Nirmal Sawlani

Naomi Osaka is Louis Vuitton's Face of 2021

Naomi Osaka is Louis Vuitton’s Face of 2021

January 17, 2021 Naomi Osaka Players

Naomi Osaka is Louis Vuitton’s Face of 2021

Naomi Osaka is not only a tennis star but also a rising fashion icon.

She has been unveiled as the new face of Louis Vuitton.

The 3-time Grand Slam singles champion will feature in the French label’s spring/summer 2021 campaign as its latest brand ambassador.

“Wow this is actually crazy,” the Japanese star wrote on social media. “Honored to be @LouisVuitton newest House Ambassador. “Funny story: I first bought my mom a LV bag when I was 16 as a birthday present and it’s kinda been a tradition since. Do I call this a full circle moment? Yes.”

Louis Vuitton has officially confirmed this news amd Naomi Osaka its latest brand ambassador will be gracing the luxury fashion house’s forthcoming spring-summer 2021 campaign

The going has been good for Osaka, who had won the 2020 U.S. Open and become the topmost-earning female athlete in the world by Forbes as well as an honouree on Tatler’s Asia’s Most Fashionable List 2020.

The announcement has com at a time when campaign photos taken by Ghesquièr for his upcoming spring-summer 2021 collection have appeared on the internet, where Osaka is seen sporting her curly hair and a bright coloured dress with cerulean sleeves, as well as clutching one of the brand’s iconic monogram handbags.

“Aside from tennis, my most treasured passion is fashion; and there is no brand more iconic than Louis Vuitton,” Osaka said in a statement. “It is such an honour to work with Nicolas—he’s a designer I admire so much and we share a mutual love of Japanese culture and style. To become global brand ambassador is truly a dream come true for me.”

Osaka further expressed how excited she was in an Instagram post and recalled a deep connection to Louis Vuitton.

“Funny story: I first bought my mom a LV bag when I was 15 as a birthday present,” she said. “And it’s kinda been a tradition since. Do I call this a full circle moment? Yes.”

Ghesquière, who has been the creative director of the fashion house since 2013, also spoke about Osaka’s influence in the fashion world and beyond. “Naomi is an exceptional woman who represents her generation and is also a role model for everyone. Her career and convictions are inspiring. I am in awe of Naomi, she stays true to herself and doesn’t compromise on her values.”

All eyes will be on Naomi Osaka as she is all set for the 2021 Australian Open.

Hashtags: #LV #LouisVuitton #NaomiOsaka

Is Rafael Nadal Planning to Abandon His Signature Sleeveless Style Again

Is Rafael Nadal Planning to Abandon His Signature Sleeveless Style Again?

January 16, 2021 Australian Open Players Rafael Nadal

Is Rafael Nadal Planning to Abandon His Signature Sleeveless Style Again?

Rafael Nadal abandoned his autograph sleeveless look in 2009, going on to put on a more traditional on-court apparel for the next decade.

But he reverted to the singlet at the 2018 Australian Open, and has persisted with it ever since; the Spaniard has worn sleeveless shirts in each of his last three Australian Opens.

During his on-court talk with McEnroe at the 2018 Australian Open, Rafa explained why he is back to wear sleeveless shirts. “I have small issues when I’m playing in very hot conditions when I hit my forehand, so I like to play without the sleeves. It makes me feel younger again”, said Nadal.

Nadal sported the widely imitated grey singlet at the Australian Open two years ago, where he lost in the quarterfinals to Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Rafa had a better run the year after that, reaching the final of the 2019 Australian Open when he was seen wearing an orange sleeveless top.

Nadal wore a sleeveless shirt at the 2020 Australian Open as well, taking to the court in a bright pink singlet.

But for the 2021 Australian Open he seems poised to go back to more conventional attire, which may not be to the liking of some of his fans.

The Rafael Nadal Outfit For Australian Open 2021 Unveiled

When he first appeared onto the professional tennis scene, Nadal was as well known for his chiselled arms as he was for his forehand.

In 2009, the same year as his last Australian Open win, Nadal made a fashion choice with Nike, ditching his characteristic singlets in favour of a more mature, Federer-esque look.

Over the years Rafael Nadal as a brand has also been famous for caps with the bull horns.

Fashion translates to big money for tennis brands, and high profile players such as Federer, Nadal and Murray play pivotal roles in the industry, and the resulting dollars their sponsors stand to make in retail sales.

Creating a signature style is the key for players and their own brands.

Fans clamour to grab their favourite players’ look and emulate their signature styles & brands.

Nike is the leading brand in tennis and has been a long time beneficiary of Nadal’s mass fan following, forking out double digit millions of Dollars to sponsor him year after year.

Source: sportskeeda, menshealth, tennisworldusa

Hashtags: #Nadal #RafaOutfit #AustralianOpen

Andy Murray Upbeat About The 2021 Australian Open Despite Testing Positive

Andy Murray Upbeat About The 2021 Australian Open Despite Testing Positive

January 14, 2021 Andy Murray Australian Open Players

Andy Murray Upbeat About The 2021 Australian Open Despite Testing Positive

Britain’s former world no. 1 Andy Murray’s participation at the Australian Open maybe in doubt after he tested positive for Covid-19.

The 33-year-old Scot was scheduled to fly out to Australia on a chartered flight over the next 3 days.

Instead he locked in quarantine and isolating at London home.

Murray, is in good health and he remains upbeat in the hope that he will be allowed to travel safely at a later date and compete as planned.

The 5-time Australian Open runner-up withdrew from last week’s ATP event in Delray Beach, wanting to “reduce the risks” of catching a transatlantic flight to Miami.

The 2021 Australian Open will commence on 8 February at Melbourne Park, 3 weeks later than usual, because of the global pandemic.

Players must test negative prior to boarding any one of the assigned chartered flights. The 2021 Australian Open tournament organisers have arranged these chartered flights which are at 25% capacity – to Australia.

Once they reach Melbourne, they have to pass a series of Covid tests during a fourteen-day quarantine before the Grand Slam.

Murray’s 2021 appearance at Melbourne Park will come 2 years after he played there in what he feared (at that time) would be his last match as a professional. However, a lot has changed for Murray since then which included surgery and physiotherapy and he has bounced back.

Currently Murray is ranked at 122nd in the world. Since this ranking is below the threshold to gain direct entry into the tournament the three-time Grand Slam champion has been given a wildcard.

Source: BBC

Hashtags: #Murray #AndyMurray #AustralianOpen

Serena's Daughter Olympia Melts Hearts

Serena’s Daughter Olympia Melts Hearts – Champion in The Making

January 13, 2021 Players Serena Williams Spotlight

Serena’s Daughter Olympia Melts Hearts – Champion in The Making

Serena Williams has indulged her fans yet again and this is just a couple of weeks out from the 2021 Australian Open. This time she has broken social media with a photo training with her daughter Olympia.

Williams is scheduled to travel to Melbourne in the next few days for the 2021 Australian Open where she will enter mandatory quarantine.

Despite her own tough training schedule the tennis mother was able to squeeze in some training time with her three-year-old daughter ahead of the trip.

The twenty three time Grand Slam champion posted a photo of her training at the family tennis court with daughter Olympia swinging a racket right in front of her.

Serena Williams Trains with Olympia
Serena Williams Trains with Olympia

She captioned the photo with some tennis advice: “Turn, back, reach, head, follow through.”

The photo reminds one of a similar one last year where Olympia was captured in the same purple outfit as Serena during training.

Fans went crazy over the photo and pointed out Olympia could be yet another family tennis champion in the making.

Hashtags: #Serena #Olympia #AustralianOpen

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The Rafael Nadal Outfit For Australian Open 2021 Unveiled

The Rafael Nadal Outfit For Australian Open 2021 Unveiled

January 13, 2021 Australian Open Players Rafael Nadal

The Rafael Nadal Outfit For Australian Open 2021 Unveiled

The Spanish champion is not going to be flaunting his usual sleeveless top this year.

His brand, which is behind his outfit planning for the tournaments, this time has decided that Rafael Nadal will not wear a sleeveless t-shirt as in the previous 3 years.

A classic salmon pink t-shirt with shaded horizontal stripes is what has been decided for the opening tournament.

The chest will feature the brand logo and the bull’s horns.

Rafael Nadal White Purple Shorts Australian Open 2021

The t-shirt forms the main focal point of his outfit and is complemented with white shorts with vertical purple side stripe and the cap in salmon pink with white logo and/or white with black logo.

Rafael Nadal White Cap Australian Open 2021
Rafael Nadal Salmon Pink Cap Australian Open 2021

A matching sweat shirt in salmon pink and white stripes will complete the outfit.

The Spaniard is known for his bold sleeveless shirt which he often wore until 2008, even at the Wimbledon. Since 2009 he outfits have been toned down, and this year is a step in that direction.

Rafael Nadal will compete in the first Grand Slam of the 2021 tennis season for the chance to bag his 2nd title in Melbourne, after the only victory he won in 2009, where he had to overcome a gigantic challenge by Roger Federer in the final.

The top seeds on the planet, like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and all the others, will come back for the upcoming 2021 Australian Open, which will be held in Melbourne from 8 February.

Source: tennisworldusa

Hashtags: #Nadal #RafaOutfit #AustralianOpen

Can Medvedev Change This in 2021

Djokovic Dominates Aussie Open & Nadal Rules at Roland Garros | Can Medvedev Change This in 2021?

January 12, 2021 Australian Open Daniil Medvedev Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal

Djokovic Dominates Aussie Open & Nadal Rules at Roland Garros | Can Daniil Medvedev Change This in 2021?

Rafael Nadal finding it ‘difficult’ to ‘solve’ the Novak Djokovic riddle on Australian Open hard courts.

It quite similar to how Novak Djokovic would feel against Rafael Nadal on clay courts – especially Roland Garros.

“Rafael Nadal is yet to overcome the Novak Djokovic challenge on the Australian Open hard courts”, in the words of former WTA world No 1 Lindsay Davenport.

The duo met in the final of the Australian Open in 2019, but Djokovic demolished his fierce rival 6–3, 6–2, 6–3 in just over 2 hours while their only other encounter in Melbourne Park was way back at the 2012 final when Djokovic won a five-setter in a marathon 5 hours and 53 minutes.

The overall hard-court head to head statistics are also pointing clearly in favour of the Serb as he leads the head-to-head count 20-7.

Defending champion Djokovic will be eyeing his 9th title in Melbourne at the 2021 Australian Open and many believe Nadal will again be his toughest road block, but Davenport feels the Spaniard is yet to device a game plan to beat the world No 1 in Australia.

It just seems like when Rafa gets to the end of the tournament and he has to face the world no. 1 Novak Djokovic his body is held up. Novak’s a superior hard-court player in those conditions for some strange reason and it’s been tough for Rafa to solve that.

Renowned tennis coach Paul Annacone also acknowledges that he won’t bet on Rafael Nadal to win the 2021 Australian Open should the 20-time Grand Slam winner face Djokovic in any round. The only miracle that could work in Nadal’s favor is that he doesn’t have to face Novak at any stage. In other words a 2021 Australian Open final with Nadal facing any other opponent other than Djockovic is the only scenario when the Spaniard can add one more to his 20 titles.

“I think very simply, Rafa is just a little bit worse on hard court than Novak in particular and Roger [Federer] as well on a faster hard court,” he said. “But everyone else I’d put him ahead of. If he plays Novak at the end of the tournament, I’m not betting on him. But if he plays anyone else I’ll bet on him. I think the biggest thing for Nadal is to get through the first week relatively comfortably” in the words of coach Paul Annacone.

Hashtags: #Rafa #Tennis #Djokovic #Medvedev

Serena Williams Palm Beach Home Sells for $2.8 Million

Serena Williams Palm Beach Home Sells for $2.8 Million

January 11, 2021 Players Serena Williams

Serena Williams Palm Beach Home Sells for $2.8 Million

The tennis icon and her family moved into the Palm Beach waterfront mansion in 2015

Serena Williams is bidding farewell to her Palm Beach home in the Sunshine State.

Towards the end of 2020, as per Mansion Global’s report, the tennis star concluded the deal at $2.775 million.

This William’s mansion has five-bedroom, five-bathroom and is situated in Palm Beach Gardens.

Serena Williams Palm Beach Home
Serena Williams Palm Beach Home

The Georgian-style home never officially entered the market, but was expected to be listed for $2.995 million.

Williams had bought the 1.25-acre property for $2.5 million in May 2015, just after it was constructed.

The mansion, which resides within an exclusive gated community, spans more than 5,600 square feet and is backed by a lush backyard that features a huge swimming pool and spa and opens out to a canal.

In the recent days, Serena Williams has set her sights westward, dropping $6.7 million in 2017 for a Spanish-designed mansion in Beverly Hills.

Serena Williams Beverly Hills Home
Serena Williams Beverly Hills Home

While all this is happening in the background and being handled by her real estate team, Serena Williams is focussing on the upcoming 2021 Australian Open.

Hashtags: #Serena #SerenaWilliams #WTA

Rafael Nadal's Teenage Cousins Set To Follow His Footsteps

Rafael Nadal’s Teenage Cousins Set To Follow His Footsteps

January 11, 2021 Players Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal’s Teenage Cousins Set To Follow His Footsteps

Sons of Rafael’s uncle and erstwhile coach Toni notch their maiden professional wins in ITF qualifying as they look to emulate the 20-time Grand Slam winner.

Rafael Nadal’s two teenge cousins are making ripples in the world of professional tennis

Toni Jr Nadal and Joan Nadal both registered their first ITF wins a few days back.

The pair, sons of Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni, have been training at the academy in Manacor.

The Nadal tennis legacy is showing signs of the next generation to continue the dominance in this sport.

The world No 2 acknowledges his uncle’s role in his successful tennis career. Toni, the 59-year-old has been by Nadal’s side for for a long time, untill he left the coaching team in 2017 in order to devote himself to the Rafael Nadal Academy.

Rafael's uncle and erstwhile coach Toni

And Toni’s teenage sons, Toni Jr Nadal and Joan Nadal, are shaping up nicely into the professional tennis circuit.

17 ear old Toni Jr, swept aside Lennart Melzer in straight sets to bag his first ITF win in the qualifying rounds for the M15 in Manacor, Spain. He will take on Oleg Prihodko in the next round.

Meanwhile his 16 year old brother Joan,was forced to squeeze out a 6-2, 5-7, 10-8 win over Denis Klok. He will face Peter Benjamin Privara next.

The pair need two more wins to make it into the main draw of the event at the Rafael Nadal tennis academy.

All this happening at the time when Rafael Nadal Himself is getting ready for the 2021 Australian Open

Sporting talent s oart of their genes in the Nadal family. Muguel Angel Nadal, another one of RafaeL Nadal’s uncles, played professional soccer for Barcelona and won 62 caps for Spain.

Source: dailymail

Hashtags: #Rafa #Tennis #Nadal

Elina Svitolina Berth in The QF Seems Certain

Elina Svitolina Berth in The QF Seems Certain As She Squares Off With Alexandrova

January 10, 2021 2021 Abu Dhabi Women's Tennis Open Elina Svitolina

Elina Svitolina Berth in The QF Seems Certain As She Squares Off With Alexandrova

Elina Svitolina will square off Ekaterina Alexandrova in the Round of 16 match at the 2021 Women’s Abu Dhabi Open.
The number 2 seed Ukranian Svitolina hasn’t lost a set in this tournament, and will be a very tough opponent to the Russian.

Match Details

Date: 10th January, 2021
Tournament: Abu Dhabi Women’s Tennis Open 2021
Fixture: Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Elina Svitolina
Venue: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Category: WTA 500
Round: Round of 16 (Third round)
Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Prize money: $565,530

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Elina Svitolina Preview

Ukrainian star and Gael Monfil’s girlfriend Elina Svitolina enters this match in blistering form.

She dismantled American Jessica Pegula in the round of 64 – 4-6, 3-6.

She squashed her second round opponent Vera Zvonareva in the equally emphatic fashion.

Svitolina is the favorite to win this tournament and enters this round high in confidence.

The Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova is also on a roll at Abu Dhabi.

She defeated her opening round rival Zarina Diyas with relative ease. She overcame her in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.
The Russian then had to battle the Brit Heather Watson in the 2nd round. Watson did manage to put up a fight, but in the end The Russian prevailed in tough three setter.

Now Alexandrova goes face to face with Svitolina in the Round of 16, and she will look to book her place in quarterfinals of this tournament.

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Elina Svitolina Head to Head

Both players met the first and only time so far at The French Open 2020.

Svitolina dominated Alexandrova in al aspects of that match, defeating her in straight sets 6-4, 7-5.

As a result, Svitolina has the statistical upper hand.

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Elina Svitolina Prediction

Elina Svitolina is a apparent favorite in this match.

He current form and the fact that she has not lost a single set in this tournament is an indicator of how high her confidence is.

It will take something truly extraordinary from the Russian to beat the Ukrainian in this match.

In this match it is safe to predict that Elina Svitolina will emerge as the winner and probably in straight sets.

Source: Firstsportz

Hashtags: #AbuDhabi #Tennis #WTA

Also read: Tennis Couple Monfils and Svitolina Separated Till Early February

Coco Gauff's Solid Return Being Put To Test

Coco Gauff’s Solid Return Being Put To Test Against The Sakkari Blistering Serve at Abu Dhabi

January 9, 2021 2021 Abu Dhabi Women's Tennis Open Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff’s Solid Return Being Put To Test Against The Sakkari Blistering Serve at Abu Dhabi

It’s been just a couple of days and we find ourselves neck deep into the new WTA season.

Things are getting pretty heated up at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Women’s Tennis Open.

A nail biting 2nd-round match awaits us as teenage sensation Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff takes Maria Sakkari on Friday.

Both players are in great form and have registered emphatic victories in their opening-round fixtures.

The teenage American was particularly impressive in her 6-0, 6-1 demolition of seasoned ITF player Ulrikke Eikeri.

The Greek top seed Sakkari on her part squashed the challenge of rising star Anastasia Potapova, with a solid 6-4, 6-2 win.

Maria Sakkari vs Coco Gauff head-to-head

Maria Sakkari had the statistical advantage over Coco Gauff 1-0 in their head-to-head record.

Maria Sakkari vs Coco Gauff prediction

On her day, Maria Sakkari is one of the strongest ground-stroke-makers on the WTA tour who can trouble the likes of Serena Williams.

It remains to be seen how Coco Gauff copes with Sakkari’s venomous groundstrokes given the sheer pace on them.

The 16-year-old Cori is well-equipped defensively, but her Greek opponent has the firepower to hit through her consistently.

To counter that offense, Gauff will need to be on top of her game at all times.

The American, generally known for her solid returns, will need to bring her A-game in that department to break the rhythm if Sakkari’s blistering serve gets into blazing mode.

All things considered it is difficult to pick a favorite for this match.

Match details

Fixture: Maria Sakkari vs Coco Gauff

Date: 8 January 2021

Tournament: Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open 2021

Round: Round of 32 (Second round)

Venue: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Category: WTA 500

Surface: Hardcourt

Prize money: $565,530

Live telecast: USA – Tennis Channel

Sources: Sportskeeda

Hashtags: #AbuDhabi #Tennis #WTA