Tennis

Fedal's Reunion: A Journey of Ambition, Devotion, and DiscoveryIn a captivating collaboration, Louis Vuitton has reunited tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for their "Core Values" campaign. The iconic duo embarked on a journey to the stunning Dolomites in Italy, where they shared their experiences and reflected on their extraordinary careers.The campaign captures the essence of Fedal's shared journey, two fierce competitors who have scaled the heights of tennis together. In a behind-the-scenes clip, Federer teases Nadal about the challenges ahead, while Nadal showcases his trademark resilience in the cold conditions.The pair's camaraderie is evident as they sit on a Vuitton trunk, discussing their careers and the significance of the shoot. Federer expresses his pride in his accomplishments but acknowledges the relief of retirement. Nadal, with his characteristic humor, recalls their first meeting in 2003, describing Federer as "a little bit arrogant."Federer remembers seeing Nadal's potential in Monte Carlo that same year, but it was Nadal's victory over him at the 2004 Miami Open that truly impressed him. "Rafa, with his playing style and attitude on court at a young, young age, was not like everybody else," Federer says.The Core Values campaign, which debuted in 2007, has featured legendary figures such as Muhammad Ali, Steffi Graf, and Sean Connery. Federer and Nadal's participation adds to the legacy of the campaign, embodying the idea that "There are Journeys that turn into Legends."

Roger Federer's Roland Garros Racquet Up for Auction, Expected to Fetch $50,000Tennis enthusiasts and collectors have a rare opportunity to own a piece of tennis history as the racquet used by Roger Federer in his final Roland Garros final goes up for auction. The custom-made Wilson racquet, which Federer wielded in 2011, is expected to garner a hefty price tag of up to $50,000 in the bidding period that began on May 14 and ends June 2.The racquet holds significant historical value as it was used by Federer in his fifth and final Roland Garros final, where he famously ended Novak Djokovic's 43-match winning streak in the semifinals. The racquet was provided to the auction by Federer's eponymous charity foundation, and photomatching forensic technology has confirmed its authenticity.In addition to Federer's racquet, the auction also features other autographed match-worn and used items by tennis legends. Collectors can bid on the shoes that carried Iga Swiatek to the BNP Paribas Open title this spring, the shirt, wristbands, and shoes that Rafael Nadal wore in leading Spain to the 2009 Davis Cup, and a wristband worn by Carlos Alcaraz during his run to the 2022 US Open title.Perhaps the most unique item up for auction is the smashed Babolat racquet used by Dominic Thiem at the 2019 Internazionali BNL d'Italia. The racquet, which comes with a letter of authenticity, was given to Thiem by tournament organizers after he smashed it in frustration during a second-round upset loss to Fernando Verdasco.The auction offers a rare chance for collectors and tennis enthusiasts to acquire unique memorabilia from some of the greatest players in the sport. With the bidding period now open, interested parties are encouraged to start their bids and secure a piece of tennis history.

Stefanos Tsitsipas has cemented his status as a clay-court maestro, capturing his third Monte Carlo Masters title with a dominant display over Casper Ruud. The Greek star's triumph marks a remarkable achievement, joining the ranks of tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster, and Ilie Nastase as three-time winners of the prestigious tournament.Tsitsipas's path to victory was paved with impressive performances, including a hard-fought victory over Alexander Zverev in the round of 16 and a clinical dismantling of world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. In the final, he faced a determined Casper Ruud, who had previously defeated him twice.However, Tsitsipas showcased his unwavering confidence from the outset, converting three of six break-point chances in the opening set. Ruud struggled to find his rhythm, committing uncharacteristic errors that allowed Tsitsipas to take control. The Norwegian's double fault at the end of the first set epitomized his struggles.The second set followed a similar pattern, with Tsitsipas continuing to apply relentless pressure. Ruud managed to save several break points, but his efforts proved futile as Tsitsipas secured the decisive break in the eighth game. The Greek star closed out the match with a resounding 6-1, 6-4 victory.Tsitsipas's triumph in Monte Carlo is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has now returned to the Top 10 in the ATP rankings, solidifying his position as one of the most formidable players on the tour.

The Bryan Brothers: Olympic Gold, Medal Shenanigans, and the Future of DoublesTennis legends Bob and Mike Bryan, known for their unparalleled doubles success, recently joined Andy Roddick's podcast, "Served," for a hilarious and insightful episode.The brothers shared a memorable anecdote from the 2012 London Olympics, where they won their first gold medal. Bob recalled the intense pressure they felt at 34 years old, describing it as a "sense of urgency." The victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and the moment was filled with shock and disbelief.However, it wasn't until weeks later that the full weight of their achievement hit them. Bob carried his medal around in his bag for six months, using it as a "chick magnet" at bars. Mike, on the other hand, kept his medal pristine at home, shining it and displaying it prominently.Inspired by his brother's pristine medal, Bob devised a plan. He visited Mike's house in California and swapped his scuffed medal for Mike's mint-condition one. Mike was furious when he discovered the switch-a-roo, but Bob insisted he wanted a "fresh" medal.The brothers also discussed their concerns about the future of doubles in tennis. Bob expressed worry that the streamlining of tournaments could lead to a reduction in doubles events. He emphasized the importance of doubles appreciation and vowed to continue advocating for its prominence.Bob is also involved in Davis Cup as the U.S. captain, while Mike jokingly referred to himself as the "assistant massage therapist." The brothers plan to attend Wimbledon this summer, continuing their mission to spread the gospel of doubles.