Forget Rookie Love! 4 NBA Stars Choose Experienced Women Over Young Models—What’s Going On?

Exploring why young NBA talents like Anthony Edwards and Jalen Green choose partners significantly older.

In the world of the NBA, where young stars are frequently in the spotlight, a new trend appears to be emerging: several of these athletes are forming significant relationships with women notably older than themselves. This phenomenon isn’t just about personal choices but reflects a broader acceptance and perhaps the benefits of maturity and experience in their partners, which seems to complement the lifestyle and pressures of professional athletes.

Anthony Edwards, the dynamic guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is a prominent example. At 22, he is in a relationship with Jeanine Robel, who is 30. \Unlike the traditional trajectory of young athletes dating within their age group, Edwards’ choice reflects a growing inclination among players to partner with individuals who bring not just love but potentially more life experience to the table.

Jeanine, who manages a popular Instagram account and shares her life’s significant moments online, has been a supportive figure in Edwards’ career, frequently spotted cheering him at games.

Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets, also 22, offers another case. He is dating Draya Michele, who is 39.

Michele, known for her appearances on reality TV and connections within the sports world, brings a different level of media savvy and experience to the relationship. Their private nature and the significant age gap have sparked conversations, yet it also shows a trend where personal choices are steering away from traditional norms, possibly indicating that younger NBA players are seeking partners who bring not just emotional but also a form of professional mentorship into their lives.

LaMelo Ball, the dynamic guard for the Charlotte Hornets and only 22 is in a relationship with Ana Montana, 34.

Ana, a model and influencer, has been in the public eye for some time, similar to Michele. Her maturity and established career might provide a grounding influence for Ball, whose career is subject to the high volatility and scrutiny that comes with being a top draft pick and a leading NBA star.PJ Washington of the Dallas Mavericks at 25, has a history of relationships providing an additional layer of interest to this discussion. PJ Washington’s relationships with Brittany Renner (32) and Alisah Chanel (27), both older than him and with significant social media followings, underline a pattern where personal and professional lines blur.

Washington and Renner, who is seven years his senior, had a relationship that caught the public’s eye due to its dramatic ending and the ensuing social media discourse around the responsibilities and financial aspects of celebrity relationships. Renner, a fitness model and social media influencer, was often in the spotlight during and after her relationship with Washington, which brought additional public scrutiny to their personal affairs.

Credit: TMZ Sports

After their breakup, Washington quickly moved on to Alisah Chanel, with whom he has since deepened his ties, culminating in marriage. Chanel, slightly older and also immersed in the world of social media influence, represents another instance where Washington seems drawn to partners who bring not only emotional but potentially a semblance of professional compatibility or challenge.

These relationships suggest a shift in how young NBA players are navigating fame, wealth, and personal life. Opting for partners who are older and presumably more experienced with the limelight and life’s complexities might be a strategic choice that offers these athletes a more stable and supportive home life.

This trend could be reflective of a broader cultural shift within the league, where the personal lives of athletes are as strategic and thought-out as their careers on the court. It also opens up discussions about power dynamics, media portrayal, and the personal development of athletes in the public eye.

 

NBA superstar Luka Doncic shows off his $5 million car collection

Luka Doncic, the NBA’s current scoring champion, recently told Esquire Magazine about his passion of vehicles. One of his collection’s pieces is an orange Koenigsegg Regera, which symbolises elegance and speed.

In addition to supercars, he has a black Apocalypse Hellfire 6×6 truck in his portfolio for a more rugged look.

His marine-blue 1968 Chevrolet Camaro reflects his fondness for classic automobiles.

 

The outfit is completed by a red Ferrari 812, which represents Italian workmanship and speed.

 

Doncic is unique in that he has a genuine excitement for each vehicle that extends beyond mere ownership. His enthusiasm for vehicles demonstrates his multifaceted personality outside of sports.

Doncic’s career in cars is only getting started, even as fans anticipate his days on the court. He makes a lasting impression on and off the court, whether he’s scorching tyres or dropping dimes.

 

 Celebrating Jon Bon Jovi: A Heartfelt Tribute to Father-Son Bonds

As we celebrate the birthday of the legendary Jon Bon Jovi, it’s essential to reflect not only on his monumental career but also on the profound influence of family, particularly the bond he shares with his father. Jon’s poignant words, “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me,” resonate deeply, encapsulating the essence of parental support and the transformative power of belief.

## A Legacy of Love and Support

Jon Bon Jovi, born John Francis Bongiovi Jr. on March 2, 1962, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, grew up in a close-knit family that laid the foundation for his future success. His father, John Bongiovi Sr., worked as a barber and was a significant figure in Jon’s life. The values instilled by his father—hard work, dedication, and the importance of believing in oneself—shaped Jon into the artist and philanthropist he is today.

From an early age, Jon displayed a passion for music, often singing and playing guitar. However, it was his father’s unwavering belief in his talent that fueled Jon’s ambition to pursue a career in music. In a world where dreams often face skepticism, having a father who champions your aspirations can make all the difference. John Bongiovi Sr. understood this and provided Jon with the encouragement he needed to chase his dreams relentlessly.

## The Power of Belief

The phrase “He believed in me” speaks volumes about the impact of parental support. For many, the journey to success is fraught with obstacles, self-doubt, and external criticism. Jon faced his share of challenges, particularly in the competitive world of music. Yet, each time he faltered, he could draw strength from the belief his father instilled in him. This belief acted as a safety net, allowing him to take risks and embrace opportunities without the paralyzing fear of failure.

Jon’s rise to fame with Bon Jovi in the 1980s was meteoric. Hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name” not only topped charts but also became anthems for a generation. Behind this success was a father who never wavered in his conviction that his son would achieve greatness. This unwavering support is a testament to the profound influence parents can have on their children’s lives.

## A Tribute Through Music

Jon Bon Jovi has often used his platform to express gratitude to his father. Many of his songs reflect themes of love, resilience, and the importance of family. Tracks like “Thank You for Loving Me” highlight the appreciation he feels for those who have supported him throughout his journey. His music serves as a tribute to the lessons learned from his father and the values that have guided him.

Moreover, Jon’s philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, echo his father’s teachings. The foundation focuses on helping those in need, particularly the homeless and underprivileged. This commitment to giving back is a direct reflection of the love and support he received from his father. It’s a full-circle moment, where the belief instilled in him is now being passed on to others.

## The Father-Son Connection

The bond between Jon and his father is not just about belief; it’s also about shared experiences and mutual respect. John Bongiovi Sr. has been a constant presence in Jon’s life, attending concerts and celebrating milestones. This connection exemplifies the importance of family in navigating the complexities of life and career.

As Jon continues to evolve as an artist and a person, the values imparted by his father remain at the forefront. The belief that he can achieve anything is a gift that keeps on giving, not only to Jon but also to his children. Jon often speaks about the importance of being a present father, ensuring that he provides the same support and love to his children that his father provided him.

## Reflections on Fatherhood

On this special day, as we celebrate Jon Bon Jovi’s birthday, it’s also a time to reflect on the significance of fatherhood. The relationship between fathers and their children is a powerful force that shapes identities and influences life choices. Jon’s relationship with his father serves as a reminder of the impact a supportive parent can have on a child’s journey.

In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, it’s crucial to remember that behind every successful person is a network of support, often anchored by family. Jon Bon Jovi’s story is a testament to this truth—a narrative woven with love, belief, and unwavering support.

## Conclusion

As we honor Jon Bon Jovi on his birthday, let us celebrate not only his incredible contributions to music and philanthropy but also the love and belief that his father instilled in him. The words, “He believed in me,” are more than just a reflection of Jon’s relationship with his father; they are a universal truth that resonates with many.

In a world where dreams can often feel out of reach, the belief of a parent can be the catalyst for greatness. Jon’s journey is a reminder that with love, support, and belief, anything is possible. Happy Birthday, Jon Bon Jovi! May your music continue to inspire and your story remind us all of the profound impact of family.

Jayson Tatum hasn’t been shy in stating his individual goals, sharing before the year that he’d like to win MVP and Finals MVP for the Celtics this season. The Celtics star has another goal in mind, too: becoming a face of the NBA.

In an interview with the Washington Post published earlier this week, Tatum shared that he’s “check all the boxes” to this point in his career while believing he’s been underappreciated.

“Honestly, no,” Tatum told the Post‘s Michael Lee when asked if he felt he’s been given proper respect for what he’s accomplished. “If you took the name and the face away from all my accomplishments and you’re just like ‘This is what this Player A accomplished at 26,’ people would talk about [me] a lot differently.”

Tatum’s comments to the Post, particularly his one on feeling underappreciated, seemed to be the hottest topic for debate in the NBA over the past week. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was among those who agreed with Tatum, calling him special as he listed off what he’s accomplished before turning 27 (three first-team All-NBA nods, a title, two NBA Finals appearances, five Eastern Conference finals appearances). Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd disagreed with the notion that Tatum could be one of the faces of the league, saying the NBA has only had three of its history (Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James) and that the Celtics star isn’t “cool” or good enough to reach that level.

While talking heads and pundits seemed to be a bit more split on Tatum’s points, ex-NBA players were a bit more receptive to his argument. Celtics icon Paul Pierce agreed with Tatum’s sentiment that he’s underappreciated, comparing him to an unflashy star during his time as a player.

“He’s 26 years old. Think about that. He just don’t get his due,” Piece said on “KG Uncertified.” “Last year, I said he’s the best American player. I still think that. Maybe because he’s not flamboyant, he’s private, and he don’t talk [shit]. He’s not demonstrative out there. I don’t know.

“He don’t bring attention to himself. That’s why people gravitate toward Ja [Morant], Anthony Edwards. He more like the wing Tim Duncan.”

Tatum certainly has a case to be named the best American player currently in the game. He’s one of just two American-born players to be named All-NBA over the last three years and is the only American-born under 30 to have three first-team All-NBA nods. His six All-Star nods are also the most for any player under the age of 30.

As Pierce said that Tatum is already “on pace to be one of the all-time greats,” he thinks there’s a reason why he’s a bit underappreciated.

“He plays for Boston. It’s just what it is,” Pierce said on why he thinks Tatum gets disrespected. “Even Larry Bird was underappreciated because at one point, he was the best player in the league even though it was always Magic [getting the attention.]

“Boston is the most hated franchise, most hated team in all of sports, in all of basketball for sure.”

Kevin Garnett agreed with Pierce’s thoughts as well. The all-time great said that while Tatum’s “not flashy,” he added that “every player that’s either his age or younger wishes he’s had the career he’s had.”

“The first thing you do when you get in the league, you’ve got this list of stuff you want to become: All-Star and all this other stuff you want to become,” Garnett said. “Then, as you get to No. 3, it starts to become MVP and [expletive] you’ve really got to go to another level. Guess what else is on there? Winning a championship. He’s 26 and he can cross that off. There’s a bunch of stuff he’s crossed off this list.”

Garnett also praised Tatum for being a “model,” noting that he’s also promoted financial literacy with SoFi and has a signature shoe with Jordan Brand.

“JT, stay how you are, bro,” Garnett said. “The real ones respect you and we see it and what you’re doing is classic. I hope all the young boys take a page out of your book and be a little more private.”

Beyond former Celtics stars, there were others who also believe that Tatum is underappreciated. In fact, Gilbert Arenas thinks that lack of relative appreciation Tatum gets is a sign he’s the face of the NBA.

“When you talk about him negatively compared to his actual résumé,” Arenas said on “Gil’s Arena” as former NBA player Nick Young agreed with him. “This is not the ’80s or ’90s where we made our superstar look good. For the last 20-something years, it’s been a negative thing on the face of the NBA. Whoever got bashed the most, didn’t even think about it.

“He is the face, because we pretend his résumé is not his résumé, so we want to tear him down.”

To Arenas’s point, LeBron James questioned earlier this week why anyone would want to be the face of the league as he feels the people who cover the league “[expletive] on it on a day-to-day basis.”

“There’s just weird energy when it comes to that,” James told reporters on Thursday.

As for current players, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton also went to bat for Tatum this week, calling whatever hate he gets “unwarranted.”

“He’s obviously an elite player in our league,” Hailburton, who was teammates with Tatum on the USA men’s basketball team at the 2024 Olympics, said of on the “Pat McAfee Show.” “He’s the best player on the best team in the NBA, off a championship. So I feel it’s not right for the hate that he gets. I think part of it could be that he went to Duke and he plays for the Celtics, two polarizing teams.

“Us as players, he has the respect from his peers. I think that’s what means more than anything else as an NBA player, the respect you get from your peers.”

With James’s career winding down, the face of the league discussion will certainly continue in the foreseeable future. As Tatum tries to amplify his case for the honor and lead the Celtics to another title, though, he seems to have the backing among former and current NBA players for that honor.

Paula Badosa’s boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas won his first ATP 500 title in Dubai.

Paula Badosa was quick to congratulate Stefanos Tsitsipas after his triumph in Dubai (Image: GETTY)

Paula Badosa congratulated her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas on winning the Dubai Championships title with a short but sweet message on social media. The 26-year-old secured his maiden ATP 500 triumph with a routine victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Saturday’s final. He needed just under 90 minutes to claim his first title of the year, wrapping it up with a powerful ace on his first match point.

Tsitsipas had lost all 11 previous finals he played in ATP 500 events, including the Dubai Championships in 2019 and 2020. He was determined to end the losing streak against Auger-Aliassime and did so in style, cruising to a 6-3 6-3 victory. It will see him return to the top 10 of the world rankings on Monday for the first time in 10 months.

Badosa, who has been dating Tsitsipas for around two years, was delighted with his latest achievement and took to Instagram to send him a heartfelt message. She shared an image of Tsitsipas lifting the trophy alongside the caption: “Once a champ, always a champ.”

Tsitsipas lifted the trophy after securing a routine victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime (Image: GETTY)

Tsitsipas, meanwhile, said he was relieved to finally win in Dubai after losing to Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in his previous two finals. He admitted that it was playing on his mind before the match, with the 26-year-old silencing his internal doubts to bring home the trophy.

“It’s a big relief that I’m able to hold that trophy after the third attempt,” said Tsitsipas. “It’s something that I had in the back of my mind, and I’m happy to say I accomplished it.
“To be owning a spot in the top 10 is definitely one of the greatest feelings a tennis player can experience. It comes with hard work and sacrifices, but I’m happy that I’m in a position where I can really celebrate.”

Before his semi-final win over Tallon Griekspoor, Tsitsipas revealed on Instagram that he would be dedicating the match to the victims of a train crash in his native Greece two years ago, which claimed 57 lives.

Quizzed on his emotional tribute after his victory over Auger-Aliassime, he pointed to his status as a role model in Greece and spoke of the power of sport to transcend borders and grief.

“I feel like in a way I’m responsible and I’m a spokesperson through sport, at least for my own country,” explained Tsitsipas. “Trying to lead good examples and positive things in the younger generation of my country, sort of providing solace and providing unity through that.”

“Trump Causes Shock: Signing Executive Order Recognizing English as the Official Language of the United States!”

President Donald Trump signed a historic executive order, officially recognizing English as the only official language of the United States.

US President Donald Trump recognizes English as the only official language of the United States. Photo: Xinhua
This is the first time in American history that there is such a regulation at the federal level.

According to the White House, the order aims to “promote unity” and “foster a common American culture for all citizens.”

The executive order also repeals a 2000 rule under President Bill Clinton that required federal agencies and organizations receiving government funding to provide language assistance to people with limited English proficiency.

The decree states: “Since the founding of our Republic, English has always been the national language. Important documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, are written in English. So, it’s time to officially recognize English as the only language of the United States.

Having a common language is the foundation of a unified and strong society. A country is strengthened when citizens can freely exchange ideas in a common language.

When welcoming new Americans, the policy of encouraging the learning and use of English will help them see America as a common home and create conditions for them to realize the American Dream.

Speaking English not only opens up economic opportunities, but also helps immigrants integrate into the community, participate in national traditions, and contribute to society. The ordinance also recognizes and honors the long tradition of multilingual citizens who have learned and passed on English for generations.

To promote solidarity, foster a common culture, ensure unity in government activity, and facilitate citizen participation, the federal government needs to establish one – and only one – official language. The formal recognition of English not only simplifies communication, but also strengthens national values, creating a more cohesive and productive society.”

Although the federal government will no longer be required to provide multilingual services, agencies still have the flexibility to continue to maintain bilingual services if necessary.

Although English has always been considered the lingua franca of the United States, there has never been a federal law that officially recognizes English as the only language. More than 30 states have their own regulations on this, but all previous attempts to make English an official language at the federal level have failed.

According to U.S. Census data, there are currently more than 350 languages spoken across the United States. However, 78% of the population only speaks English at home, while 13.4% use Spanish – the second most common language. Other languages such as Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Arabic, French, Korean, and Russian have fewer speakers.

The recently retired Diego Schwartzman issued his verdict on the eternal tennis debate.

Diego Schwartzman recently hung up his racket (Image: Getty)

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer? It’s the age-old tennis debate.

No tennis fan has the same answer, with each of the ‘Big Three’ boasting their own set of loyal supporters.

It’s the same for the players, too. For those lucky enough to have shared a court with all three, the question of who’s the greatest is still one that often splits opinion.

For Diego Schwartzman though, the answer is simple… it’s Nadal.

The former French Open semi-finalist opened up about his experiences playing against the trio, telling ESPN: “I think Rafa, of the three, is the one who commands the most respect when you enter the court. It’s like you enter the court a little more defeated. “

Schwartzman has beaten Nadal in the past, triumphing 6-2 7-5 in the quarter-final of the 2020 Rome Masters.

Commenting after his surprise win over the King of Clay five years ago, Schwartzman dubbed it his best performance ever. He said: “It was crazy. Tennis is crazy. Our performance is always crazy. The past three weeks were really bad for me,” Schwartzman said on court after his victory.

“Today I played my best tennis. Very similar to Roland Garros against Rafa three years ago and I’m very happy. I was not thinking to beat him really because I was not playing good [lately]. But today I did my best and I’m very happy.”

Diego Schwartzman beat Rafael Nadal in 2020 (Image: Getty)

However, prior to that victory, the Argentine had played Nadal on eight different occasions, losing to him every single time.

Schwartzman, like Nadal, recently made the decision to hang up his racket, retiring at his home tournament in Argentina.

In a statement, the 32-year-old wrote: “I want my last tournaments to be my own decision.

“Let this 2024 be that way, hopefully getting the opportunity to compete in the tournaments I enjoy the most. And in 2025, in Argentina, to be able to have my final moment, the most beautiful closure I can imagine.”

He continued: “But at the end of 2022, I had a bad run in indoor tournaments, and afterwards I noticed that I wasn’t nervous the days before the tournaments. I was as if nothing had happened. 20 minutes before the matches my adrenaline would rise and it made me feel bad.

“Something that had been going well for me years ago became anxiety that made me lose control and I didn’t like it anymore. I played badly, I didn’t feel like training and I wasn’t well, until I realised that I didn’t want to anymore.”

No doubt to the delight of Schwartzman, Nadal was among those from the world of tennis to congratulate him on his career, posting on X: “Congratulations @dieschwartzman on your great career!”

“You’ve been a great example of fighting and overcoming. I’m glad we’ve shared so many moments on the Tour. Enjoy your next steps!”

Scandal Unveiled: Sunny Hostin’s Husband Accused of Insurance Fraud!

Hostin and his practice, Hostin Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, were named in a major RICO case among nearly 200 other defendants.

Sunny Hostin and Dr. Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Hostin. Photo: Getty

The View star and legal expert Sunny Hostin’s husband, Dr. Emmanuel “Manny” Hostin, is among the nearly 200 people named in a new federal lawsuit that accuses the New York City doctor of insurance fraud.

According to court documents obtained by Entertainment Weekly, the orthopaedic surgeon — owner of his Hostin Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine practice, established in 2006 — is individually accused in the December suit of having “knowingly provided fraudulent medical and other healthcare services including arthroscopic surgeries to Covered Persons through Hostin Orthopaedics that he purportedly performed,” and allegedly fraudulently billed insurance company “American Transit through each of those entities in exchange for kickbacks and/or other compensation which were disguised as dividends or other cash distributions,” the 698-page complaint reads.

American Transit, the plaintiff in the suit, is an insurance company that primarily works with Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers. The company claims in the complaint that insurance fraud is “rampant” and “endemic to the New York State” — where Dr. Hostin practices at his Manhattan medical office — due to its No-Fault (or Personal Injury Protection) law.

Sunny Hostin on ‘The View’.Lou Rocco/ABC

According to a government-provided description, No-Fault is “designed to pay promptly, regardless of who is at fault or whether there was any negligence, for economic losses (meaning medical/health expenses, lost earnings, and certain other reasonable and necessary expenses related to injuries sustained), up to $50,000 per person (‘basic No-Fault coverage’), to the driver and all passengers injured in your car as well as any pedestrians injured by your car, because of its use or operation in New York State.”

Representatives for Sunny, Manny, and American Transit did not respond to EW’s request for comment.

 

In a statement to the Daily Mail, which first broke news of the suit against Hostin and others, Dr. Hostin’s attorney, Daniel Thwaites, said that his client “denies each and every allegation,” and called the suit a “blanket, scattershot, meritless lawsuit by a near-bankrupt insurance carrier.”

Thwaites said the filing is also “meant to intimidate and harass doctors from collecting for care given to American Transit insureds and their passengers,” while also pointing out Dr. Hostin’s “impeccable” record in the field.

“American Transit has rushed into the lawsuit without ever conducting an examination of Dr. Hostin or expressing any concerns to his lawyers,” Thwaites continued. “The real story here is about an insurance carrier abusing the legal system to limit and restrict health care benefits to its insureds and their passengers, and write off its proper obligations.”

In a separate statement to the publication, a representative for American Transit said: “These substantial possible no-fault recoveries can incentivize providers with ill intent to over-diagnose, over-treat, and over-bill to recover the most money for themselves.”

Sunny and Manny married in 1998, two years after meeting at a bagel shop following a church service they both attended in Maryland. The couple shares two children, Paloma and Gabriel — all of whom Sunny regularly speaks about from her post at The View‘s Hot Topics table.

Manny even appeared on Sunny birthday episode in 2023 — a guest spot that later made headlines after the panelist revealed in a February 2024 interview on the Behind the Table podcast that her husband got angry while watching from the audience as his wife had an interaction with recording artist Doug E. Fresh.

“I don’t know if you remember, during my birthday show when we had the 50 years of hip-hop, Doug E. Fresh came up to me and, in my husband’s view, danced a little too close to me,” Sunny told View producer Brian Teta at the time, in response to a fan question asking about how Sunny’s husband felt about her affinity for actor Idris Elba. “I only looked into the audience and took one look at his face … and scooted over so quickly. I didn’t even think I had it in me to move that quickly. We got into the car, and he said, ‘What the bleep was that?’”

Jannik Sinner has been keeping busy while serving a three-month suspension.

Jannik Sinner attended Gucci’s FW25 show in Milan during his ban from tennis (Image: Getty)

It’s been two weeks since Jannik Sinner accepted a three-month suspension as part of a case resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The world No. 1’s ban runs from February 9 to May 4, meaning he is set to miss four Masters 1000s – Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid.

But Sinner has been keeping busy. The Italian has already turned to two other sports and even appeared at Milan Fashion Week. His team also has a plan to keep him fit during his ban.

Sinner’s doping saga finally came to an end after almost a year. Last March, he twice tested positive for the prohibited substance clostebol but successfully appealed both his provisional suspensions and was allowed to continue playing.

The world No. 1 successfully argued that the positive tests were the result of contamination by his then-physiotherapist. In August, an independent tribunal ruled that he “bore no fault or negligence” for the anti-doping violations.

However, WADA appealed on the basis that Sinner bears some responsibility for negligence within his entourage.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport was set to hear the case in April, but on February 15, WADA announced Sinner had accepted a three-month suspension to settle the case.

Since then, Sinner has been unable to compete in or attend any official tournament. He also cannot train at clubs or facilities affiliated with a tennis federation.

Jannik Sinner cannot compete until his ban ends on May 4 (Image: Getty)

But that hasn’t stopped the 23-year-old from enjoying himself during his suspension. While he can’t play on the tennis tour, Sinner has returned to one of his old sports – skiing.

The three-time Major winner was a champion skier as a child but gave up the sport to play tennis. Nowadays, he rarely gets out on his skis because of the injury risk.

But, while out of competition for three months, he returned to the slopes in Sexten last weekend.

Sinner has also been enjoying some golf as he was spotted at the Golf & Country club in Sudtirol. The world No. 1’s golf swing recently became a talking point at the Australian Open, as Carlos Alcaraz had to rate his rivals and put Sinner at the bottom of the pile.

“I’m sorry it’s going to be probably selfish but I’m going to put myself the first one. Second one Rafa and third probably Jannik. Sorry about it. It’s not personal,” the world No. 3 said during an on-court interview.

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime to clinch the Dubai Championships title.

Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas. (Image: Getty.)

Novak Djokovic wasted little time before mocking Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek star defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 in the Dubai Championships final. World No. 11 Tsitsipas finally broke his ATP 500 duck in the United Arab Emirates, having lost all 11 of his previous finals, including the 2019 and 2020 Dubai editions.

He won the last four games of the first set and took his opening match point with conviction, serving up an ace, before saving all seven break points in the second to seal victory and move back into the ATP top 10 for the first time since May. However, Djokovic took to Instagram with a cheeky barb, sharing a picture of Tsitsipas with the trophy and captioning it: “No one beats @stefanostsitsipas98 12x in a row on 500 Tour level. Well done!” The post was accompanied by a laughing emoji.

By victory in Dubai, Tsitsipas became just the 10th male player to compete the ‘Career Sweep’ which consists of an ATP 250 title, ATP 500, Masters 1000 and ATP Finals.

“Great week in Dubai,” the 26-year-old said in his on-court interview. “I’m happy I had great people by my side. As Felix said, there are people outside of the box that I’d like to mention that have been there for me in my toughest moments. Shout out to them.

“Felix, what a great player you’re becoming over the last couple years. I congratulate you on your journey so far. I’ve been observing the last couple of months. You’ve upped your level. Great job on that.

Stefanos Tsitsipas lifting the title in Dubai. (Image: Getty)

“Obviously hoping, or not, playing more finals against each other in the future. It wasn’t meant to be, but it will be next time. Congratulations to yourself and your team that’s been pushing you every single week.”

He later posted a direct response to his critics on social media after a dip in form over the past 12 months, writing: “They said my game was sinking… so I got myself a boat.”

He later posted a direct response to his critics on social media after a dip in form over the past 12 months, writing: “They said my game was sinking… so I got myself a boat.”