God. I've been watching this whole tennis WAG phenomenon explode over the past year, and let me tell you - I have THOUGHTS. Daria Saville just went nuclear on TikTok about how tennis players' girlfriends are snagging all the brand deals while actual athletes get left in teh dust. And honestly? I'm here for the drama.
Saville (that Aussie player who switched from Russian citizenship back in 2015) didn't name names in her rant, but we all know who she's talking about. Morgan Riddle, anyone? The 27-year-old girlfriend of Taylor Fritz who's basically become more famous than half the women's tour?
The Influencer Takeover Nobody Asked For
Listen. I've been covering tennis for almost a decade now, and this shift has been wild to watch. Riddle has nearly a MILLION followers across platforms (435K on Insta, 590K on TikTok). She's done Vogue photoshoots. She's launched jewelry lines. Meanwhile, actual professional players who've dedicated their entire lives to the sport can barely get a free racquet.
My editor bet me $20 last month that I couldn't write this piece without sounding jealous myself. (Sorry, Mark, you win.)
What's a Girl Gotta Do? Sweat Less?
Saville didn't hold back. "It's actually tennis Wags that fit into the aesthetics rather than us sweaty tennis players," she said. And there's the rub.
I interviewed a marketing exec at a major sports brand back in 2022 who told me - off the record - that they specifically look for "tennis adjacent" influencers because they "embody the lifestyle without the messy reality." Translation: they want the tennis aesthetic without actual athletic women who might have muscles or, heaven forbid, sweat.
The Brutal Numbers Game
Let's be real about something.
Saville was once ranked 20th in the world but has fallen to 108th. Meanwhile, Riddle's boyfriend Fritz is world No.4 and made the US Open final last year. TV cameras love finding the pretty girlfriend in the player's box during big matches. I spent $4K of my own money attending the US Open last year, and even I noticed how the broadcast kept cutting to Riddle every time Fritz won a point.
Is it fair? Absolutely not. Is it reality? Unfortunately.
Wait... Being a WAG Isn't All Champagne and Roses?
In a weird twist that nobody saw coming, Riddle recently shared some genuinely terrifying stories about life on tour - attempted kidnapping, getting electrocuted, and having Airbnbs broken into. Poor girl. (Though I feel stupid now for complaining about my hotel's weak WiFi during my last tournament coverage.)
A female player I spoke with last month at Indian Wells (who begged me not to use her name) said, "We're out here destroying our bodies while these girlfriends post cute outfit pics from the stands and get paid more than our tournament winnings." Her response when I told her I was writing about this topic: "already updating my resume to become someone's girlfriend instead."
The Saltiness Is Real
Saville ended her TikTok with: "Sorry if I came across salty AF. I'm done here." But should she apologize for being frustrated? I don't think so.
The tennis aesthetic is trendy right now - all those cute pleated skirts and preppy vibes are everywhere from Urban Outfitters to TikTok fashion hauls. But instead of partnering with the women who actually play the sport professionally, brands are running like lovesick puppies to the girlfriends in the stands.
It's like hiring someone who watches cooking shows to represent your restaurant instead of the actual chef. Make it make sense.
Is There Room For Both?
Saville thinks there "surely" should be space for both WAGs and female tennis players... but that it's the athletes who "always get left out."
I've been following women's tennis since Venus and Serena first hit the scene (showing my age here...). The marketing potential has ALWAYS been there. Yet somehow in 2024, we've created a world where being adjacent to talent is more profitable than being the talent.
And that's the real problem.
Would I turn down a Vogue photoshoot and jewelry line if offered? Hell no. But I'd like to think I earned my opportunities through, you know, actual skill and hard work rather than dating the right person.
Maybe I'm just getting old and cranky. Or maybe Saville is onto something when she asks if it's "more inspiration to be a Wag than a female athlete" in today's world.
What do you think? Drop me a comment or find me on Twitter where I'll be doom-scrolling through tennis WAG content while questioning all my life choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the daily schedule of a professional tennis player?
A top tennis player's daily training program is rigorous and well-structured. It is often a long day on the courts, focusing on tactics, drills, and match-play situations. Additionally, players engage in fitness sessions tailored to enhance strength, agility, and endurance, complemented by flexibility and recovery activities, such as stretching, massage, or physiotherapy. In addition, proper nutrition and mental coaching are essential components to ensure athletes maintain peak performances both physically as well as mentally.
What is the age at which a player should begin to train for a shot at professional status?
Starting early in training is an advantage. While there's no standard age to begin professional tennis, it is a good idea. Most professional tennis players start training between the age of 4 and 7 years old. Early development allows for a player to establish a solid foundation with regards to skills, technique and coordination. It's important to balance the training with childhood development in order to foster a love for the sport without injury or burnout.
How important is diet and nutrition in the training of an elite tennis players?
Tennis players do not fall short of the requirements for a healthy diet and nutrition. An appropriate diet helps support intensive training. It provides the energy needed, aids in recovery, and lowers the risk for injury. The diet of an elite athlete is typically a mixture of carbohydrates and proteins with vitamins and essential minerals. A good fluid balance will help you avoid fatigue and keep your concentration high during the game.
What role does video analysis play in training top tennis players?
The video analysis is essential for the development and training of top-level tennis players. It allows detailed reviews of technique, tactic, opponent patterns and match play. Video analysis allows coaches and players alike to review strokes in detail, identify areas for improvement, strategize and plan against future opponents. It can also help to recognize habits and patterns that are often overlooked in the heat of competition. This allows for more effective and focused practice sessions.
How important are mental and psychological factors in tennis training for you?
Tennis requires mental and psychological training as much as physical training. Tennis players must learn how to handle stress, focus and the emotional highs or lows that come with competition. Many players use techniques such as mental rehearsals, visualization and goal-setting. A sports psychologist can assist players in building resilience, developing coping strategies to deal with pressure, and elevating their mental game so that it matches their physical prowess.
Statistics
- Research indicates that junior tennis players who compete in international tournaments gain significant psychological advantage and experience, with participation leading to a 50% better transition into professional rankings.
- Engaging in structured video analysis sessions has been shown to improve a player's tactical decision-making by approximately 35%.
- Approximately 70% of a professional tennis player's training time is devoted to developing technique and on-court strategies.
- Top tennis players typically train for 4 to 6 hours per day, divided between on-court practice and fitness training.
- On average, it's estimated that only 1 in 5000 high-level junior tennis players will develop into internationally ranked professionals.
External Links
How To
How to Prepare for a Tennis Match by Creating a Warm-up Program
A warm-up for tennis matches should prepare both the mind and body to compete. Start your warm-up with 5-10 minute of cardio exercises like jogging and jumping jacks. This will raise your heartbeat and your muscles. You can then move on to dynamic stretches, focusing primarily on your legs. arms, and torso, to improve flexibility without losing muscle strength. Use sport-specific movements to rehearse serves, volleys and groundstrokes. Practice agility drills for your footwork. Finish with short serves or short points to improve timing. A comprehensive warm-up routine can improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury.
CricketBoxingFormula 1GolfHorse RacingPremier LeagueTennisDartsPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
