🎾 Court Couture

Black history happens when they touch the court.

Author

Angela Hollowell
February 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Good morning to Serena Williams and Serena Williams only. I appreciate her for not letting Black History Month pass without us saying her name. She even gave us the complete behind-the-scenes look at how she prepared for her performance because even the greats need practice. Her sister Venus also understood the assignment and put the tennis world on notice. So let’s talk about our favorite tennis girlies this season (so far). It could just be me but I feel like we’re fresh off the heels of the Olympics and they needed more time to rest, but I’m happy to see them back in action.

Coco Gauff photographed in her New Balance kit.

Coco Gauff premiered her custom New Balance outfit and shoe this season and broke a record previously set by Venus Williams. She made a pitstop at Unrivaled in Miami to check on the WNBA girlies and her investment into women’s sports. Her financial generosity doesn’t stop there; she also donated $100K to the UNCF to provide scholarships for students who play tennis.

Supporting UNCF in creating opportunities for student-athletes in tennis means a lot to me. As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving in both sports and education. I want to help the next generation of student-athletes continue pursuing their passion for tennis while reaching their academic goals.

Coco Gauff for HBCU Gameday

The tennis season isn’t over yet, but she’s signing off on the start of a great run honoring TikTok and the firefighters in Los Angeles.

pictured: Naomi Osaka’s Nike GP Challenge 1 Sunflower shoe

Naomi Osaka is starting the season off strong, ranking her highest since she went on maternity leave. She’s gotten to a finals match, but had to withdraw due to injury which hurt me just as much as it hurt her (unlikely, but you get my point). I’m rooting for her! We’re all rooting for her! Luckily, it’s not a season-ending injury and she’ll be competing in the UK at the first women’s event at the HSBC Championships this summer.

To be a part of the first women’s event at the LTA’s HSBC Championships in over 50 years is exciting and something that makes me incredibly proud. It's very special to compete at an historic venue like The Queen’s Club, and with the strength of the women's game right now, it's going to be a fantastic event.

Naomi Osaka for LTA

Also an LA resident, Naomi took a moment after her first win at the Australian Open to thank the firefighters for their tireless work.

Alycia Parks at the Australian Open 2025

Alycia Parks is a name I wasn’t super familiar with before this year, but now I’m sure I won’t forget it. She’s won 5 out of 9 main-draw matches this year and reached the semi-finals in the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. Though her run in Dubai was cut short, it wasn’t without its victories. Definitely hope we continue to see more of her this season.

Sloane Stephens photographed at the L.C. Coleman Court, home of the Charlotte Invitational.

Sloane Stephens is in her 15th year of pro tennis and has openly contemplated how much longer she will continue to play. As a North Carolinian, I was happy to see her use part of her off-season to come to Charlotte for an incredible matchup at the end of last year. Thankfully, she’s giving us at least one last dance. She’ll be playing in Mexico next week on a wild card and I’m rooting for her to make herself proud first, and us proud second.

Taylor Thompson is an incredible doubles player who doesn’t have a shoe deal or major fashion label sponsor but who definitely should. She’s currently the No. 5 ranked women’s doubles player, she’s the reigning Wimbledon Doubles Champion, She was a finalist in mixed doubles at the US Open, and went to another Grand Slam final at the Australian Open this year. Are you not entertained?! Nike, New Balance, Athlete, On, Lululemon, somebody. Make it happen! Her performance greatly outweighs anything else. Women’s basketball is finally coming around to promoting athletes who are not the stereotypical femme-presenting. I hope tennis makes its way there shortly because there’s no excuse at this point.

Community Spotlight

Go Surfing San Diego

If you’re in the San Diego area and looking for a group of women to catch waves with, check out this meet-up group! It’s created by women for women of all ages. If you’re looking for some fun in the sun this year, this could be a great way to increase your surfing skills and meet new friends.

🥂 The Last Word

It’s an honor to see these women compete at the highest levels of international competition at different stages in their careers. Maybe they’ll be in the next Super Bowl ad honoring women athletes.

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Penned,

Angela 🤙🏾✨

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