Tennis

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, has unveiled her latest signature shoe with New Balance, the Coco CG1 "Grey Days." This special-edition sneaker is a nod to the brand's heritage and the moody neutrals that have become synonymous with the Boston-based sportswear giant.The "Grey Days" CG1 features a hairy suede upper in a range of subtle stone and off-white hues. The sand-colored sole bears the inspiring words of Gauff's father, "You can change the world with your racquet." This message reflects Gauff's commitment to using her platform for social change.The Grey Coco CG1 is the culmination of New Balance's annual Grey Day celebration, which pays homage to the color that has become emblematic for the brand since its introduction in the 1980s. Throughout the month, New Balance athletes, including Gauff and Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, have showcased their own gray sneakers and apparel.Gauff's shoe will make its Grand Slam debut at Roland Garros, where the gray and beige design will face the ultimate test on the tournament's infamous terre-battue surface. The shoe will be unveiled in person at "Coco's Court," a pop-up experience in Paris ahead of the tournament.The pop-up will offer fans a chance to experience Gauff's favorite treats and activities, customize their own apparel, and enjoy live music. The "Grey Days" CG1 will be available for purchase on May 24th, adding a touch of moody elegance to the tennis courts and beyond.

The Cincinnati Open, a prestigious tennis tournament with a rich 125-year history, is set to undergo a transformative $260 million renovation ahead of its expanded 2025 edition. The entire Lindner Family Tennis Center campus will be reimagined to enhance the fan and player experience.The centerpiece of the renovation is a new sunken stadium court, which will accommodate 2,000 spectators and become the fourth largest permanent stadium on the campus. This addition will increase the tournament's capacity and facilitate its expansion to a 96-player draw over 12 days.For players, a state-of-the-art two-story player center will provide a luxurious and functional space. The 56,000 square-foot facility will feature lounge and restaurant areas, wellness and recovery rooms, and expanded locker rooms. The existing player facilities will also be upgraded.The campus will also boast a new six-court indoor facility, six pickleball courts, and two padel courts. Center Court and Grandstand Court will receive a modern metal panel ribbon facade, creating a cohesive and visually appealing campus.The renovation aims to create a "park-like feel" throughout the grounds, with increased green space, trees, and a fresh color palette. The design incorporates regional building materials and honors the tournament's history through art and iconography."We are ushering in a new era at the Cincinnati Open," said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. "These projects will create an unparalleled experience for our fans and players, and build upon the storied history of this event."

Aryna Sabalenka, the world's second-ranked tennis player, made a stylish pit stop at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, turning heads with a custom Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh jacket. The eye-catching piece featured a roaring tiger on the back, Sabalenka's signature animal, along with a tennis ball and her nickname, "Saby."Sabalenka's outfit, which included a black-and-white tank, a black skirt, and matching flats, was accessorized by the jacket's gray and white accents. The fashion house's insignia and a note reading "Exclusively made for Aryna Sabalenka" adorned the front.Sabalenka is not the first tennis player to collaborate with Off-White. Before his passing in 2021, Virgil Abloh worked with Serena and Venus Williams on several projects, including their match kits for the 2018 US Open and Roland Garros. He also designed Elina Svitolina's wedding dress.However, Sabalenka's custom jacket was not intended for the tennis court. She wore it during a pre-race tour of the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, courtesy of the MoneyGram Haas F1 team.Sabalenka met Danish driver Kevin Magnussen, who finished 12th in the race, and got up close to the cars trackside. "From the court to the track," she wrote on social media. "Thanks for the tour!"Sabalenka's off-court style will soon be replaced by another head-turning on-court look. She recently helped Nike unveil its 2024 tournament collection for Roland Garros. After winning her second Australian Open title in an exclusive red colorway of Nike's Melbourne line, Sabalenka hopes to replicate her success in a clay-court-inspired Parisian rust.

Tennis Channel is set to provide extensive coverage of the 2024 Roland Garros tournament, offering close to 2,500 hours of live matches across its platforms. The network's 18th year at the prestigious clay-court event will feature live coverage on Tennis Channel, its second channel T2, and subscription service Tennis Channel+.Tennis Channel alone will offer nearly 140 hours of live competition, becoming America's "Roland Garros Network" for the 15-day event. T2 will showcase over 100 hours of live play, providing viewers with more free, live tennis from Roland Garros than ever before on U.S. television.The coverage will include live matches from the first round through the quarterfinals, as well as the mixed-doubles final, women's singles semifinals, men's singles semifinals, women's doubles final, and same-day men's and women's singles and doubles finals.Tennis Channel+ subscribers will have access to approximately 2,225 live hours of play, with the option to select from up to 16 court feeds. All Roland Garros matches will be available on-demand after their conclusion.The network's on-air talent includes 16 former professional players, including Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova, Jim Courier, and Lindsay Davenport. Other notable analysts include Paul Annacone, Chanda Rubin, Jimmy Arias, and Andrea Petkovic.Tennis.com and the Tennis Channel app will provide comprehensive digital coverage, including live scoring, brackets, schedules, news, features, and highlights. Interactive games and prize giveaways will also be available.

Saudi Arabia's ambitious foray into tennis has taken another significant step with the announcement of a multiyear deal to sponsor the WTA women's rankings. This partnership follows the kingdom's recent acquisition of the ATP men's rankings sponsorship and the hosting rights for the WTA season-ending championships in Riyadh.The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia becomes the first naming-rights partner for the WTA rankings. The agreement also includes plans to promote tennis at grassroots levels, fostering the growth of the sport in the region.The move has sparked debate within the tennis community, with concerns raised about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, particularly regarding women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues. However, the WTA has emphasized its commitment to promoting equality and inclusion through its partnership with the PIF.The WTA Finals in Riyadh will offer a record prize money of $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023. Saudi Arabia's growing involvement in tennis extends beyond the WTA and ATP rankings. The kingdom has also invested in the LIV Golf tour and soccer, and has hosted the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah.Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner are among the top players who have signed on as ambassadors for the Saudi Tennis Federation. Discussions are underway to establish a top-tier Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia, potentially leading to a restructuring of the WTA and ATP tours.Saudi Arabia's investment in tennis is part of its broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and promote sports and entertainment. The kingdom aims to become a global hub for major sporting events and attract international athletes and fans.

Rafael Nadal, the undisputed king of clay, made his triumphant return to Roland Garros on Monday, igniting the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide. The 14-time champion arrived at the hallowed grounds of Court Philippe-Chatrier, where he has etched his name into the annals of tennis history.Nadal's arrival was met with thunderous applause and chants of "Rafa!" from the adoring crowd. Clad in his signature Nike attire, he stepped onto the court with his coach, Carlos Moya, and began his first practice session. The Spaniard's every move was captured by the tournament's social media channels, showcasing his unwavering determination and the anticipation surrounding his return.Despite a challenging 18-month period marred by injuries, Nadal remains a formidable force on clay. The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion has hinted that this year's Roland Garros could be his final competitive season, making his presence even more poignant.Nadal's return to Paris comes after a string of setbacks. He withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open due to a hip injury and was sidelined for three more months with a muscle problem. However, his recent performances on clay, including a 5-3 record in Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome, have raised hopes that he can defy the odds once again.In a recent interview, Nadal acknowledged his physical limitations but expressed his unwavering desire to compete in Roland Garros. "If I have to say what's my feeling and if my mind is closer one way or the other way, I going to say [I'll] be in Roland Garros and try my best," he said.The main-draw action at Roland Garros begins on May 26, and all eyes will be on Nadal as he embarks on his quest for a record-extending 15th title. The Spaniard's return to his beloved tournament is a testament to his enduring legacy and the indomitable spirit that has made him one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

In the realm of tennis, where rankings reign supreme, the terms "underrated" and "overlooked" often come into play. Two such players who fit this description are Marketa Vondrousova and Casper Ruud.Vondrousova, a 24-year-old Czech, possesses a unique and unpredictable style that has earned her a cult following among tennis enthusiasts. Her ability to absorb pace and redirect shots can drive opponents to distraction. Despite reaching the Wimbledon final last year, her accomplishments have not received the widespread recognition they deserve.Ruud, a 25-year-old Norwegian, is a master of consistency and defense. His disciplined game has seen him rise to the Top 10, but his achievements have often been overshadowed by more flamboyant players. However, his recent success on hard courts, including a US Open final appearance, has forced tennis pundits to take notice.Vondrousova's uneven record can be attributed to wrist injuries, while Ruud's lack of charisma may have contributed to his underappreciated status. Nevertheless, both players have proven their mettle on the court. Vondrousova's ability to make opponents play poorly and Ruud's relentless determination make them formidable contenders.As the French Open approaches, Vondrousova and Ruud are poised to make a statement. Vondrousova's crafty game is well-suited to the clay courts of Roland Garros, while Ruud's recent upgrades have made him a threat on any surface.While they may not receive the same level of attention as some of their more high-profile counterparts, Vondrousova and Ruud are players to watch. Their unique styles and unwavering determination make them compelling to watch and potential dark horses for the French Open title.

Anett Kontaveit, the former world No. 2 tennis player, has announced her pregnancy with a stunning maternity photo shoot. The Estonian star, who retired from the sport last summer, shared the news on social media with a series of elegant black-and-white photos.Kontaveit, 28, and her longtime boyfriend, soccer player Brent Lepistu, posed for the shoot by photographer Krõõt Tarkmeel. The couple looked radiant, with Kontaveit wearing a floor-length evening gown and Lepistu opting for a classic black turtleneck and blazer."New family member on the way," Kontaveit captioned the photos, adding a heart emoji and a baby face symbol.The announcement was met with an outpouring of congratulations from Kontaveit's former peers. Belinda Bencic, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist who recently gave birth herself, sent a heartfelt message. Ons Jabeur, who was Kontaveit's final opponent in her farewell match, expressed her excitement to become an "auntie."Kontaveit's retirement from tennis was a difficult decision, as she was forced to cut her career short due to a degenerative back problem. However, she has remained active in the sport, playing in exhibition matches and working as a commentator.In addition to her pregnancy announcement, Kontaveit also revealed that a book about her life and career will be published in November. The book, published by Estonian publishing house Kirjastus Pilgrim, is sure to be a fascinating read for fans of the former tennis star.

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, has embarked on his final Roland Garros campaign with a hard-fought victory in the first round of qualifying. The 30-year-old Austrian, who announced his retirement at the end of the 2024 season, defeated Italy's Franco Agamenone 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Monday.Thiem, a two-time finalist at Roland Garros, was not among the wild card recipients for the men's singles draw. As a result, he must win three qualifying matches to earn a spot in the main event. This is the first time since the 2014 Australian Open that Thiem has had to enter Grand Slam qualifying.Despite dropping the first set, Thiem rallied to defeat Agamenone, a 31-year-old who has only made one Grand Slam main-draw appearance. Thiem struck 41 winners and converted five of 14 break point opportunities to secure the victory in two hours and 19 minutes.Up next for Thiem is 22-year-old Otto Virtanen of Finland, who also defeated an Australian opponent in the first round of qualifying. Virtanen, who has only played one Grand Slam main draw at the 2023 US Open, will pose a significant challenge to Thiem.Thiem's retirement announcement has cast a bittersweet shadow over his final Roland Garros campaign. The Austrian has enjoyed a successful career, winning 17 ATP titles, including the 2020 US Open. However, he has also struggled with injuries in recent years, which have hampered his progress.Despite the challenges, Thiem remains determined to make the most of his final season on the ATP Tour. He will be hoping to make a deep run at Roland Garros, where he has always performed well. A strong performance in Paris would be a fitting farewell to one of the most talented players of his generation.