#19 SA. Sport And experiences
About... 🎾 Sabalenka is now a two-time champion at 25. This was the last slam before turning 26 🤯 and Cup 71 is on its way ⚽
🎾 Sabalenka is now a two-time champion at 25. This was the last slam before turning 26 🤯
Aryna Sabalenka´s name has been etched onto the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup once again, after the second seed claimed the Australian Open 2024 women’s singles title by overpowering Zheng Qinwen.
Victory hands Sabalenka bragging rights as the fifth player since the turn of the century to win an AO women’s singles final without dropping a set, after Ash Barty in 2022, Serena Williams in 2017, Sharapova in 2008 and Lindsay Davenport in 2000. It’s the 14th title of her career, and a 12th on a hard court.
“Thank you Evonne for being such an inspiration for all of us and receiving this beautiful trophy from you is a pleasure for me,” said Sabalenka, who was presented with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup by Evonne Goolagong Cawley, on the 50th anniversary of the Australian legend’s first AO triumph.
By the way, want to know how the Daphne got to the center ring? Go to the last section and I'll tell you in the BONUS.
⚽ Copa 71'
Copa 71', a documentary produced by Venus and Serena Williams - along with two-time FIFA World Cup winner Alex Morgan - about the forgotten Women's World Cup of 1971, is coming to theaters soon.
In 1971, Mexico hosted an unofficial Women's World Cup. The tournament was organized by the Federation of Independent European Women's Football, 20 years before the first FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991 and 50 years after women's football was banned in England. Six teams took part in the tournament: Mexico, Denmark, England, France, Italy and Argentina.
Mexico 1971 was a huge success, attracting a staggering number of spectators. 80,000 people watched the group game between Mexico and England, numbers that are still unheard of for women's matches. More than 110,000 fans packed the Azteca Stadium to see Denmark defeat the hosts in the final - the largest crowd ever for a women's sporting event.
The 1971 Women's World Cup in Mexico was a major turning point in the history of the women's game. Most football associations that had previously banned women from playing had lifted their bans in 1970 - including England, France and Germany - but the women's game still lacked funding, infrastructure and support. In 1972, less than a year after the unofficial World Cup, the Lionesses were formed and played their first match against Scotland later that year.
The untold story of one of soccer's greatest tournaments finally gets its due. The film - supported by archive footage and nostalgic recollections - features players who took part in the game-changing tournament, as well as contemporary players who pay tribute to those who laid the foundations for international women's football as we know it.
Copa 71" opens in theaters on March 8, International Women's Day.
🔥 Daphne arriving in style 🏆 with Louis Vuitton
The Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup trophy case was on display during the women's final presentation ceremony.
"With spectacular light and sound shows and the center court wrapped in 360-degree digital LED walls, we have the unique ability to build a theatrical experience around our trophy presentations, which is further enhanced by the inclusion of these beautiful custom-made trophy cases," said Cornelis.
Handcrafted in Louis Vuitton's workshops outside of Paris, the women's Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup features brass details, leather trim and clasps that have been used by the company since the 1860s.
"Louis Vuitton is renowned for creating iconic cases and we are delighted with the stunning hand-crafted custom cases created for our historic Australian Open trophies," Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said in a statement.
"The Australian Open and Louis Vuitton both share a commitment to unparalleled excellence and innovation, while maintaining a deep respect for history, tradition and the celebration of legendary achievement and skill."
"We are proud to announce this new partnership with the first Grand Slam tournament of 2024, which once again demonstrates that victory travels in Louis Vuitton," added Pietro Beccari, CEO of Louis Vuitton. "For more than 170 years, the Maison has created bags that embody excellence, creativity and audacity, all values we share with the world's greatest sporting events."
While sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas and Fila continue to dominate players' wardrobes during matches, luxury labels have found ways to capitalize on international tennis coverage beyond the trophy cabinet.
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