I think it's funny her super fans think it's inappropriate for Serena to be subject to real journalism. Her super fans believe her being asked about her obvious return to the sport is wrong because journalists should just turn a blind eye and let her marketing team create a publicity stunt "shock" & "surprise" return to tennis. (Apparently it is also ok for Serena to lie and pretend she is confused why this topic is being mentioned on Twitter and in interviews.) But when Serena does announce her return, she will want as much journalists covering it as possible. It reminds me of when Naomi wouldn't do press interviews after matches during French Open 2021, but did a fluff piece interview and cover shoot in Vogue Japan around the same time. I do not think athletes can have it both ways, imho.
I mostly agree with this comment, but will say that in the specific case of Naomi's Vogue Japan cover, that was all shot and finalized many months in advance of the publication date, well before she expressed any discomfort with press.
Fair point on the Naomi timeline regarding the Vogue Japan puff piece. I still standby these athletes that want press coverage when they have something to sell (i.e., Ro) but then want press to look the other way when the coverage would not be as convenient for them can't have it both ways.
This was my first thought too, but surely all the entry wildcards would be spoken for at this point right? as someone with several night session tickets for the tourney, rooting for Serena to be there!
Ok, super in the weeds but I was watching the latest Players Box Podcast to see if Jess Pegula would say anything about Austin and they actually spent about 5 minutes on Austin. Apparently again Maddy was trying to come because she fell out of the top 10 after AO but somehow was once again denied entry by WTA. Also Jen Brady says she is playing ATX but she's not listed on the website.
She can drive to Miami Open so maybe she will play her first match there in dubs with Venus
I think it's funny her super fans think it's inappropriate for Serena to be subject to real journalism. Her super fans believe her being asked about her obvious return to the sport is wrong because journalists should just turn a blind eye and let her marketing team create a publicity stunt "shock" & "surprise" return to tennis. (Apparently it is also ok for Serena to lie and pretend she is confused why this topic is being mentioned on Twitter and in interviews.) But when Serena does announce her return, she will want as much journalists covering it as possible. It reminds me of when Naomi wouldn't do press interviews after matches during French Open 2021, but did a fluff piece interview and cover shoot in Vogue Japan around the same time. I do not think athletes can have it both ways, imho.
I mostly agree with this comment, but will say that in the specific case of Naomi's Vogue Japan cover, that was all shot and finalized many months in advance of the publication date, well before she expressed any discomfort with press.
Fair point on the Naomi timeline regarding the Vogue Japan puff piece. I still standby these athletes that want press coverage when they have something to sell (i.e., Ro) but then want press to look the other way when the coverage would not be as convenient for them can't have it both ways.
Her sister is playing the ATX Open in Austin that starts match play Feb 23...
Could be possible!
This was my first thought too, but surely all the entry wildcards would be spoken for at this point right? as someone with several night session tickets for the tourney, rooting for Serena to be there!
Last year there were 32 entries with 6 of them through qualifying. That leaves 26 non-qualifying. Looks like they have announced 23...
Venus has been announced pairing with Stearns, so sadly no Serena
Ok, super in the weeds but I was watching the latest Players Box Podcast to see if Jess Pegula would say anything about Austin and they actually spent about 5 minutes on Austin. Apparently again Maddy was trying to come because she fell out of the top 10 after AO but somehow was once again denied entry by WTA. Also Jen Brady says she is playing ATX but she's not listed on the website.