Tennis

Serena and Venus Williams, the legendary tennis icons, graced the runway at Vogue World in Paris, showcasing their impeccable style and the intersection of sports and fashion. The fashion extravaganza, conceived by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, celebrated the upcoming Paris Olympics and the 1920s in French fashion.Venus Williams, a former world number one, exuded elegance in a custom dress by Marine Serre. The dress, a tribute to her tennis roots, was crafted from recycled tennis bags, reflecting her passion for sustainability. "I've always loved fashion, and it's grown even more during my tennis career," Venus said. "To perform your best, you need to feel your best, and what you wear is crucial."Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, stunned in a custom gown by Ib Kamara of Off-White. The dress featured a vibrant robin's egg blue sport jersey top and a flowing silk georgette skirt. The graphics incorporated Off-White's signature codes and Serena's iconic on-court looks, with "Queen of Queens" emblazoned on the white paneling."Working with my sister is always the best," Venus added. "She's been there for me throughout my career's most special moments."Beyond the Williams sisters, the tennis world was well-represented at Vogue World. Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, and his girlfriend, Maria Galligani, attended the event. Ruud, who recently became an ambassador for Dior Men, wore a blue-gray suit from the fashion house's pre-fall 2024 collection. Galligani opted for a white and gold silk dress from Zimmerman's spring/summer 2024 collection.Maria Sharapova, another tennis legend, made a striking appearance in a cream-colored Schiaparelli suit with gold accents. She paired the outfit with bold berry-hued lipstick. "Paris holds so many special memories for me, and this experience was another one for the books," Sharapova shared on Instagram.Vogue World showcased the seamless fusion of sports and fashion, with the Williams sisters leading the charge. Their presence on the runway highlighted the growing influence of athletes in the fashion world and the power of sports to inspire creativity and style.

Serena Williams, the undisputed GOAT of tennis, has weighed in on the critically acclaimed Hollywood film "Challengers," starring Zendaya as a former tennis prodigy. In an interview with The New York Times, Williams expressed her overall approval of the film, praising its accuracy and compelling interpersonal dynamics.While acknowledging the film's realistic portrayal of tennis, Williams found the relationships between the characters particularly relatable. She drew parallels between her own codependency with her sister Venus and the dynamics depicted in the film. "I feel like I was codependent with Venus," she said. "So I actually felt like there was so much accuracy in there about things that we don't think about as tennis players or even talk about as tennis players."Williams also appreciated the film's exploration of the loneliness that can accompany a tennis career. "There's definitely a lot of co-depending," she said. "You can also be a loner in tennis, so I don't know. ... I liked the movie. That's all I can say."Despite her positive review, Williams expressed a desire for a more conclusive ending. "I wanted there to be more of an ending," she said. "I told Zendaya, 'Listen, is there more? Like, I want more. Did they win?' I don’t want to give away the ending.""Challengers" has resonated with audiences worldwide, grossing nearly $50 million at the box office in the U.S. and over $92 million internationally. Its success underscores the film's ability to capture the complexities of the tennis world and the human relationships that shape it.

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.

Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned tennis coach, has opened up about his journey from being a shy and introverted individual to becoming a prominent figure in the sport. In an interview with Nick Kyrgios on the podcast "Good Trouble," Mouratoglou shared his experiences of being bullied and struggling with social anxiety.Determined to overcome his challenges, Mouratoglou sought therapy and worked diligently on improving his communication skills. He credits this transformation to his decision to change and his willingness to seek help.Mouratoglou's coaching career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. He spent a decade as Serena Williams' coach, guiding her to 11 Grand Slam titles. However, their partnership was marred by the infamous 2018 US Open final incident, where Mouratoglou was accused of giving Williams illegal coaching advice.Despite the negative publicity, Mouratoglou believes the incident had a positive impact on tennis. He argues that the drama surrounding the incident drew attention to the sport and ultimately led to changes in the coaching rules.Mouratoglou also discussed his unconventional approach to coaching, which often goes against traditional tennis wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of seeing players with a "kind eye" and understanding their individual needs.For Kyrgios, Mouratoglou believes the key to unlocking his full potential lies in overcoming his internal battles. He advises Kyrgios to focus on the positive aspects of his game and to not let negative thoughts or criticism overshadow his abilities.Mouratoglou concluded the interview by declaring Novak Djokovic as the GOAT and urging people to not let critiques or bad thoughts win the day. He emphasized the importance of balancing criticism with the support of those who love and believe in you.

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has launched a new web series titled "Serving Looks" that explores the intersection of fashion and tennis. In the debut episode, Osaka revisits some of the most iconic on-court looks, including her own and those made famous by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.Osaka begins by showcasing the red Nike dress and sneakers she wore at the Tokyo Olympics, which she describes as "the most beautiful Olympics dress you'll ever see." She recalls the significance of being the torch lighter at the Opening Ceremony and the custom white Air Force 1s Nike created for her with the brand's signature swoosh logo."These are a treasure for me," Osaka says of the shoes. "I really love shoes, and I really love things that bring me a lot of memories. These shoes bring me a lot of memories."Osaka also discusses Sharapova's teal-blue Nike dress from the 2007 Roland Garros tournament, which she admired as a child. "I just remember thinking, 'Maybe one day, I'll be sponsored by Nike if I was good enough,'" she says.Other notable outfits featured in the episode include Osaka's hot pink 2022 Australian Open romper, which she calls "very innovative," Williams' famous white and tan Puma dress from her 1999 US Open victory, and Osaka's own orange and black 2019 US Open dress, which she deems "the greatest tennis outfit of all-time.""I vividly remember thinking, 'This is the best tennis outfit I'm going to ever have,'" Osaka says, promising to surpass it with her future looks.Beyond tennis attire, Osaka also shares her thoughts on a striking black leather jacket from the late Kobe Bryant's clothing line and a pair of Nike shoes featuring detailing from the manga series Naruto and a cartoon likeness of her dog, Butta."Serving Looks" promises to delve into the cultural impact of iconic outfits, providing context for their history and legacy.

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, two of the most iconic tennis players of all time, have finally put their long-standing rivalry to rest. In a recent interview, Williams declared that there was never any real animosity between them, despite the intense competition on the court."Not anymore," Williams said when asked about any lingering beef with Sharapova. "I mean, was there ever beef? I guess. It was just competitive though."The rivalry between Williams and Sharapova was one of the most captivating in tennis history. The two players met 22 times, with Williams holding a dominant 20-2 head-to-head record. Their matches were often intense and emotional, with both players pushing each other to the limit.However, off the court, Williams and Sharapova have always maintained a respectful relationship. They have attended events together and even posed for photos. This has led many fans to believe that their rivalry was more about competition than personal animosity.Williams' comments in the recent interview seem to confirm this. She said that she and Sharapova "both wanted to win" and that their rivalry was simply a matter of "do you want to win?"Sharapova retired from tennis in 2020, while Williams announced her retirement in 2022. With both players now out of the competitive circuit, it seems that their rivalry is truly over.However, Williams' recent cryptic tweet has left some fans wondering if she may be planning a return to the court. "I'm ready to hit some balls again," she wrote.If Williams does decide to make a comeback, it would be a major story in the tennis world. And if she were to face Sharapova again, it would be one of the most anticipated matches in recent memory.

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.

TopSpin 2K25, the highly anticipated tennis video game, has finally arrived, bringing the beloved franchise back to life after a decade-long hiatus. Developed by Hangar 13 and 2K, the game features a roster of current and former tennis stars, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz.Upon starting the game, players are greeted by John McEnroe, who guides them through a brief tutorial. The tutorial covers basic controls and introduces the concept of "no man's land," a crucial aspect of tennis strategy. Players can then create their own MyPLAYER, customizing their appearance, animations, and playing style.TopSpin 2K25 offers a variety of game modes, including MyCAREER, where players embark on a journey as a professional tennis player. In MyCAREER, players manage their player's energy levels, participate in tournaments, and earn rewards. Exhibition mode allows players to engage in one-off matches using playable pros or their own MyPLAYER.The gameplay in TopSpin 2K25 is both challenging and rewarding. Each shot has a Timing meter and a Power vs Control meter, which players must master to execute successful shots. The game's realistic animations and smooth match formats create an immersive tennis experience.The game also features a Centre Court Pass, a seasonal "Battle Pass" that encourages players to complete daily and weekly challenges to earn rewards. In-game currency can be used to purchase items in the Pro Shop, including exclusive bundles and rare items.While the game's graphics are impressive, some players have noted that the character models of playable pros can be inconsistent. Additionally, the roster of playable pros is somewhat limited, but Hangar 13 and 2K have confirmed that more players will be added in future updates.Overall, TopSpin 2K25 is a solid tennis video game that captures the essence of the sport. Its depth of detail, engaging game modes, and rewarding gameplay will appeal to tennis fans and gamers alike.

Zendaya's "Challengers" Press Tour Pays Homage to Tennis Legends Venus and Serena WilliamsZendaya's fashion choices for the "Challengers" press tour have been nothing short of captivating, drawing inspiration from the film's tennis theme. However, her latest ensemble pays tribute to two of the sport's most iconic figures: Venus and Serena Williams.In a stunning photoshoot for Vogue magazine, Zendaya channeled the Williams sisters in a flowing, black-and-white Carolina Herrera gown and white beads. The look was an exact replica of the one worn by Venus and Serena for a Vogue shoot in 1998, where they were photographed embracing on a white couch.Carolina Herrera designer Wes Gordon expressed his admiration for the original image, calling it "iconic" and collaborating with Zendaya's stylist, Law Roach, to recreate it for the actress. Roach shared the photos on Instagram, describing it as an "ode to the greats" and tagging the Williams sisters.Zendaya's tribute to the Williams sisters extends beyond the photoshoot. At the "Challengers" Los Angeles premiere, she had the opportunity to meet Venus Williams, who was among the guests. Zendaya expressed her excitement about Williams' attendance, and later shared a photo of them on the red carpet, writing, "Wow ... this is so special."Williams responded in the comments, "Update: Zendaya found me."Zendaya's fashion choices and her admiration for the Williams sisters highlight the enduring impact of these tennis legends. Their influence extends beyond the court, inspiring fashion and empowering women around the world.