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Angel Reese’s ‘Reebok by Angel’ collection completes her pop culture takeover

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Angel Reese

“I’ve built a platform outside of basketball and I think that’s why a lot of people love me. I have nails, I have hair, lashes – I’m the Barbie,” said Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

On Aug. 23, she’ll also have her first footwear and apparel collection. Reebok by Angel features a full range of performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel, inspired by Reese’s feminine energy and style on and off the court. The Reese and Reebok collaboration includes three footwear styles, the Premier Road VI, BB 4000 II, and Classic Leather, in a color palette of Always Blue and Silver Chrome to complement Reese’s style. The capsule also introduces new fits such as the black Angel Graphic Tee, the blue and black Angel Vector Track Jacket, and the Angel Lux Bodysuit.

Reese has built a solid first-year campaign for the Chicago Sky, averaging 13.5 points and 12.0 rebounds. She appeared in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game and became the first rookie to drop a double-double. She signed her endorsement deal with Reebok in October 2023, citing her desire to be the brand’s female face and her relationship with NBA great Shaquille O’Neal, who serves as Reebok Basketball’s president.

Angel Reese

“I wanted to create a collection that allowed women and girls everywhere to embrace their femininity and power in whatever they’re doing,” Reese said. “This collection is for HER to be stylish and fierce on all occasions.”

he WNBA rookie worked closely with Reebok and put another stamp on the line in the form of her mantra “When they sleep on you … tuck them in!” etched into the sneakers’ insoles and on T-shirts.

“Angel’s dedication and hands-on collaboration throughout the collection’s design process was such a special privilege,” Portia Blunt, SVP of Product at Reebok, said. “Angel is inspiring women everywhere to be bold and express themselves, and this collection is a representation of her.”

The Reebok by Angel lifestyle brand drops at a time when Reese is firmly fixed into pop culture as a player, fashion tastemaker, and all-around needle mover. It also makes good on her promise when she signed with Reebok: She’s bringing Reebok back. And in a way that goes beyond the basketball court.

“For me, it’s about showing I’m not just a basketball player. The rappers. The singers. Everyone knows who I am,” said Reese.

The all-new Reebok by Angel collection will be available on Reebok.com and at select retailers worldwide. All footwear is available in adult sizes, with kids’ offerings in the BB 4000 II and Classic Leather silhouettes available.

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TENNIS

Huge Angel Reese Disclosure Triggers Online Buzz

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Angel Reese 

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese’s star just keeps on shining – even during the long WNBA break.

While Reese and the Sky prepare for the return of WNBA action, Reebok revealed early Thursday that it will debut her first collection with the footwear and clothing brand on August 23.

Via Boardroom:

“Featuring three footwear styles and seven apparel pieces, the assortment launching on August 23rd features Reese’s unapologetic bold style through metallic ‘silver chrome’ and an icy ‘always blue’ color palette. “

Reese and Sky fans finally have a date to circle on their calendars after waiting for her first Reebok line to drop.

Based on the majority of initial reactions to Reese’s Reebok collection, it seems that stores that will be selling them should prepare for an influx of consumers looking to spend their dollars on the former LSU Tigers star’s apparel and sneakers.

“And yes I’m getting her stuff because I love seeing her win 😌”

Angel Reese

“ABSOLUTELY, I’LL BUY THEM! Glad she went with Reebok 💯”

“Will be buying HURRY”

“You see that wide leg pants???? I am buying it STAT!”

“So cute 😍 I need it”

“She bout to bring REE BOK BACK!!!!”

Reese is more than just about style, though. She is also among the best players in the WNBA in the 2024 season.

So far in her first year as a pro, Reese is averaging 13.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game.

The 10-14 Sky will return to action on August 15 for a home game against the Phoenix Mercury.

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TENNIS

“Swiatek and some sincere and mature reflections after the Olympic Games”

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Iga Swiatek

Not always do the number ones in a discipline open up to their audience. That Iga Swiatek does so, especially given her introverted nature, is admirable. After winning the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Polish athlete shared some very interesting reflections on her stay in Paris and how she dealt with disappointment to turn it into joy just hours later. It’s worth reading:

“After a couple of days, I feel ready to summarize this chapter… joy, happiness, sadness, disappointment, satisfaction, hunger for more, pride, and many more emotions and thoughts… I’m still trying to put into context how valuable this experience has been for me. Perhaps in the future, I will be able to evaluate these two weeks with a broader perspective, but I already see a lot. Firstly, the huge progress I have made since Tokyo. What I can do, the opportunities I have to be a better player and a better person. However, the most important thing is everything I have experienced here. These have been very special moments that would not have been possible without my team and my family. Thank you for what you have done for me.”

“When I think about the Olympic Games and tennis, I am very proud of the image our sport has presented in Paris. So many amazing matches, inspirational stories, incredible images from the opening ceremony, where tennis had a special place. We should appreciate the fact that tennis plays such an important role in the world of sports. I am happy that my story is part of it.”

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TENNIS

Iga Swiatek ‘Hungry For More’ After Paris Olympics Bronze

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Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek suffered a shock straight-sets defeat to eventual gold-medallist Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals, though she recovered to beat Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova in the bronze-medal match to claim Poland’s first-ever tennis medal at the Olympics

Iga Swiatek says she is “hungry for more” after claiming the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. (Medal Table | Schedule & Results | Full Coverage)

Swiatek has been a dominant force at Roland-Garros, winning four of the last five French Opens, including this year’s, after cruising past Jasmine Paolini.

The Pole was the favourite going into the Games too, and looked set to make good on that promise as she picked up where she left off on the clay court.

However, she suffered a shock straight-sets defeat to eventual gold-medallist Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals, though she recovered to beat Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova in the bronze-medal match to claim Poland’s first-ever tennis medal at the Olympics.

Reflecting on her time in Paris, Swiatek acknowledged the rollercoaster of emotions that came with the tournament and how much she has progressed since competing in Tokyo three years ago.

“After a couple of days, I feel ready to sum up this chapter… Joy, happiness, sadness, disappointment, satisfaction, hunger for more, pride and so many other emotions, thoughts… I’m still figuring it out, and I feel how valuable this experience was to me,” Swiatek said in a post on social media.

“Maybe in the future, I will assess two weeks with a bigger picture and better perspective, but I already see a lot. First of all, how much progress I’ve made since Tokyo. How much I can do, how many opportunities I have to become a better player and human.

Iga Swiatek

“But what’s most important is how much I’ve experienced here. It was a special time that wouldn’t be possible without my team and my family. Thank you for what you did for me.

“Zheng Qinwen, Donna Vekic, huge congrats to you! I’m grateful I could share the Olympic podium with you two.”

Swiatek recently pulled out of the Canadian Open, but she will be back on the WTA Tour next week to compete in Cincinnati as she prepares for the US Open at the end of the month.

The 23-year-old, who is targeting her second grand slam win in New York, also expressed her pride at seeing tennis take the spotlight in Paris.

“When I’m thinking about the Olympics and tennis, I’m so proud how our sport was pictured in Paris.

“So many amazing matches, inspirational stories, amazing pictures from the opening ceremony where tennis players had a special place.

“We should appreciate that tennis plays such an important role in the world of sports. I’m happy that my story is part of it.”

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TENNIS

Iga Swiatek regains US Open title, Coco Gauff & Aryna Sabalenka recapture form, Elena Rybakina struggles

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Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek regains US Open title, Coco Gauff & Aryna Sabalenka recapture form, Elena Rybakina struggles – our WTA hard-court summer predictions

It’s been an intriguing season on the WTA Tour so far, with things taking a very similar path to the 2023 season.

Aryna Sabalenka defended her Australian Open title and Iga Swiatek made it a ‘threepeat’ at Roland Garros, before a surprise Czech winner at Wimbledon – this time in the form of Barbora Krejcikova.

Ahead of the hard-court summer, we make our predictions for what could be a fascinating next stage of the calendar.

Swiatek surges in New York

The Olympics were bittersweet for Swiatek, with the Pole taking home a bronze medal – but falling short of her golden ambition.

That came off the back of a disappointing Wimbledon campaign, though there is no doubt she’s been the player of the year, reigning supreme as No 1 and winning five big titles.

Swiatek has had success in New York previously, winning the US Open in 2022, and she is one of the favourites heading in.

With time to rest after Paris and conditions that suit her, we think a sixth Grand Slam title could head her way.

Iga Swiatek

No title defence for Gauff – but she still stars

World No 2 Coco Gauff will be the face of the US Open, a year on from winning her first Grand Slam title on home soil in New York.

After a strong start to 2024, her form has dipped a little recently, falling early at Wimbledon and the Olympics – with her forehand starting to look vulnerable once again.

Pressure is on her to defend titles in New York – and Cincinnati before that – but she has proven she can play well at those events, and handle home expectations.

We expect her to star once again and still go deep at multiple events this summer.

WTA Tour News

WTA Rankings: Paula Badosa +22 after winning fourth title, Emma Raducanu +20 and back as British No 2

WTA Canadian Open draw: Coco Gauff leads field after Paris 2024 flop, Ons Jabeur and Naomi Osaka set for blockbuster

Sabalenka gets her groove back

Sabalenka’s absence at Wimbledon was sorely felt, with the world No 3 and perennial Slam contender absent with a shoulder issue.

In her first event since then, she looked a little ragged in Washington, beaten in the last four and not quite looking herself.

However, she is always a threat at the biggest events, and she has time to round into form nicely ahead of the US Open.

Having reached at least the quarter-final of the last seven majors she has played, she should be reaching the business end of Flushing Meadows.

Rybakina’s patchy summer continues

It’s been another strange season for Elena Rybakina, who has won three 500-level titles – but has had a lot of ups and downs elsewhere.

Once again, illness has been an issue, forcing her out of her Indian Wells and Rome title defences – and then the Olympics just a fortnight ago.

The hard-court summer has never been the happiest hunting ground for the Kazakh, who has never made it past round three at the US Open.

Based on how this season has gone, we have limited expectations for her over the coming weeks.

Krejcikova and Qinwen to threaten

After dropping off during the middle part of the season, Krejcikova and Zheng Qinwen surged back into form with huge triumphs at SW19 and the Olympics respectively.

Both are great competitors and approach the summer with huge confidence, particularly Zheng – who has now won back-to-back titles.

The Chinese star reached her first Slam quarter-final at the US Open in 2023, and she can certainly threaten once again.

While Krejcikova, now the winner of two major singles titles, is also a past Flushing Meadows quarter-finalist – and will be tricky to beat.

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TENNIS

Naomi Osaka’s Astounding Confession of ‘Stalking’ Iga Swiatek at Paris Olympics – ‘Trying to Copy’

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Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka

Former US Open champion Naomi Osaka had quite a moment in Paris. She might not have had a long run at the Olympics, but her hard work was quite visible to her followers. While Osaka hasn’t shown an impressive performance this season, she is dedicated to making a change. Stalking the moves of talented Iga Swiatek, Osaka fuels excitement about her next performance in Canada. Is she trying her heart and soul for a victory?

Before starting her Canadian Open tour tomorrow, Osaka sat down for a press conference to delve into many important things such as her recent loss at the Paris Olympics, and the changing definition of success in her life. However, she surprised everyone by mentioning her reason for stalking her colleague and the world’s number one tennis player, Iga Swiatek. “Honestly, I was stalking Iga. I was like watching her practice at the Olympics and for me, that’s something I want to do more like watch the great players because there’s always something I can pick up on and I know she has one of the better footwork or probably the best footwork skills on the WTA so yeah I’m just trying to copy a little,” said Osaka.

The Japanese WTA star faced off against Swiatek in 2024 May during the French Open and lost. Before she played against the Polish tennis star, she praised Swiatek’s tennis skills. “I watched her a lot when I was pregnant. Honestly, I think it’s an honor to play her in the French Open because she’s won more than once here. It’s a very big honor and challenge for me,” said the Japanese former US Open champion. Naomi Osaka’s revelations expressed that she is hell bound to improvise her form and, for that, she is vested in seeking inspiration from the top WTA player.

On the other hand, Swiatek expressed her best wishes for Osaka last year. After Shai’s birth in July of last year, Osaka decided to return to her favorite sport and Swiatek seemed visibly happy about it.

Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek was “happy” about Naomi Osaka’s decision to return to tennis post-child-birth

In an interview with The National News in December, Iga Swiatek expressed delight in hearing about her “friend” Naomi Osaka’s return to the court with a wildcard entry at the Australian Open tour. “Naomi, we may play against each other, so it is pretty funny, but I am happy she is back. I am curious if they are going to be rusty or not but, obviously, they are both really experienced and I hope they are going to do well,” Swiatek said.

During Swiatek’s match against Osaka at the Roland Garros second round, this Polish tennis star revealed how the latter put pressure on her. “I guess Naomi for sure, I didn’t have time to kind of get into it. It was just intense from the beginning and she put pressure on me, so I’m happy that I handled it well and after that, the weather changed also. So, it helps my game, I feel. I just gained confidence I would say,” she said.

Nevertheless, Naomi Osaka’s admiration for her colleague Iga Swiatek showed how tennis turns two opponents into friends. Despite rivalry, Swiatek and Osaka restore people’s faith in a positive professional bond.

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TENNIS

Rafael Nadal Revealed as Main Culprit Behind Roger Federer’s Career-Threatening Injury: ‘Broke My Back’

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 Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer 

A lefty spinner is a dangerous player to tackle on the court. We’ve all heard that before. Primarily for the ATP Tour, that entity is Rafael Nadal. So much so that even the great Roger Federer couldn’t be saved from his ruthless topspin game. The result after several years of rivalry? Federer suffers a great physical ordeal.

The ‘Swiss Maestro’ has furnished the tennis world with one of the most elegant careers ever produced by the sport. Despite walking away from the sport in 2022 at the Laver Cup, Federer continues to indulge himself in conversations surrounding active players and his past encounters with them. Subsequently, the former World No. 1 touched down on a disheartening moment. He talked about a time when he and Nadal shared a breathtaking on-court rivalry, and the Spaniard extracted the worst of Federer’s physical limits.

Talking in a recently released ‘Behind the Design‘ series with his sponsor, Wilson, the Swiss discussed what prompted his racket change in an episode. Specifically, Federer’s switch from a shorter 90-inch racket frame to “something bigger.” The 20-time Grand Slam champion revealed how the Spanish legend’s extreme forward swing gameplay forced his back injury during their 2013 Indian Wells encounter.

This, in turn, led the 42-year-old to endure a difficult year on the circuit, hampering his level of play all season. “I broke my back in Indian Wells really badly, had a terrible back for many weeks and months. I felt the pain sometimes from Rafa with his lefty going high into my backhand.” For the unversed, the 2013 BNP Paribas Open witnessed Federer’s struggles with his back.

The hardcourt event’s defending champion sustained a tweak in his back after claiming a routine third-round win over Ivan Dodig. However, things took a turn when Federer was unable to fully recover for his face-off against the Spaniard. Consequently, he suffered a straight-set loss from Nadal.

Rafael Nadal

 

At the time, the former World No. 1 underplayed the situation. Federer refused to use his back injury as an excuse for his unfortunate performance. “I mean, I could play. I’m happy to be out there and able to compete. But it’s obviously a small issue.”

Going up against Nadal was never easy for the former Swiss pro. He had to jump through multiple hoops to overcome his challenge. And that has been publicly admitted by the ‘Maestro’ himself.

Roger Federer discloses that arch-enemy Rafael Nadal made him ‘second guess’

Fedal’s on-court duels are one of the most talked about rivalries of all time. The tennis titans clashed on 40 occasions, with Rafa leading their head-to-head 24-16. Ever since the duo’s first clash at the 2005 Miami Open, the Swiss faced a formidable challenge from the Spaniard. Not only that, he had to toughen his mentality whenever he walked on the court to battle the 22-time Major champion.

While talking in an interview with ‘Financial Times,’ Federer revealed the mental scrutiny Nadal put him through during his time on the Tour. “He gave me so many more problems than other players could. He made me second-guess myself, go back to the drawing board, and come up with a new master plan — and then also not overthink it.”

Federer and Nadal last locked horns at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. There, the ‘Swiss Maestro’ outclassed his longtime opponent 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the event’s semifinal. As for Nadal, he was last witnessed in action at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he suffered a disappointing end to his gold medal dream run in both the singles and the doubles events.

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TENNIS

Rafa Nadal sends inspiring message to broken-hearted tennis star, Carlos Alcaraz

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Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

In a touching display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, tennis legend Rafael Nadal has extended his support to rising star Carlos Alcaraz following the latter’s challenging defeat in the Olympic final.  Alcaraz was too emotional to speak after missing out on Olympic gold to Novak Djokovic.  Spain’s young sporting star fought back tears and was unable to comment to sports commentators after the match. 

Known for his unwavering support for fellow Spanish athletes, Nadal took to social media to offer words of encouragement to the young tennis star. “Although I know today is a difficult day, value a medal that is very important for the entire country and you will see, with time, that it is for you too,” Nadal wrote. “Thank you for this incredible week and for the medal you give to Spanish sports. A hug.”

Rafa Nadal shared wisdom and compassion with Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

The message, filled with empathy and wisdom, reflects Nadal’s deep understanding of the emotional rollercoaster athletes experience. Despite the disappointment of losing the Olympic gold, Nadal reminded Alcaraz of the significance of his achievement for the entire nation.

Alcaraz, currently ranked world No. 3, has enjoyed a stellar season, capturing titles at Indian Wells, the French Open, and Wimbledon. His run to the Olympic final was proof of  his immense talent and potential.

The next generation of sporting stars

Nadal himself recently concluded his tournament run, exiting the Paris tournament in the final against Novak Djokovic. Despite his own competitive spirit, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has always prioritised inspiring the next generation of tennis stars.

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TENNIS

RAFAEL NADAL MATCH WORN 2005 FRENCH OPEN SHIRT … Sells For Over $113K!!!

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Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer 
Rafael Nadal‘s match-worn shirt from the 2005 French Open final against Roger Federer exceeded expectations at auction … selling for over $113K!

The shirt is literally off Nadal’s back … a garment he wore for at least three matches during the major tennis tournament. One of those matches was a clash with fellow all-time great, Federer.

You might recall, Nadal defeated Federer — ranked No. 1 at that time — in the semifinal … one of only a handful of men to defeat RF. It also happened to be Nadal’s 19th birthday.

Rafael Nadal

 

Now you can see why the piece was so desirable… even surpassing the $100K estimated auction price by the experts at Prestige Memorabilia.

All told, Rafa’s shirt was bid on 15 times, with the high mark coming in at $113,924!

Nadal is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players ever. He holds 14 French Open titles, 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, and two Olympic gold medals.

The 38-year-old was also named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2022.

Congrats to the winner!

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The 5 men to win ATP titles in the most consecutive years as Novak Djokovic ties Rafael Nadal’s record

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Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has equalled Rafael Nadal’s record for winning a title in the most successive seasons after his gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had not won a tournament since the 2023 ATP Finals in November prior to his victory against Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic final.

It was the 37-year-old legend’s longest start to a season without a trophy since he claimed his maiden ATP title in 2006.

Here, we look at the five players who have won an ATP singles title in the most consecutive years.

5. Jimmy Connors – 13 seasons (1972-1984)

Jimmy Connors secured his maiden title at the Jacksonville Open in 1972 and won tournaments every season from 1972 to 1984 — with 105 of his record 109 titles coming during this 13-year period.

The highest number of titles the American won in a season was the mammoth tally of 15 he collected in 1974, while his last title came at the 1989 Tel Aviv Open.

Rafael Nadal

Tennis News

‘Novak Djokovic proved me wrong’, admits Slam winner and frequent critic after Paris Olympics triumph

ATP Canadian Open draw: Jannik Sinner returns, but event hit hard by Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz absence

4. Ivan Lendl – 14 seasons (1980-1993)

Ivan Lendl claimed his first ATP title in Houston in 1980 — a triumph that started a run of 14 straight seasons in which he won at least one event.

The Czech-American’s biggest title-haul in a year was a superb 15 in 1983, while the last of his 94 tournament victories was at the 1993 Tokyo Indoor.

3. Roger Federer – 15 seasons (2001-2015)

Roger Federer won his maiden singles title at the 2001 Milan Indoor and he secured a tournament in 15 straight years from 2001-2005 — with 88 of his 103 titles coming in this stretch.

The Swiss won a career-best 12 titles during a staggering 2006 campaign and the final event he won was the 2019 Swiss Indoors in Basel.

=1. Novak Djokovic – 19 seasons (2006-2024)

Djokovic has won at least one title in each of the last 19 seasons since he triumphed at a tour-level tournament for the first time at the 2006 Dutch Open.

The most titles the Serbian has won in a year was the 11 he collected in an astonishing 2015 season. Djokovic’s 99th and most recent title was his triumph at the 2024 Olympics.

=1. Rafael Nadal – 19 seasons (2004-2022)

Nadal‘s first title came at the Warsaw Open in 2004 and he won a tournament in 19 straight years between 2004 and 2022.

The Spaniard’s largest title haul in a single season was the 11 he won in a brilliant 2005 campaign. Nadal lifted his 92nd and most recent trophy at the 2022 French Open.

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