Tennis

Serena Williams, a tennis legend in her own right, has expressed her admiration for Rafael Nadal, the retiring Spanish tennis icon. In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Williams acknowledged Nadal's profound influence on her career.Williams, a 24-time Grand Slam singles champion, donned Nike apparel featuring Nadal's logo and likeness, expressing her gratitude for the inspiration he has provided. "You inspired me to be better, to play harder, for fight, to never give up, and to win more," she wrote.Williams emphasized Nadal's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence. "No excuses just play the sport," she quoted Nadal, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the game. She praised his legacy, stating that it will endure long after his retirement.In a video accompanying her tribute, Williams wore a Rafa-branded shirt and bandana, sending a message of support to the retiring champion. "We're gonna always love you, we're gonna always miss you," she said. However, she acknowledged that Nadal's retirement is not an end but a transition.Other Nike-sponsored athletes, including Bianca Andreescu and Mirra Andreeva, also expressed their appreciation for Nadal. Andreescu shared an image of herself wearing Rafa gear, using the hashtag #rafaforever, while Andreeva thanked Nadal for inspiring countless individuals.Nadal's retirement marks the end of an era in tennis, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of players. Serena Williams' tribute serves as a testament to the profound impact he has had on the sport and beyond.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour continues to captivate audiences worldwide, attracting not only music enthusiasts but also renowned athletes. Among the celebrities spotted at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for one of Swift's three shows was tennis legend Serena Williams.Williams, who self-proclaimed herself as "a casual Swiftie," shared a behind-the-scenes video on social media, showcasing her excitement for the concert. The video captured her getting ready, jumping, dancing, and singing along to Swift's hit "You Belong with Me."Williams wasn't the only tennis star to attend the Eras Tour. Iga Swiatek, the current world No. 1, attended a stop in June, while Roger Federer was present at the Zurich show in July.Joining Williams at the Miami show were her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their 7-year-old daughter, Olympia. The family showed their support for Swift by wearing matching T-shirts. Ohanian's shirt read "I Love Taylor (my daughter made me wear this)," while Olympia's shirt featured a heart-shaped design.Ohanian's Instagram post about the concert garnered praise from fans, who commended him for being a supportive father. "You did your daughter proud," one fan wrote. "She will remember this forever."Ohanian expressed his admiration for Swift's performance, calling it "amazing" and "fantastic." He also noted that Olympia's first concert experience would be "VERY hard to top."The Eras Tour, which began in March 2023, has been a massive success, grossing over $1 billion and spawning a documentary film. It is set to conclude in Canada in December 2023, leaving a lasting impact on fans and celebrities alike.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, has been crowned one of Glamour magazine's Global Women of the Year alongside actress Pamela Anderson. This prestigious honor recognizes her remarkable achievements both on and off the court.In an exclusive interview with Glamour, Williams candidly discusses her post-retirement journey, embracing entrepreneurship, and navigating the challenges of motherhood. She reveals her struggles with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughters, Olympia and Adira, emphasizing the importance of self-care and support.Williams' entrepreneurial ventures have flourished since her retirement. Her beauty line, Wyn Beauty, continues to expand, while her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, has invested in over 85 companies, including 14 valued at $1 billion or more. She attributes her success to letting go of the perfectionism that defined her athletic career.The Glamour cover shoot captures Williams' multifaceted persona. Photographed by Josefina Santos and styled by Christine Nicholson, she exudes elegance and confidence in designer outfits from Loewe and Stella McCartney, accessorized with Christian Louboutin shoes, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and her signature Audemars Piguet watch.Williams also debunks common tennis myths in a humorous video accompanying her Glamour honor. She addresses the debate between skirts and shorts, and shares her thoughts on the accuracy of the film "Challengers."Serena Williams' Global Woman of the Year recognition is a testament to her unwavering determination and the transformative impact she continues to have beyond the tennis court. Her journey as an entrepreneur, advocate for mental health, and role model for women worldwide is an inspiration to all.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, unleashed her inner rockstar at Green Day's electrifying Los Angeles concert over the weekend. Clad in a stylish all-black ensemble, Williams was spotted dancing enthusiastically with fellow fans near the stage at SoFi Stadium.The viral video captured Williams' infectious energy as she swayed to the iconic tunes of Green Day, celebrating the 30th and 20th anniversaries of their beloved albums "Dookie" and "American Idiot." The band's lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, shared a post on Instagram expressing his gratitude for the "triumphant" show, and Williams' comment stood out among the hundreds."Love you Billie!!!!!!" she exclaimed, showcasing her unwavering admiration for the band. Williams has long been a vocal fan of Green Day, declaring them her all-time favorite musical group. Last year, she showcased her knowledge of their hits in a TikTok challenge, effortlessly naming song after song.In February, Williams had the honor of introducing Green Day at Clive Davis' exclusive pre-Grammys party at the Beverly Hilton. Armstrong personally invited her, recognizing her deep connection to their music. "Truly, to know me is to know my love for them," Williams said in her opening speech.Williams' first encounter with the band occurred on Jimmy Kimmel's show, where they were both guests. She credits Kimmel for facilitating this memorable meeting. Armstrong, in turn, has expressed his admiration for Williams, describing her as the "sweetest person.""We would run into her in different countries in Europe because she was kicking everybody's ass in that particular country," Armstrong recalled. "She would then come to the show and ... well, I think she would literally try to see how fast she could beat her opponent so she could actually come to the gig."Williams' passion for Green Day extends beyond attending their concerts. She has also been known to incorporate their music into her training regimen, finding inspiration in their energetic and uplifting songs.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, has graced the US Open with her presence, marking her first experience with the tournament's signature Honey Deuce cocktail. In a recent TikTok video, Williams expressed her delight with the drink, suggesting a name change to "Honey, ad-in" or "Honey ace."Despite her six US Open titles, Williams had never sampled the Honey Deuce during her playing days. After retiring from tennis, she has enjoyed a more relaxed return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. On Saturday, she paid homage to her iconic denim skirt worn at the Open in 2004. On Sunday, she cheered on Grigor Dimitrov and Coco Gauff at Arthur Ashe Stadium.In between, Williams indulged in the Honey Deuce, a cocktail that debuted at the US Open in 2007. The drink, priced at $23 this year, is expected to break sales records as it approaches its 20th anniversary in Flushing.As a self-proclaimed tequila enthusiast, Williams may also enjoy the Dobel cocktails inspired by Taylor Fritz and Aryna Sabalenka, available around the grounds.Williams' presence at the US Open has sparked speculation about her potential return on Monday to complete her Labor Day trifecta.

Caroline Wozniacki, the former world No. 1, expressed her disappointment on Saturday after her close friend Serena Williams failed to attend her US Open match. Wozniacki, who is celebrating the one-year anniversary of her comeback from maternity leave, had hoped to see Williams in the stands."I'm pretty mad at her for not showing up to my match," Wozniacki joked during her on-court interview. "I think we have to talk about that a little bit later."Wozniacki later confirmed that she had gotten in touch with Williams, who has been one of her closest friends for the past ten years. "I love hanging with her," Wozniacki said after defeating Jessika Ponchet in straight sets. "I love talking to her. You know, I love the support that I get from her, as well."Williams was on the grounds for the first time in 2024, paying tribute to her 2004 denim skirt with a similar look. She caught up with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Wozniacki.Although Williams retired from tennis over two years ago, Wozniacki noted that her friend is as busy as ever. "I think when you've been such incredible at something, I think you'll always have the opportunity, you'll always be great at whatever you put your mind to," Wozniacki said.Wozniacki also commented on Williams' demeanor since retiring. "I feel like to me she's always been that upbeat and happy person," she said. "Obviously, we're all in the zone when we're about to compete, and so that's different when you don't play anymore. But at the end of the day, I think she's always been, you know, a happy and outgoing person."While it's unlikely that Williams will ever share the court with anyone other than her sister, Wozniacki hinted at the possibility of a legends doubles exhibition between the two friends in the future.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, made a grand return to the 2024 US Open, captivating the crowd with a nostalgic nod to her iconic 2004 denim ensemble. This marked her first appearance at a Grand Slam tournament since her official retirement two years prior.Williams' presence at the US Open, where she has triumphed six times, was a testament to her enduring legacy in the sport. Her return was met with thunderous applause and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.The 23-time Grand Slam champion's denim outfit was a deliberate homage to the 20th anniversary of her original Nike kit, which became an instant classic. Williams' love for the ensemble was evident in her interview with Vogue, where she described it as one of her all-time favorites."I wanted more pizzazz," Williams said of her decision to switch to Nike from Puma. "I loved what Andre [Agassi] wore when he wore the jean shorts. I wanted to wear a jean skirt!"The custom-designed jean skirt, made from a lightweight fabric to ensure optimal performance, was a testament to Williams' attention to detail and her desire to push the boundaries of tennis fashion.Beyond her on-court appearances, Williams also took time to connect with former pros, including current world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Her presence at the US Open served as a reminder of her enduring influence on the sport and her continued passion for tennis.Williams' return to the US Open was not only a celebration of her past achievements but also a glimpse into her future. Her love for the game and her desire to inspire the next generation of players were evident in every interaction.As the US Open draws to a close, fans can only hope that Williams' denim reference will spark a revival of the trend in 2025. Her iconic style and unwavering spirit continue to inspire and captivate the tennis world.

Novak Djokovic's Olympic gold medal victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Paris was a cathartic moment in his illustrious career. The Serbian legend's triumph evoked memories of Serena Williams' own Olympic gold medal win in 2012, highlighting their shared greatness.Djokovic's victory was hard-fought, as he battled through a knee injury and faced a determined Alcaraz. However, the 37-year-old displayed his trademark resilience, refusing to let his younger opponent gain the upper hand. In the crucial moments, Djokovic's experience and unwavering belief in himself shone through.Like Serena, Djokovic has a knack for seizing the moment. In the Olympics, where there is no tomorrow, both athletes have demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and deliver their best performances.Serena's dominance in 2012 was unparalleled, as she lost only eight games in her last four matches. Djokovic's path to gold was more arduous, but he ultimately achieved his goal, completing his career Golden Slam.Despite their different journeys, both Djokovic and Serena share a common trait: their ability to turn the tide of a match when it seems like they are on the verge of defeat. Against Tsitsipas and Alcaraz, Djokovic displayed this resilience, saving break points and winning tiebreakers to secure victory.Serena was known for her ability to lose first sets but then dominate her opponents in the following sets. Djokovic's wins at the Olympics may not have been as dramatic, but he showed a similar determination to win when it mattered most.Djokovic's victory in Paris was a testament to his greatness. When the moment of truth arrived, he knew he would not lose. This is the mark of a true GOAT, an athlete who can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.

Tennis has undergone a remarkable transformation in its relationship with the Olympic Games. Once seen as a mere sideshow, it has now become a prestigious event that attracts the sport's biggest stars.In the past, tennis was often overshadowed by other sports at the Olympics. The legendary Steffi Graf's "Golden Slam" in 1988 was a rare exception. Pete Sampras, the dominant player of the 1990s, only competed in one Olympics, and that was when he had yet to win any of his 14 Grand Slam titles.But in recent years, the Olympics have become a major priority for top tennis players. They now cherish the camaraderie and the opportunity to represent their countries."You can only play a match at the Olympics once every four years and it's a different feeling when you're wearing the outfit with the national colours," said Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion.This shift in attitude has been driven by several factors. First, the Olympics have become more inclusive, with a wider range of countries now fielding competitive tennis teams. This has given players from smaller nations a chance to shine on the world stage.Second, the Olympics offer a unique opportunity for players to compete against the best in the world in a team environment. The Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) are the only other major team competitions in tennis, but they are not as prestigious as the Olympics.Third, the Olympics have become a more lucrative event. In 2016, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) introduced prize money for the first time. While the prize money is still relatively small compared to the Grand Slams, it is a significant incentive for players to compete.The transformation in tennis' relationship with the Olympics has been a positive development for the sport. It has made the Olympics more competitive and exciting, and it has given players from all over the world a chance to experience the thrill of competing for their countries.