Tennis

The role-model effect in sports is a double-edged sword. It can inspire generations of athletes and create a thriving sporting culture, but it can also burden young athletes with unrealistic expectations. Qinwen Zheng, a rising star in tennis, has experienced both sides of this phenomenon.Inspired by her compatriot Li Na, the first Asian to win a Grand Slam singles title, Zheng has rapidly ascended the tennis rankings. She reached the Australian Open final in 2024 and won the WTA Finals in 2025. Her success has been attributed to her powerful serve, top-spin-heavy forehand, and relentless determination.Zheng's rise has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. She has defeated top players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, but she has also faced challenges in maintaining consistency and handling pressure. Despite these setbacks, Zheng remains optimistic about her future prospects."I have a lot of confidence in Qinwen," said her coach, Pere Riba. "She has the tools, the weapons, and every month is better."Zheng's success has come at a time when women's tennis is experiencing a period of transition. While Swiatek and Sabalenka dominate the rankings, a new generation of players, including Zheng, is emerging to challenge their supremacy.Zheng's journey serves as a reminder of the power and pitfalls of the role-model effect in sports. While it can inspire and motivate, it can also create unrealistic expectations and pressure. Zheng has navigated these challenges with resilience and determination, and she is poised to become one of the leading players in women's tennis.

Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis icon, returned to California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) on October 2nd, 2023, for a momentous occasion. The university unveiled a statue of King, capturing her at the peak of her powers, a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional achievements.King's visit marked a significant milestone in her life, as she announced her intention to complete her bachelor's degree in history at Cal State LA, where she had attended as a student from 1961 to 1964. The campus holds a special place in her heart, as it was where she first met her husband, Larry King, and where her feminist awakening began.The statue, created by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, showcases King in her signature "Madame Superstar" dress, a symbol of her groundbreaking efforts to elevate women's tennis. King expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, "There's a sense of permanency, which is unbelievable... What really makes me happy is that I'm wearing what used to be called the 'Madame Superstar' dress that Ted Tinling made for me... and all the people that have helped me."Prior to the statue unveiling, King addressed Cal State LA's varsity athletes, emphasizing the importance of relationships, continuous learning, and problem-solving. She shared her belief that "relationships are everything" and encouraged the athletes to "keep learning" and "be a problem-solver and an innovator."King's journey at Cal State LA was marked by both personal and professional growth. Despite the lack of college scholarships for women at the time, she held two jobs while pursuing her education. Her passion for tennis and her desire to make a difference in the world fueled her determination.In 1964, King left college to train in Australia, a decision that propelled her to become the world's best tennis player. She went on to found the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and played a pivotal role in the "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs.Now, 60 years after leaving Cal State LA, King is returning to complete her degree, a testament to her lifelong commitment to education and her belief in the power of knowledge. The campus where her journey began will once again be a place of growth and inspiration for the tennis legend.

Portia Archer, the newly appointed CEO of the WTA, has outlined her ambitious goals for the organization, emphasizing fan engagement, player advocacy, and gender equity.Archer, who joined the WTA after a successful career in basketball administration, has already embarked on a "listening and learning" tour, attending tournaments and meeting with players. She believes that tennis fosters a strong sense of community and family, which she finds inspiring.With over two decades of experience in sports business, Archer aims to enhance the fan experience and continue supporting players. She views the WTA as the premier platform for women's tennis and a catalyst for elevating women in sports.Archer is committed to bridging the prize money gap between men and women at WTA tournaments. She believes that the WTA's commitment to pay equity is a testament to its leadership in gender equality.Archer acknowledges the progress made in women's sports but emphasizes that there is still much work to be done. She believes that the WTA's plan for pay equality is a roadmap to achieving gender parity not only in sports but also in society.Archer is inspired by the legacy of WTA co-founder Billie Jean King, who fought for equal prize money at the US Open in 1973. She believes that standing on the shoulders of those who came before her will help the WTA achieve its long-term vision for gender equality.

Tennis Canada's "Game. Set. Equity." Campaign: A Purple Haze for Gender EqualityTennis Canada has transformed its prestigious ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events in Montreal and Toronto into a vibrant canvas for gender equity advocacy. The national governing body has adorned the umpires' chairs with the iconic purple hue of International Women's Day, symbolizing its unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls in and beyond the sport.This initiative is not merely a cosmetic gesture but a comprehensive strategy that has already yielded tangible results. Tennis Canada's "Game. Set. Equity." campaign, launched as part of its post-pandemic recovery efforts, has evolved into a holistic approach to advancing gender equality throughout the Canadian tennis ecosystem."The message is clear: the umpire's chair sits atop our sport, where we believe all women and girls have a place," Tennis Canada declared in a statement. CEO Gavin Ziv emphasized, "Our commitment is crystal clear. We want to move gender equity forward across the Canadian tennis ecosystem and will continue to build awareness of our initiatives in order to do so."The campaign has received a significant boost from a 10-year sponsorship from National Bank. According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the partnership has already supported over 2,000 women and girls in nearly 40 events across Canada. A substantial $50,000 has been invested in grassroots gender equity initiatives, and the Canadian events have pledged to offer equal prize money by 2027.Thursday marked a special day dedicated to promoting gender equity at both tournaments. On-site activations, special guests, and the illumination of Montreal's Olympic Stadium Tower in purple highlighted the occasion. This event followed Tennis Canada's third annual conference for gender equity in sports, aptly titled "Unmatched." Venus Williams, a trailblazer in securing equal prize money for women at Wimbledon, delivered the keynote address.Tennis Canada's "Game. Set. Equity." campaign is a testament to the organization's unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable sport. By using its high-profile tournaments as a platform for advocacy, Tennis Canada is inspiring change and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential in tennis and beyond.

Erin Coscarelli, a renowned sports media personality, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration and support in the industry. Her journey has been marked by resilience, empathy, and a unwavering commitment to empowering others.Coscarelli's career trajectory has been shaped by her exceptional people skills and ability to connect with audiences. From her early days at the NFL Network to her current role at Tennis Channel, she has consistently demonstrated her talent as a host and journalist. However, it is her unwavering dedication to uplifting others that truly sets her apart.In recent years, Coscarelli has openly shared her personal struggles with mental health, using her platform to destigmatize the topic and offer support to those in need. She believes that by embracing our flaws and seeking help when necessary, we can overcome adversity and thrive.Coscarelli's advocacy extends beyond mental health. She is a passionate advocate for women in sports media, recognizing the challenges they face in a male-dominated industry. She mentors aspiring female journalists and creates opportunities for them to succeed.Coscarelli's impact is particularly evident in the tennis world. As the host of Tennis Channel's "The Break," she explores the intersection of tennis with fashion, entertainment, and pop culture. Her show has sparked a renewed interest in the sport and inspired her to take up tennis herself.Coscarelli's unwavering optimism and ability to turn tragedies into teachable moments is a testament to her resilience. She has emerged from personal challenges with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to make a positive impact on the world.Her commitment to supporting others, empowering women, and promoting mental health awareness makes Erin Coscarelli a true role model in the sports media industry. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and purpose by lifting others up.

Barbie Honors Venus Williams and Other Trailblazing Athletes with Inspiring Doll CollectionEL SEGUNDO, Calif. - Mattel, the iconic toy company, has unveiled an empowering initiative to celebrate the achievements of nine extraordinary female athletes through its Barbie doll collection. Among the honorees is tennis legend Venus Williams, who has shattered glass ceilings throughout her illustrious career.Joining Williams in this remarkable lineup are:* Gymnasts: Rebeca Andrade and Alexa Moreno* Soccer Players: Mary Fowler and Christine Sinclair* Boxer: Estelle Mossely* Swimmer: Federica Pellegrini* Paratriathlete: Susana Rodriguez* Track and Field Sprinter: Ewa Swoboda"Barbie's mission to inspire girls to reach their full potential aligns perfectly with my own journey," said Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion. "I'm thrilled to be part of this collection that celebrates the transformative power of sports."Mattel's Krista Berger emphasized the significance of this project in fostering self-confidence and empowerment among young girls. "Sports play a crucial role in shaping the next generation, instilling values of determination, resilience, and teamwork."Each doll in the collection embodies the unique spirit and accomplishments of its respective athlete. From Williams' signature tennis attire to Pellegrini's sleek swimsuit, the dolls capture the essence of these trailblazers.The Barbie collection not only celebrates individual achievements but also highlights the collective impact of women in sports. By showcasing the diversity and strength of these athletes, Mattel aims to inspire girls to pursue their dreams and break down barriers.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked tennis player, graces the cover of the June issue of Elle magazine in Poland, showcasing her style and athleticism. The cover shoot captures the cultural moment that tennis is experiencing, with Swiatek's historic partnership with Lancôme cosmetics and Zendaya's "method dressing" for her film "Challengers."Swiatek's cover features two striking images. In one, she wears a black gown with a cutout waist and long sleeve, accessorized with simple earrings and bracelets. In the other, she opts for a bold red dress, her hair down and hoop earrings.The magazine highlights Swiatek's evolution since her previous Elle cover in 2022. She reflects on her journey from a rising star to a seasoned competitor, acknowledging the challenges and expectations that come with her success."I'm no longer just a tennis player," Swiatek says. "My role is not as easy as I imagined, dreaming of a career as a 12-year-old."Despite her accomplishments, Swiatek remains grounded and appreciates the opportunity to express her femininity and style. "I appreciate when I can dress elegant, feel feminine, and attractive," she tells Elle.The cover shoot has garnered praise from fans and fellow athletes alike. Magda Linette, Swiatek's Polish compatriot, called it "perfection," while skier Lindsey Vonn exclaimed "Wow!"Swiatek's Elle cover is a testament to her status as a global icon, both on and off the court. As she prepares for the Paris Olympics this summer, she continues to inspire a generation with her athleticism, style, and authenticity.

Billie Jean King: A Wheaties Champion On and Off the CourtBillie Jean King, a legendary tennis icon and tireless advocate for equality, has become the latest athlete to grace the iconic Wheaties box. This marks her first appearance on the cereal's cover, but her impact on the world of sports and beyond has been profound.King's tennis career is unparalleled. She has won 39 major titles, including a record 20 Wimbledon Championships. She was the first woman athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the first to have a sports venue named in her honor. Her dominance on the court was matched by her determination to break down barriers for women in sports.Beyond tennis, King has been a vocal advocate for gender equality. She co-founded the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the Women's Sports Foundation, organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls through sports. Her activism has extended to other areas, including LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.Wheaties has a long history of honoring athletes who embody the spirit of competition and community involvement. King's inclusion on the box is a testament to her unwavering commitment to both."Billie Jean King has been defining what it means to be a Wheaties Champion for decades," said Mindy Murray, Brand Experience Director at Morning Foods. "We're thrilled to recognize her on our newest Wheaties box cover and celebrate the strides she's made for athletes everywhere."King expressed her gratitude for the honor, saying, "I am honored to be on the next Wheaties box to join the legacy of incredible athletes and the work we put in for our sport and our communities."In addition to honoring King, Wheaties is also introducing a new Wheaties Protein cereal, offering over 20g of protein per serving. This innovation is designed to meet the needs of athletes and active individuals seeking a high-protein breakfast option.The Billie Jean King limited-edition Wheaties Box will be available nationwide this month. It serves as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire, unite, and create positive change.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis sensation, continues to make waves both on and off the court. Following her recent cover feature in Vogue, Gauff has now graced the cover of TIME magazine's May issue, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of sports and beyond.In an in-depth interview with TIME writer Sean Gregory, Gauff reflects on her journey from a promising junior to a global icon. She discusses the transition from adolescence to adulthood, acknowledging the shift in focus from external expectations to her own aspirations."At first, I was scared to grow up," Gauff confides. "But now I'm embracing adulthood and womanhood."Gauff also shares personal experiences that have shaped her perspective. At age 12, she faced a racist incident at a junior tournament in France. While initially upset, she chose to move on, recognizing it as a reflection of societal ignorance rather than a defining moment."I just felt like that's just something that people experience, which is not a great thing," she says. "They just probably didn't grow up around other people that looked different."At 15, Gauff attended her homecoming dance in Boca Raton, Florida, but already felt a disconnect from her peers."I just think I was at a maturity level different from the kids around me," she explains. "No one has their life figured out at 15. But I, for the most part, did."Throughout her career, Gauff has consistently used her platform to advocate for issues she cares about. She remains committed to speaking out on matters of social justice and equality."I am not one to shy away from something that I feel informed about," she asserts.The article also explores Gauff's evolution as a sporting and cultural icon. She discusses her on-court goals for 2024, including her aspirations for an Olympic medal in Paris."I want to win gold so bad," she declares. "Representing the U.S. gives me goosebumps."Gauff is also eager to defend her US Open title later in the year."Sometimes people get unmotivated after winning one. That hasn't been a personal challenge for me," she says."My goal is to be relaxed and have fun and play with less pressure," she adds. "I know people are going to start talking about defending the US Open title later on in the year. I'm not worried about that."