Tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s baby son was spotted adorably cheering his father’s drop shot winner against Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam exhibition. In other news, Serena Williams showed off her dancing skills during American pop star Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Miami.
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu reflected on her Porsche GT3 experience amid rumored tensions with the German sportscar maker. Ben Shelton shared his thoughts on the possibility of a showdown with Rafael Nadal in his farewell tournament at the Davis Cup Finals.
Also, Djokovic issued a heartfelt appeal to his longtime rival Nadal following their last dance at the Six Kings Slam exhibition.
On that note, here’s a recap of today’s top tennis news:
Serena Williams enjoys a night of dancing at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Miami
Serena Williams gave fans a peek into her time at Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ Tour concert, held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on October 18.
Williams attended the concert and took to Instagram to share a memorable moment, capturing herself dancing and enjoying Swift’s lively performance.
“Oh just a casual Swifty over here (maybe not so casual),” Williams wrote in the caption.
Rafael Nadal’s baby son caught cheering father’s drop shot winner at Six Kings Slam exhibition
Rafael Nadal’s baby son Rafa Jr. captured everyone’s attention as he adorably cheered his father at the Six Kings Slam.
During the match for third place, Rafa Jr., who was sitting in his mother Maria Francisca Perello’s lap courtside, was seen clapping for his father’s impressive drop shot winner, despite the Spanish tennis legend’s 6-2, 7-6(5) loss to his longtime rival Novak Djokovic.
Watch the video here:
Next month, Rafael Nadal will represent Spain in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The 22-time Major champion will retire after this event.
Emma Raducanu looks back on Porsche GT3 memories amid speculation of conflicts with the German sportscar maker
Emma Raducanu looked back on her time driving a Porsche GT3, amidst buzz about a possible fallout with the German luxury car brand.
The 21-year-old tennis star lost access to her Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, a perk from her 2022 brand ambassador deal after the brand reportedly reclaimed the $163,000 vehicle. A spokesperson confirmed this to the Daily Mail, sparking talk of potential conflicts.
Raducanu shared photos on her Instagram story from a promotional shoot with the brand, reminiscing about her Porsche GT3 experience from two years ago.
“Memories of @brandshatchofficial,” Raducanu captioned her story.
“Can’t believe this was two years ago…so excited that a new GT3 has been unveiled.”
Ben Shelton eyes a potential battle with Rafael Nadal in Davis Cup Finals
Ben Shelton talked about the chance of facing Rafael Nadal in the latter’s farewell tournament at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
Shelton, who recently triumphed at the UTS (Ultimate Tennis Showdown) exhibition in Frankfurt by defeating Ugo Humbert, was featured in a clip with Gael Monfils discussing the prospect of playing against the Spanish tennis legend.
The American tennis star remarked that being Nadal’s last opponent would be a “nightmare,” but Monfils encouraged him, stating that it would be an experience to treasure.
“If it’s our match, he ends up playing me, I’m gonna be so tight. So tight. He’s gonna be (grunting). The crowd, everything… No. This is my nightmare,” the American said.
“But it will be a crazy experience for you,” the Frenchman said.
“I’m praying that it happens. I’m praying it doesn’t happen.”
“I understand. But it can be, as I told you, one of the best experience of your career.”
“For sure,” Shelton replied.
Novak Djokovic sends a touching plea to Rafael Nadal after their final encounter at the Six Kings Slam exhibition
Novak Djokovic paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime rival, Rafael Nadal, after their last match at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh.
During the third-place trophy ceremony, Djokovic reflected on their rivalry, expressing deep respect for the Spaniard and calling him an “incredible” athlete and person.
“I go back to the start, when we first played, in 2005. Who would know we’d be standing here almost 20 years later, with 60 times we faced each other on the biggest stages in the sport.”
“I have the utmost respect for you, incredible athlete, incredible person. The rivalry has been incredible and very intense, so I hope we’ll have the chance to sit on the beach and have a little drink and talk about life, reflecting on something else,” he added.
The Serb highlighted the immense honor of sharing the court with Nadal and lauded the 22-time Major champion’s legacy. In an emotional moment, Djokovic pleaded with the Spaniard to postpone his retirement.
“It’s been an incredible honour, an incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s quite an emotional moment, we’ve been playing so many matches over the years. Don’t leave tennis man, stay a little bit more. You left an incredible legacy and mark. We really appreciate it.”
Novak Djokovic is preparing for the upcoming Paris Masters (October 28 – November 3). With a record seven titles and a 50-9 win-loss record at this ATP Masters 1000 event, he’s ready to add another notch to his belt.