies of established players.Fonseca's aggressive style of play is well-suited to grass courts, where he can use his serve and net play to his advantage. He acknowledges the importance of holding serve and being decisive in his approach.Despite his recent successes, Fonseca remains grounded and focused on gradual improvement. He believes in taking things step by step and maintaining a humble attitude. His goal is to continue competing in high-level tournaments and absorb as much knowledge as possible from his experiences.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, recently delivered a thought-provoking commencement speech to graduates of his tennis academy, sharing his insights on the true meaning of legacy.Nadal's speech was inspired by a conversation he had with his long-time rival and friend, Roger Federer. During a snowy photoshoot in the Italian Dolomites, the two tennis greats discussed the importance of being remembered not only for their achievements but also for their character."We both agree on something we believe is of the utmost importance," Nadal said. "How would we like to be remembered in a few years? How do we want the future generations to think of us?"Nadal emphasized that while titles and records are significant, they are ultimately transient. What truly matters, he believes, is the impact one has on others and the values they embody."We are both very sure of our answers," Nadal continued. "It's great that our achievements, our titles, and our records are recognized, but as the years go by, it is probable that someone will arrive and do something better. What is important, then, is that which will always be remembered."Nadal urged the graduates to focus on being good people and leaders in their communities. He encouraged them to ask themselves how they wanted to be remembered by their peers and teachers."I could tell you to try and be influencers in your surroundings, but I prefer the term leaders," Nadal said. "The people around you should see you as someone who should be copied because of their values."Nadal's coach, Carlos Moya, also addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and attention to detail."Days where you don't feel like going to practice, going to the gym, studying," Moya said. "If you push yourself through those moments, these are the moments that are paying off. These are the moments that if you do it, it's going to take you to the next level and help you grow in whatever you want to do. So pay attention to those moments."Nadal and Moya's speeches resonated with the graduates, reminding them that true success extends beyond trophies and accolades. It is about living a life of purpose, integrity, and impact.

Roger Federer and Serena Williams, two of the greatest tennis players of all time, recently graced the red carpet in New York City to promote their upcoming documentaries. Federer's "Federer: Twelve Final Days" chronicles his final tournament at the 2022 Laver Cup, while Williams' "In the Arena: Serena Williams" offers an intimate look at her illustrious career.Federer's documentary, which premiered on Amazon Prime, features candid footage of his final matches, as well as interviews with his legendary rivals Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Rafael Nadal. Federer admitted to shedding tears while watching the film, which he initially intended as a home movie.Williams' documentary, set to air on ESPN+, promises to be the most comprehensive account of her career. The eight-part miniseries will delve into her personal life, her struggles, and her triumphs. Williams expressed her excitement about sharing a more authentic side of herself with the public.Federer's European premiere in London drew a star-studded crowd, including Mike and Zara Tindall, Anoushka Shankar, and Sue Barker. Federer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share his emotional journey with the world.Both Federer and Williams have captivated audiences with their on-court brilliance and off-court charisma. Their documentaries offer a unique glimpse into the lives of two icons who have left an indelible mark on the sport of tennis.