Tennis has long been an integral part of life for certain celebrities, who devote much of their time and energy to playing the sport, often competing against others as well.
Some even host celebrity tournaments that combine Hollywood glamour with professional tennis.
Jon Hamm and Barry Gibb, known for his musical group the Bee Gees, are two celebrities that may surprise you as tennis enthusiasts! Check out these celebs who share a passion for tennis!
1. Roger Federer
Roger Federer began his tennis career by engaging in several different sports at age 12. At 12, however, he decided to focus his efforts in tennis alone and began dedicating six hours per week for practice – his commitment paid off as soon as he became Switzerland’s junior champion!
After an unsuccessful season at Wimbledon (where he lost to Novak Djokovic), Andy Murray found redemption at the ATP World Tour Finals in London by winning all his matches without giving away a set and being named fans’ favourite as well as being honored with the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award.
Roger Federer had an outstanding start to 2012 in Doha where he beat Marcos Baghdatis in four sets. At the French Open he was challenged by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga but came through to win this tournament and tie Pete Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slam titles.
2. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal rose to stardom thanks to a unique combination of speed and power on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour. Famed for his topspin-heavy shots and fierce play on clay courts, Nadal is considered among the greatest male players ever, having won 22 grand slam titles during his illustrious career.
In 2022, Federer won his 21st Australian Open, breaking a tie with Novak Djokovic for most singles titles ever won by men in men’s tennis. Additionally, he became only the second player ever to hold all four major tournaments as well as Olympic gold medals simultaneously (Golden Slam).
Nadal was born in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain in 1986. He married Xisca Perello who serves as project director of his Rafa Nadal Foundation and they share one child named Rafael.
3. Serena Williams
Serena Williams is one of the most acclaimed women in tennis history, having amassed 21 Grand Slam singles titles over her illustrious career and five Olympic medals to her credit. Additionally, she holds multiple notable achievements that span multiple fields – such as reaching world No. 1.
She is best known for her powerful tennis style and carefully chosen equipment, such as Puma apparel and footwear and Wilson Hammer 6.4 Stretch Power Holes rackets from Wilson Hammer. Additionally, she holds endorsement deals with Chase Bank, Gatorade, Audemars Piguet and OnePiece among many other companies.
In January 2017, Serena opened up to PEOPLE about the profound effect her marriage and daughter Alexis Olympia have had on her life. Alexis Ohanian and Serena are inseparable; often making public appearances together and acting as fashion icons with matching outfits that have earned them the title “fashionista.” They even launched their own clothing line together: S by Serena.
4. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Anastasia Sergeyevna Pavlyuchenkova is a Russian professional tennis player. She has reached three Grand Slam singles finals – her debut was at Roland-Garros 2021.
After competing at the Shenzhen Open for just three days, ninth-ranked Pavlyuchenkova returned to the French Open as she made an impressive quarterfinal showing against qualifier Kiki Bertens and won her match to return into the Top 20 rankings.
Pavlyuchenkova reached her first semifinal since 2015’s Kremlin Cup by easily defeating Nina Bratchikova and Timea Babos before defeating Angelique Kerber again for victory at Roland Garros in 2023 rematch, climbing into the Top 20 in her best result since her return from injury in 2023. Pavlyuchenkova donned an eye-catching black Lacoste Roland Garros Dress that featured vibrant colors as well as an eye-catching zipper and used Wilson Racquets during Roland Garros 2023 tournament.
5. Venus Williams
Venus Williams is not only a pro tennis player; she’s also an established entrepreneur with her own line of fitness apparel dubbed EleVen Gear. Recently, Venus shared some stunning pictures on Instagram featuring herself working out while wearing EleVen gear on an sunny day!
In 2019, she spent $10 million on a waterfront “retirement home” for herself and Serena Williams on Jupiter Island, Florida. This property includes three structures on one lot with ocean views and tropical gardens – with one house acting as main house, two guest houses, plus the main house itself!
Early this year, she competed in the Brasil Tennis Cup in Sao Paulo, defeating Mirjana Lucic-Baroni and Garbine Muguruza en route to reaching the semifinals; unfortunately she fell to Magdalena Rybarikova instead. Additionally, she won three Tier II tournaments during US summer hardcourt season: Silicon Valley Classic in Stanford, San Diego Classic and Pilot Pen Tennis championships held in New Haven.
6. Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having amassed five Grand Slam victories and amassing over $195 Million from prize money, endorsements and business ventures.
She made her WTA Tour debut in 2001 and quickly established herself as one of the premier players. Her aggressive power game makes an immediate impression across fast grass courts, hard courts and carpet surfaces.
She has also been widely lauded for her athleticism and grace on the court. A natural competitor, she always finds a way to win even when down a set. Grunting, screaming and hustleing aside, she always finds a way to complete the task at hand – especially her flat, powerful forehand which often uses something known as the “buggy whip” technique to hit winners from defensive positions.
7. Kim Clijsters
Kim Clijsters recently returned to the WTA tour after taking seven years off to focus on raising her children. A testament to her commitment and love of tennis, the “Tennis Mama” has shown the dedication necessary for an impressive comeback.
She boasts an excellent forehand that draws power from its low center of gravity and superb balance, and makes few unforced errors; all while possessing a solid defensive style!
Carl Maes, Academy Director at Kim’s training facility in Bree, Belgium has been helping Kim improve her tennis skills. Carl has assisted with key concepts to enhance on-court performance – improving movement and increasing consistency are just two key areas to focus on when developing tennis skills – so having access to suitable equipment will allow Kim to reach her goals more efficiently.
8. Garbie Muguruza
Garbine Muguruza, from Spain, has won two Grand Slam titles during her tennis career and is sponsored by tennis powerhouses Babolat and Adidas. She utilizes a Babolat Pure Drive 2021 racquet while donning Adidas apparel and shoes.
After an impressive 2021 season, Muguruza struggled in 2022. At one point she reached the top 10, but ultimately finished at No 55 on the ranking list.
Muguruza’s ESTP personality type motivates her to compete on the court with gusto and dare take risks to remain an impressive opponent. Her boldness and unwavering willingness to take chances make her an exceptional challenger.
Muguruza possesses an immense social consciousness, serving as an Ambassador for Room to Read Education NGO and actively advocating gender equality and refugee rehabilitation. She is currently engaged to Arthur Borges.
9. Tomas Berdych
Tomas Berdych has won three ATP singles titles – two at Paris Masters in 2005 and Halle in 2007. As an all-round player, Berdych can prevail on all surfaces.
Head has sponsored his racquets since 2010, and Berdych is an ESTJ and Enneagram Type 5w6.
Tomas Berdych made history at the US Open, defeating world number one Roger Federer before losing to Andy Murray. Additionally, he reached quarter finals at each grand slam tournament he entered; along with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Stanislas Wawrinka he is one of only three players ever to defeat all Big Four members at major tournaments. Alongside tennis he enjoys ice hockey – supporting Detroit Red Wings fanatically – and his foundation provides sports development for children and adults in Czech Republic.
10. Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev was born in Hamburg, Germany to professional tennis player parents Alexander Sr and Irina. Young Sascha (often referred to as Sascha) was immersed in tennis from an early age; playing alongside Mischa who became an accomplished pro at an earlier age.
Zverev has quickly established himself since making the transition from amateur to professional in 2013. Since 2013, he has made himself one of the tour’s premier players, quickly rising from being unranked in 2013 to currently holding down world rank three. Since his ATP title victory at St Petersburg 2016 and two Masters 1000 titles won since, including reaching the semifinals at both Olympic Games without dropping any sets without dropping a single game against Lu, Galan, Basilasvili, or Chardy; Zverev has set his sights high!