Tennis Takes Center Stage as Hollywood Stars Sit Out: An Inside Look at the Rise of Tennis Players Amid Actor-Writer Strikes
As Hollywood stars take a professional hiatus amid the ongoing actor-writer strikes, tennis players are making headlines on newsstands across the country. The rise of tennis players in the media comes just in time for the 2023 U.S. Open, which is scheduled to take place from August 23 to September 10.
In recent weeks, the pages of popular publications such as the New York Times, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, GQ, Vogue, and more have been graced by some of the biggest names in tennis. Players like Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, Andy Roddick, and numerous others have captured the attention of tennis fans and the general public alike.
The recent surge in tennis coverage is noteworthy due to the prominent presence of non-legacy players leading up to the Open. Experts attribute this trend to several factors, including the popularity of shows like Netflix’s Break Point, which features a new generation of up-and-coming tennis stars, as well as the limitations imposed on actors during the strikes. The ongoing negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, as well as the strike by SAG-AFTRA, have prohibited actors and writers from discussing or working on union-related projects with journalists.
As a result, journalists and magazine editors have faced challenges in covering actors, prompting a shift to featuring athletes and musicians instead. Philip Picardi, founder of Conde Nast’s Them and former chief content officer at Teen Vogue, explains that featuring athletes is easier from a marketing perspective and avoids potential conflicts associated with the strikes. This trend of featuring athletes on magazine covers and in various media outlets has been unfolding over the past decade, with tennis stars like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer being perceived as more relatable and reflective of readers’ values.
Television shows like Break Point, McEnroe, Andy Murray: Resurfacing, Venus and Serena, and Naomi Osaka have also played a significant role in generating public interest in tennis. By showcasing the compelling stories and psychodrama of the sport’s stars, these shows have attracted new generations of enthusiasts. Brendan McIntyre, senior director of corporate communications for the United States Tennis Association, notes that the increased interest in tennis has resulted in a growth in participation, with over 23.6 million people picking up a racket and taking to the courts since 2019, representing a 32.5% increase.
The role of tennis and its players in fashion trends is hard to ignore, with Serena Williams in particular having made a significant impact in this sphere. As the U.S. Open approaches, enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the excitement surrounding the event. Philip Picardi believes that the popularity of tennis will continue to grow as new generations of players emerge and use their platform to address important issues. He emphasizes the crossover appeal of tennis players for mega-brands and credits the ongoing legacy of Serena Williams and other greats of the sport.
In conclusion, the ongoing actor-writer strikes in Hollywood have inadvertently propelled tennis players into the spotlight, with numerous publications featuring non-legacy players just in time for the 2023 U.S. Open. The increased coverage can be attributed to the limitations placed on actors during the strikes and the popularity of shows showcasing tennis stars. Tennis has become a force in popular culture and fashion, with players like Serena Williams leading the way. Moving forward, the sport is expected to continue attracting a wide-ranging audience and captivating fans with both its on-court action and off-court influence.
