Rafael Nadal is back in training, aiming for a Qatar Open return, after the 2024 Australian Open withdrawal due to injury.
Jannik Sinner received backing from Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs after facing backlash for meeting controversial Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen showed off the 2024 Australian Open runner-up trophy during an official photoshoot in a $2850 dress.
#1 – Rafael Nadal returns to training mode following Australian Open withdrawal, eyes Qatar comeback
Rafael Nadal has resumed his training after sitting out the 2024 Australian Open due to an injury.
Nadal’s absence from the Melbourne Major was attributed to an injury sustained during the Brisbane International quarterfinal against Jordan Thompson. The Spaniard is gearing up for the Qatar Open, which will be held from February 19-25, 2024.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion posted a picture of him training at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy on his Instagram account.
“After a period of not putting anything on here, here we are. Back to the training sessions… with more intensity,” Nadal wrote.
#2 – Serena Williams’ former coach backs Jannik Sinner after criticism for meeting Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni
Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs came to Jannik Sinner’s defence, who faced criticism for meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Following his victory at the 2024 Australian Open, Sinner received a warm welcome in Rome, where he later accepted an invitation to visit Meloni’s office.
Some tennis fans expressed disappointment at the meeting due to the Prime Minister’s controversial political positions, including her alleged ‘far-right politics.’
In response to the criticism, Stubbs defended Sinner highlighting his integrity and asserting that Italy should take pride in having an individual like him.
“You will not meet a nicer guy than Jannik Sinner! Whatever your politics or his, this guy is a guy all Italians should be proud of,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
#3 – Zheng Qinwen flaunts a $2850 dress while posing with the 2024 Australian Open runner-up trophy
Zheng Qinwen lost to Aryna Sabalenka, 3-6, 2-6, in the final at the 2024 Australian Open. Zheng is the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam final since Li Na in 2014.
In an official trophy photoshoot, Zheng was seen in a $2,850 tweed wool-blend dress by the Italian luxury women’s clothing brand Miu Miu.
