Tennis

Sloane Stephens, the 30-year-old American tennis star, is adding another accomplishment to her impressive resume: podcast host. "Sincerely, Sloane," her upcoming podcast, will debut on Monday, joining a growing list of ATP and WTA players who have launched their own shows.Produced by Uninterrupted, the media brand founded by LeBron James, "Sincerely, Sloane" will delve into the multifaceted life of a professional athlete. Stephens, a Grand Slam champion and former Top 10 player, will share her experiences and insights on a range of topics, including adversity, achievement, and the routines that help athletes perform at their best."As a professional tennis player, mother, daughter, wife, and entrepreneur, I have been through a number of ups and downs and have learned to battle through adversity as well as achieve the unimaginable," Stephens said in the podcast's trailer.Stephens' podcast will feature a star-studded lineup of guests from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and beyond. She joins a growing number of tennis players who have entered the podcast arena, including Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Garcia, Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, and Andy Roddick.Kyrgios' show, "Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios," has seen the former Wimbledon finalist interview celebrities like Gordon Ramsey, Mike Tyson, and Rainn Wilson. Stephens' podcast promises a similar level of star power, with guests sharing their stories, perspectives, and routines that inspire them to be their best selves.The news of Stephens' podcast comes amidst a clay-court resurgence for the 2017 US Open champion. Despite a second-round exit at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Stephens won her eighth career singles title in Rouen, France last month. She also won a doubles title in Charleston alongside Ashlyn Krueger, her first WTA-level doubles title.Stephens' podcast is set to debut on Monday, offering listeners an intimate look into the life of a multi-faceted athlete and the stories that inspire her.

Kendrick Lamar Dominates Tennis World, Sweeps Support from Top PlayersIn a stunning turn of events, Kendrick Lamar has emerged as the undisputed champion of the tennis world, sweeping the support of top players in a best-of-three blowout. Iga Swiatek, the reigning world number one, has become the latest star to throw her weight behind the rapper in his feud with Drake.Swiatek, known for her outspoken opinions on Taylor Swift's music, admitted to being a "lyric kind of girl" and praised Kendrick's complex and meaningful lyrics. "I'm going to go this way," she declared, aligning herself with Team Kendrick.Swiatek joins Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, who have both been vocal in their support for Kendrick. Osaka hailed his latest song as "amazing" and credited it with boosting her confidence on the court. Gauff, citing Kendrick's defense of Serena Williams in his lyrics, stated, "I have to go with him."The absence of any Drake supporters at the Foro Italico suggests that Kendrick has gained overwhelming support within the tennis community. His lyrics, which often explore themes of social justice and empowerment, have resonated with players who share his values.Kendrick's victory in the tennis world is a testament to his lyrical prowess and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. As the feud with Drake continues to dominate headlines, it is clear that Kendrick has emerged as a cultural icon, transcending the boundaries of music and inspiring support from even the most unexpected corners.

Rafael Nadal's illustrious career at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia came to an abrupt end on Saturday, as he suffered a disappointing 6-1, 6-3 defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in the second round. The 10-time champion, who has hinted at retiring in 2024, was outplayed by the No. 7 seed in a match that lasted just 92 minutes.Nadal, who had recently achieved his 700th victory at the Foro Italico, was aiming for his first Top 10 win since 2022. However, Hurkacz proved too strong, overwhelming the Spaniard with his powerful forehand and consistent serve.Prior to the tournament, Nadal had revealed that he had been playing conservatively to protect his body from further injuries. However, he had planned to increase his intensity ahead of the upcoming Roland Garros, where he has won a record 14 titles.The match began with a riveting start, with the first two games taking 26 minutes to complete. However, Hurkacz, who had famously defeated Roger Federer in the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, gradually gained control of the match. He won the next five games to take the first set 6-1.Hurkacz continued his dominance in the second set, breaking Nadal's serve in the opening game. Nadal managed to keep the score closer, but Hurkacz remained unyielding, dropping just one point on serve to take a 5-3 lead.With Nadal serving to stay in the match, Hurkacz struck a powerful forehand into the open court to earn a match point. The Pole then overpowered Nadal one last time from the back of the court to seal the victory and advance to the fourth round, where he will face No. 25 seed Tomás Martín Etcheverry.Nadal's defeat marks a significant moment in his career, as it could be his last appearance at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. The Spaniard has enjoyed immense success at the tournament, winning the title 10 times. However, with his retirement looming, it is possible that this was his final match on the clay courts of Rome.

Taylor Fritz, known as "Claylor" for his unexpected success on clay, has reached the third round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. Despite being an American who didn't play on red clay until he was 16, Fritz has excelled on the surface, reaching the final in Munich and the semifinals in Madrid.Fritz attributes his success to his forehand, which he believes is well-suited for clay. He has also improved his movement and tactics on the surface. While he acknowledges that he may never be the best clay-court player, he is determined to prove that he can be competitive.Another American, Sebastian Korda, has also found success on clay. Korda, who spent his childhood playing on clay in Europe, has won an ATP title on the surface and reached the fourth round of the French Open. He recently won a Masters 1000 doubles title in Madrid.Korda and Fritz will face off in the third round of the Italian Open. Despite Fritz's recent success on clay, Korda holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage. However, Fritz believes he has the edge on clay and is looking forward to the challenge.The match between Fritz and Korda promises to be a competitive battle between two of the most promising American clay-court players. The winner will be a serious contender for a deep run in the tournament.

Andrey Rublev's recent victory at the Madrid Open marked a significant turning point in his career, as he overcame a string of losses and physical ailments to claim his second ATP Masters 1000 title. However, the Russian star acknowledges that maintaining the mental composure necessary to consistently perform at his best remains a work in progress.In an interview on the Tennis Insider Club podcast, Rublev discussed the challenges of managing his emotions on the court. He explained that his aggressive playing style requires intense focus and energy, which can be difficult to sustain when he feels mentally drained."When I feel like today is not my day, then I'm getting too tight and I start to push the ball," Rublev said. "There is no middle. I start to play too passive sometimes without hitting at all."Rublev's struggles with emotional regulation have been evident in his recent performances. After his Madrid triumph, he lost four of his next five matches, including a disappointing first-round exit in Barcelona. However, he believes that his mental fortitude is not the primary obstacle to his success."I wouldn't say mental (is my biggest challenge) but to put emotions in the right way," Rublev explained. "Because the mental part? I would say I don't give up, I try to fight, it doesn't matter who I play."Rublev's determination was on full display in Madrid, where he battled through physical discomfort and illness to reach the final. He credits the support of the medical staff in Madrid for helping him overcome these challenges."I'm grateful to the doctors in Madrid," Rublev said. "They helped me a lot. I had a problem with my toe, and then I had a problem with my throat. They helped me to recover and to play."As Rublev prepares for the upcoming Internazionali BNL d'Italia, he remains focused on finding the right balance between his emotions and his performance. He believes that harnessing his emotions in a positive way will allow him to reach even greater heights in the sport."Those little moments when I was putting them in the right direction, it was amazing," Rublev said. "You feel like you're just playing amazing and everything is working."

Tennis: Moutet's Ringing Phone Interrupts Djokovic Clash in RomeIn a bizarre incident at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday, Corentin Moutet's ringing phone interrupted his second-round match against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.With the score poised at deuce in the first game of the second set, play was halted as the crowd at Campo Centrale searched for the source of the sound. Moutet, the 25-year-old lucky loser, quickly realized it was his phone and sprinted to his bench to silence it.The incident drew laughter from the crowd, Djokovic, and umpire Carlos Bernardes. Moutet even pretended to answer the phone before silencing it, eliciting more amusement from the fans.Djokovic took the interruption in stride, winning five straight games to take the first set. He lost just one game in the second set, securing a 6-3, 6-1 victory."Corentin is a very talented player, has great hands and is very unpredictable," Djokovic said after the match. "You don't know what comes up next, and I had to stay focused, which I did."Ringing phones are not uncommon at tennis events, but it is rare for players to be the source of the interruption. However, this is not the first time a French player has experienced such an incident. Twelve years ago, Alizé Cornet's phone rang as she faced match point against Caroline Wozniacki in Bastad, Sweden. Earlier this year, Harold Mayot's phone went off during his match with Cameron Norrie in Barcelona.The lighthearted moment was followed by a more concerning incident for Djokovic. As he left the court after the match, he was struck in the head by a water bottle while signing autographs. He received medical attention and was able to leave the court on his own.

Novak Djokovic Struck by Falling Water Bottle at Rome MastersWorld No. 1 Novak Djokovic's opening-round victory at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia took a bizarre and concerning turn when he was struck by a falling water bottle while exiting the court.After defeating Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1, Djokovic was signing autographs for fans when the incident occurred. A water bottle, believed to be of the heavier, stainless steel variety, plummeted from the stands and struck Djokovic in the head.The impact caused Djokovic to recoil to the ground in pain. Security personnel immediately inspected the bottle and escorted the 24-time Grand Slam champion off Campo Centrale.A fan captured the moment on camera and uploaded it to social media. The footage shows Djokovic signing autographs when the bottle suddenly appears and strikes him.The extent of Djokovic's injuries is unclear. He is scheduled to face No. 29 seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round. However, the incident has raised concerns about his ability to continue in the tournament.Djokovic has a history of head injuries. In 2017, he withdrew from the Wimbledon Championships due to a shoulder injury that was later revealed to be a head injury.The incident has also sparked questions about security at the Rome Masters. Fans are allowed to bring water bottles into the stadium, but they are supposed to be sealed. It is unclear how the bottle that struck Djokovic was able to enter the stadium unsealed.The tournament organizers have released a statement expressing their concern and stating that they are investigating the incident.

Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has achieved another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career. With a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory over Corentin Moutet in his opening match at the Rome Masters on Friday, Djokovic secured his 1,099th tour-level win. This triumph places him just one win away from becoming the third man in the Open Era to reach the exclusive club of 1,100 career victories, joining tennis legends Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.Djokovic's victory in Rome not only marked a significant milestone but also extended his impressive winning streak against French opponents to 25 consecutive matches. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not lost to a Frenchman since his defeat to Benoit Paire in Miami in 2018.Djokovic's dominance over French players is a testament to his exceptional skills and tactical prowess. He has consistently outplayed his French opponents, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different playing styles.The Serbian star's pursuit of 1,100 career wins is a testament to his longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport. He has maintained a remarkable level of consistency throughout his career, winning multiple Grand Slams and Masters titles.As Djokovic prepares for his next match in Rome, he will be aiming to secure his 1,100th tour-level victory and cement his place among the greatest tennis players of all time. His pursuit of this milestone is sure to captivate tennis fans worldwide and further solidify his legacy as one of the most dominant players in the history of the sport.

Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams, two legendary tennis icons, have joined forces with Lacoste for a powerful advertising campaign that celebrates the brand's iconic crocodile symbol and the indomitable spirit of its ambassadors.The "Play Big" campaign features Djokovic and Williams posing with a colossal 26-foot activation of the Lacoste crocodile, constructed from tennis materials. Williams playfully lunges into the crocodile's open mouth, while Djokovic leans casually against its maw, showcasing their unwavering confidence and determination.Djokovic, the current ATP No. 1, embodies the brand's values of calmness, power, and fearlessness. His relaxed demeanor mirrors his unparalleled dominance on the court. Williams, known for her unwavering grace and commitment to excellence, symbolizes the power of two iconic forces meeting in a larger-than-life encounter.Djokovic has been a Lacoste brand ambassador since 2017, while Williams joined the family in 2022. The campaign also features four other ambassadors: French actor Pierre Niney, South Korean singer and model Jeon So-mi, actor Ahn Hyo Seop, and Chinese actor, singer, and dancer Wang Yibo.In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Williams acknowledged the resurgence of the "tennis-core" trend, thanks in part to the Hollywood blockbuster Challengers and its star Zendaya. She emphasized that tennis has always been at the intersection of sports and fashion, with Lacoste being a pioneer in elevating sports-chic looks.Djokovic, on the other hand, finds inspiration in the real-life behavior of the crocodile. "When I see a crocodile, it reminds me of René Lacoste, what he represents for our sport, what he represents for fashion," he said. "But it also reminds me of the fierce predator animal in the wild, and when I'm on the court, I have to turn into this almost predator-like mentality."The "Play Big" campaign is a testament to Lacoste's enduring legacy in the world of fashion and sports. It celebrates the audacity, unlimited creativity, and confidence that are the very essence of the brand, embodied by its iconic ambassadors.