Tennis

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, unleashed her inner rockstar at Green Day's electrifying Los Angeles concert over the weekend. Clad in a stylish all-black ensemble, Williams was spotted dancing enthusiastically with fellow fans near the stage at SoFi Stadium.The viral video captured Williams' infectious energy as she swayed to the iconic tunes of Green Day, celebrating the 30th and 20th anniversaries of their beloved albums "Dookie" and "American Idiot." The band's lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, shared a post on Instagram expressing his gratitude for the "triumphant" show, and Williams' comment stood out among the hundreds."Love you Billie!!!!!!" she exclaimed, showcasing her unwavering admiration for the band. Williams has long been a vocal fan of Green Day, declaring them her all-time favorite musical group. Last year, she showcased her knowledge of their hits in a TikTok challenge, effortlessly naming song after song.In February, Williams had the honor of introducing Green Day at Clive Davis' exclusive pre-Grammys party at the Beverly Hilton. Armstrong personally invited her, recognizing her deep connection to their music. "Truly, to know me is to know my love for them," Williams said in her opening speech.Williams' first encounter with the band occurred on Jimmy Kimmel's show, where they were both guests. She credits Kimmel for facilitating this memorable meeting. Armstrong, in turn, has expressed his admiration for Williams, describing her as the "sweetest person.""We would run into her in different countries in Europe because she was kicking everybody's ass in that particular country," Armstrong recalled. "She would then come to the show and ... well, I think she would literally try to see how fast she could beat her opponent so she could actually come to the gig."Williams' passion for Green Day extends beyond attending their concerts. She has also been known to incorporate their music into her training regimen, finding inspiration in their energetic and uplifting songs.

Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has bolstered his team with the addition of trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio. The announcement comes after Sinner's recent triumph at the US Open, his second Grand Slam title of the season.Panichi and Badio bring a wealth of experience to Team Sinner, having previously worked with Novak Djokovic. Badio parted ways with Djokovic after the 2022 season, while Panichi left in May.Sinner's decision to add Panichi and Badio to his team follows a tumultuous period in which he tested positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol twice in March. While an independent tribunal found that the substance entered his system unintentionally, Sinner lost trust in his former trainer and physiotherapist, who were the sources of the banned substance.The 23-year-old Italian is currently enjoying a stellar season, with a 55-5 record and a commanding lead in the race for ATP year-end No. 1. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency could still appeal the decision that exonerated him to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.Panichi and Badio join coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill in the new-look Team Sinner. Panichi recently began working with 19-year-old Jerry Shang, who reached the third round of the US Open.Sinner's decision to add experienced professionals to his team is a testament to his commitment to maintaining his dominance in the sport. With a strong support system in place, he will aim to continue his winning ways and cement his status as one of the world's top players.

Head Gravity Tour 98: A New Era of Control and SpinHead's Gravity series has long been renowned for its blend of classic feel and modern power. Now, the company is introducing a new addition to the family: the Gravity Tour 98. This limited-edition racquet is designed to provide players with an unparalleled combination of control, spin, and playability.The Gravity Tour 98 features a smaller 98-square-inch head and a more open 16x19 string pattern compared to its predecessor. This combination enhances the racquet's maneuverability and spin potential while maintaining the control and feel that advanced players demand.The racquet's unique half cap grommet construction contributes to its exceptional feel and sound at contact. It also provides additional protection to the top of the hoop, ensuring durability and longevity.Early testing by Head has revealed that the Gravity Tour 98 has been met with rave reviews. Players have praised its added liveliness and spin potential, while still maintaining the control and precision that tournament-level players require.Head believes that the Gravity Tour 98 fills a gap in its lineup. It offers more control and feel than the Radical, Extreme, and Boom 98s, while providing more punch and spin than the Prestige. The closest comparisons from competing brands would be the Wilson Blade 98 (16x19) and Yonex Percept 97.The Gravity Tour 98, along with the rest of the 2025 Gravity silo, will officially debut in a few months. In addition to performance enhancements, the racquet's aesthetics have also received a major upgrade. Stay tuned for more detailed reviews once the racquet hits store shelves.

The Laver Cup, a prestigious tennis tournament featuring the world's top players, is set to make its German debut this week. Twelve of the ATP's finest will represent Team Europe and Team World, led by tennis legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, respectively.Team World, the reigning champions, will be looking to extend their winning streak to three. Taylor Fritz, a key member of the team, expressed his excitement for the event, citing the camaraderie and mentorship from McEnroe as highlights.Team Europe, eager to reclaim the Cup, will be bolstered by the return of Alexander Zverev. The German star is thrilled to play on home soil and believes the support of the local fans will give them an edge.Frances Tiafoe, another Team World member, is confident in their ability to secure a third consecutive victory. Carlos Alcaraz, a rising star on Team Europe, is honored to represent his continent and is ready to contribute in any way possible.Alejandro Tabilo, a newcomer to Team World, is grateful for the opportunity to play alongside his teammates and McEnroe. Daniil Medvedev, a Team Europe veteran, emphasized the unique team spirit of the Laver Cup, which sets it apart from other tennis competitions.With the tournament just days away, the anticipation is building. The Laver Cup promises to deliver thrilling matches, camaraderie, and a celebration of the sport of tennis.

Laver Cup, a relatively young event in the tennis calendar, has quickly gained immense popularity and appeal. Launched in 2017, it has become a unique and captivating spectacle that transcends the boundaries of the sport.The event's allure stems from its unique format and the presence of legendary figures. Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe serve as captains, while the aura of Rod Laver, the namesake of the competition, adds to its historical significance. The involvement of Roger Federer, the event's founder, has further elevated its global appeal.Laver Cup's team-based format fosters camaraderie and a sense of unity among players. Casper Ruud, a member of Team Europe, highlights the value of having opponents become teammates, creating bonds that extend beyond the competition. Ben Shelton, a Team World member, relishes the opportunity to collaborate with others, embracing the pressure and shared responsibility.The presence of esteemed coaches like Federer and McEnroe provides invaluable insights and guidance to the players. McEnroe emphasizes the importance of knowing when to intervene and offer constructive feedback, aiming to make a positive impact on their performance.The composition of the teams, Team Europe versus Team World, reflects the shifting balance of power in tennis. After Team Europe's initial dominance, Team World has emerged victorious in the past two editions. The match format, with two sets and a 10-point tiebreaker in lieu of a third set, ensures player-friendliness and contributes to the All-Star Game-like atmosphere.Despite its competitive nature, Laver Cup's results hold little significance in shaping the overall narrative of the tennis year. However, its potential for emotional impact and qualitative influence is undeniable. The unforgettable moment of Federer's final match, where he shared an emotional embrace with his long-time rival Rafael Nadal, showcased the profound bonds forged through competition and camaraderie.Laver Cup has already left an indelible mark on the sport, fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie among players. It serves as a reminder that competition and friendship can coexist, creating a unique and captivating spectacle that transcends the boundaries of the game.

Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis star, has announced the premature end of her 2024 season due to a persistent shoulder injury. The three-time Grand Slam finalist made the difficult decision after consulting with her medical team.Jabeur's injury woes have plagued her in recent seasons. In addition to her current shoulder issue, a recurring right knee problem forced her to miss the WTA 1000 event in Dubai earlier this year. She also retired from her quarterfinal match against Coco Gauff at the grass-court event in Berlin in June.Despite her struggles, Jabeur reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and in Madrid this year. However, her ranking has dropped out of the WTA's Top 10, where she had been consistently ranked since October 2021.While sidelined, Jabeur plans to dedicate herself to charity work, aiming to make a positive impact on the world. She has expressed her determination to return to the court stronger in 2025, starting with the Australian Open.Jabeur's absence from the tour will be a significant loss for the sport. Her aggressive style of play and infectious personality have made her a fan favorite. Her return to full fitness will be eagerly anticipated by tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Polish tennis is experiencing a remarkable surge, with two significant milestones achieved within 24 hours. On Sunday, Magdalena Frech triumphed in the WTA 500 event in Guadalajara, securing her maiden WTA title. This victory propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 32, making her the second-highest-ranked Polish woman behind world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.Meanwhile, Swiatek continues to dominate the WTA rankings, entering her 121st week at the summit. This achievement ties her with Ashleigh Barty for seventh-most weeks at No. 1 in WTA history. Swiatek is poised to surpass Barty next week and has a significant lead over No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in both the overall and year-to-date rankings.The WTA rankings also witnessed two Top 100 debuts this week. Olivia Gadecki of Australia, who reached the final in Guadalajara, soared to No. 88, while Sonay Kartal of Great Britain jumped to No. 96 after winning the WTA 250 title in Monastir, Tunisia.In contrast, the ATP rankings remained relatively unchanged due to the absence of ATP events last week. Most top players participated in the Davis Cup, which does not offer ranking points.

Italy's Davis Cup triumph in Bologna was a resounding success, with the defending champions securing their spot in the Final 8 in Malaga, Spain. Despite the absence of Jannik Sinner, who was recovering from his historic US Open victory, the Italian team showcased their dominance in the Group Stage.Matteo Berrettini, Italy's top player, led the charge with three impressive victories. He overcame Botic van de Zandschulp, Carlos Alcaraz's conqueror at the US Open, in a thrilling three-set battle. Berrettini also defeated Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca and Belgian Alexander Blockx in straight sets.Flavio Cobolli played a crucial role in Italy's success, securing the winning point against Tallon Griekspoor in another three-set encounter. Cobolli's victory clinched the tie for Italy, who won all three of their matches in the Group Stage.Italy's triumph is a testament to their depth and resilience. They have now won all three of their Davis Cup ties this year, including victories over Brazil and Belgium. Their success is a continuation of their historic victory in 2021, when they captured the title for the first time in 47 years.Sinner, who played a pivotal role in Italy's 2021 triumph, was on hand to support his teammates in Bologna. His presence was a reminder of the team's strength and the high expectations they have for the Final 8.Italy will face stiff competition in the Knock-Out Stage, with Spain, Australia, the United States, Germany, Canada, and Argentina all qualifying for the Final 8. However, the Italians will be confident in their ability to defend their title and continue their dominance in the Davis Cup.

Babolat's 30-Year Legacy: Disrupting Tennis with the Pure Drive and BeyondIn the annals of tennis, Babolat stands as a beacon of innovation, having revolutionized the sport with its groundbreaking racquets. Three decades ago, the French brand introduced the Pure Drive, a game-changer that defied traditional norms.The Pure Drive's larger head, lighter weight, and rigid, variable beam challenged the prevailing paradigm of control-oriented frames. It offered unprecedented power without sacrificing stability, attracting top players like Carlos Moya, Andy Roddick, and Kim Clijsters.But what truly set the Pure Drive apart was its versatility. Advanced players harnessed its power, while developing players benefited from its forgiving sweet spot. It became the epitome of the "tweener" category, bridging the gap between control and power.Eric Babolat, the fifth-generation CEO of the family-run company, attributes the Pure Drive's success to its ability to enhance the game for players of all skill levels. "It helps that if you don't really center the ball, it still stays in the court and the game is more fun," he says.Babolat's innovation didn't stop there. The Pure Aero, made famous by Rafael Nadal, became a perennial best-seller thanks to its spin-generating design. The Pure Strike emerged as the brand's control-oriented franchise, while RPM polyester string accentuated the topspin produced by modern frames.Despite these advancements, Babolat remains deeply rooted in its heritage. The VS gut string, which launched the company in 1875, continues to be a cornerstone of its identity. "It's still performing after 150 years, which is quite surprising," says Babolat.As the brand enters its 150th year, Babolat envisions a future where tennis becomes more accessible and enjoyable. He believes that improving the grip's universality could accelerate the learning curve and foster a larger player base."That's all we do, all what we love at Babolat," he says. "We have plenty of ideas to make it more enjoyable, more accessible for tennis lovers. Because we love it, too."