23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams has been awarded with another accolade in her record-breaking career.

The 37-year-old has come top in this year’s Most Fashionable list by Sports Illustrated in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers In America. The honour recognizes athletes who have stood out from the crowd with what they wear. Those who make the shortlist are selected by a panel of stylists, fashion editors and executives and other influencers across the sports and fashion industries.

“My whole career has been really about tennis and fashion. I always try to make a statement when I walk out on the court—to be bold and to be unique and to kind of transcend. I always try to send the message of just being confident and being fierce.” Williams told Sports Illustrated.

Williams has made headlines on the court for the outfits she wears. After wearing a catsuit at last year’s French Open, she opted for a more straightforward design in this year’s tournament. Wearing a zebra-striped outfit decorated with the words ‘mother, champion, queen, goddess’ in French. It was designed by Virgil Abloh, who was named in Time’s 100 most influential people in the world back in 2018. At Wimbledon, the Nike tick on her all-white clothing was made up of 34 Swarovski ® crystals to mark the last time she won the title at the age of 34.

The fashion sense of the American wasn’t a hit with everybody. Her catsuit triggered criticism from the head of the French Tennis Federation. Bernard Giudicelli told France’s Tennis Magazine in 2017 ‘I believe we have sometimes gone too far. Serena’s outfit this year, for example, would no longer be accepted. You have to respect the game and the place.’ Williams later played down those comments.

“People always have things to say when you’re wearing fashion. It could be good things. It could be bad things. I don’t care what people say. I’m like just so past it—you could say whatever you want to say.” She said.
“Honestly, you’re allowed to have your opinion. My life is far too complicated to worry about people that want to say mean things. I have a daughter, I have a family, I have a career. I have too much to worry about.”

Williams recently finished runner-up at Wimbledon after losing to Simona Halep in the final. She is set to play at both the Rogers Cup in Canada and Cincinnati Open before the next grand slam tournament.

Note: video embedded from si.com.

On Sunday Roger Federer was twice a point away from winning his 21st grand slam title at Wimbledon. Taking on world No.1 Novak Djokovic, the Swiss player failed to convert two match points. Resulting in him eventually losing in the final set tiebreaker after five hours of play on Center Court.

It was the 22nd time Federer has lost after having match point opportunities and the sixth time he has done so in a grand slam tournament. 13 out of those 22 matches saw him have more than one chance to seal victory. The most notable of those took place back in 2010 at the Paris Masters. Playing France’s Gael Monfils, Federer failed to convert five match point opportunities as he lost 7-6(7), 6-7(1), 7-6(4).

The unfortunate outcome has happened to the 37-year-old at least once every year since 2013. Furthermore, since 2017 he has failed to win after having match points twice each season.

Djokovic is the only person to fight back against Federer on multiple occasions at grand slam level. Besides his recent triumph at Wimbledon, the Serbian also saved two match points to beat Federer in their US Open clashes in 2010 and 2011. Djokovic is the only player to have ever done this against Federer on three separate occasions.

Looking at the overall picture, those 22 matches represents only 0.83% of his total losses on the ATP Tour since turning pro (22 out of 265). Federer’s current win-loss record stands at 1222-265. Claiming a total of 102 titles, which is the second highest in the Open Era. Jimmy Connors is currently first with 1274 wins and 109 titles.

Since 2000, there has been five seasons where the former world No.1 hasn’t lost a match after being in prime position. They were in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012.

Here is a breakdown of those 22 matches:-

source of data – Simon Graf/derbund.ch

When a grand slam ends, many take a break to rest and recover from what has been a blockbuster two weeks of action. Headlined by Simona Halep’s and Novak Djokovic’s triumphs in the singles tournaments. However, the sport does not rest and plenty has gone on during the past couple of days.

Here are four post-Wimbledon stories you might have missed.

Halep’s hero’s welcome

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Since winning the Wimbledon title, Simona Halep has made headlines across her home country of Romania. She returned back home on Monday and later that day it was announced that she would receive the ‘Star of Romania.’ The highest honour that can be handed out by the state. Halep is the first Romanian to have ever won the Wimbledon title.

“The final wasn’t as easy as it looked like. Emotionally, it was difficult, there was a big emotional charge, but I was clear in my tactics. I consider I played the perfect match on the perfect day.” The 27-year-old said during a press conference earlier this week.
“I didn’t think for a moment about the score or about what happens on court. All I wanted was to do my job and take my chances. Darren Cahill gave me some tips before the final, but it was just some friendly advice. My official coach is now Daniel Dobre.”

It has also been revealed that Halep will be the official flag bearer for Romania at the 2020 Olympic Games. The confirmation first occurred when she was questioned by a journalist. In the background there was a nod of approval from Mihai Covaliu, who is the head of the Romanian Olympic Committee.

“This is a huge success because, as you know, we don’t have grass tennis courts in Romania. As a matter of fact, there aren’t many countries to have lawn courts.” She said.
“When we are children it’s difficult to think we will ever have the chance to play at Wimbledon and win, but now the dream has come true and I hope to be an inspiration to the young generation. Make them believe in themselves, that everything is possible and never give up.”

A celebration to honour Halep’s latest achievement will take place on Wednesday at the National Arena in Bucharest.