A tennis commentator alleged how Rafael Nadal's involvement in the Jeddah E1 Series helped his tennis academy clear its huge debt.
Jannik Sinner reflected on how skiing in his junior days molded his mental resilience. Meanwhile, Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs and Holger Rune clarified their coaching partnership speculation.
Also, Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian gave a sneak peek of his collection of 'most prized collectibles.'
On that note, here's a quick overview of today's top headlines:
#1 - Saudi deal solved 'huge debt' problem of Rafael Nadal’s Academy, suggests tennis commentator
Tennis commentator and podcast host Craig Shapiro alleged that Rafael Nadal's academy gained from his new role as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation — a partnership which was announced last month.
Nadal's 'Team Rafa' clinched third place in the inaugural race at the E1 World Championships, an all-electric water boat racing competition in Jeddah. In an Instagram Q&A session, Shapiro addressed a fan inquiry about Nadal's motivation for participating in the Jeddah event.
Shapiro said that the Saudi Tennis Federation deal brought Nadal financial benefits which enabled his academy to clear its 'huge debt.'
"I was told they had huge debt on the academy and that got wiped out by the Saudi deal they did," Shapiro said.
#2 - Jannik Sinner discusses the influence of skiing on his mental strength in the early days
Reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner talked about how his involvement in skiing during his junior years had a profound impact on his mental development.
In an interview ahead of his Rotterdam campaign, Sinner delved into topics such as his work ethic, upbringing in northern Italy, newfound fame, and the influence of his days as a top junior skier.
The Italian acknowledged that skiing not only contributed to his mastery of on-court sliding in tennis but also played a crucial role in his mental growth.
"It brings me a little bit of balance, maybe, or when you slide because of the balance. But I think the biggest thing was mentally. Mentally, in skiing, especially when you do downhill – I did a couple of races downhill," Jannik Sinner said in his interview for NOS Sports.
Sinner added he would not ski again as a sport, as he was "scared" of getting hurt. The 22-year-old said tennis was less risky than skiing, so he was more fearless.
"I would never do it again because... I’m scared. I was a specialist in slalom and giant slalom but downhill, when you know that if you make a mistake that you can hurt yourself – it’s tough. In tennis, nothing can really happen. Also when you have break points sometimes, I like to go for it. Because you cannot hurt yourself," he added.
#3 - Serena Williams' former coach Rennae Stubbs and Holger Rune dispel partnership rumors
Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs and Holger Rune have recently refuted speculation about a potential coaching partnership.
Rune recently ended his coaching partnership with Boris Becker and Severin Luthi after the 2024 Australian Open. During that time, Stubbs, who previously coached Serena Williams in 2022, appeared to extend an offer to coach Rune.
As the speculations about their possible collaboration grew online, Stubbs denied the rumors, implying that her earlier remarks were not meant to be taken seriously.
"I have been sent this by MANY people asking “is this true?” No it’s not! I don’t know who put this out but you’re a bunch of [clowns] to do so with zero proof. My god!" she said calling out a post made by FirstSportz.
"Maybe take down the big REVEALED headline! this is the most misleading headline & tweet & u are trying to tell me, see the?" she added.
Rune also addressed Stubbs' statement in the post, maintaining a respectful stance.
"Yes many confronted me too about this let them talk. Much too few female coaches on tour though," Holger Rune wrote.
Tennis fans then told Rune that Stubbs had once said he had a "punchable" personality, referencing his on-court behavior. In reply, Stubbs acknowledged her past comments and mentioned Rune's substantial improvement.
"Yep. I 100% said it & he would probably agree there have been times in his past where he has been punchable with his on court stuff! I would also say it’s one area that he has improved on tremendously over the past 12 months. I’m sure someone told him that 2. See how it works," she wrote.
#4 - Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian showed off collection of his 'most prized collectibles'
Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian shared highlights from his sports cards and memorabilia collection in a video collaboration with the collector community page On Mantel.
Ohanian showcased prized items such as a rare Serena Williams rookie card, his childhood favorite NES Play Action Football, a gifted magic card, and a notable life-size Iron Man sculpture.
"I have been collecting things since I was a kid. This is a soccer ball from the inaugural season of my team, Angel City FC. This is one of the best Serena Williams rookie cards ever. In fact, I think it is legitimately the best one. There's a grated copy of NES Play Action Football, which was the first video game I ever got. I played the hell out of it; I didn't even have an NFL license. But didn't matter," Ohanian said.
"And I was gifted this magic card, it's not real, but it was a really nice token of appreciation from one of our founders. And then finally, this is the best thing in my office, which is the Iron Man Mark 85. It's a life-size sculpture of the one and only Tony Stark," he continued.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
