An Unforgettable Tennis Match with Andre Agassi: Lessons Beyond the Court
Some mornings ago, I received an unusual email from someone I’d been communicating with regarding the US Open: “Could we have a conversation on your mobile at 4pm? Something incredible might be within reach.” That “something,” as revealed, was an opportunity to play—for 30 minutes solo—with the two-time US Open victor (and eight-time Grand Slam winner, Olympic gold medal recipient, Hall of Fame inductee, and an all-round legendary figure) Andre Agassi on the next morning at 7, in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which is otherwise known as the most prominent venue at the Open—followed by a breakfast and a discussion in the Emirates Suite in Ashe.
Even pondering about it felt absurd: Although I’ve engaged in playing tennis for many years, I’m also several years distant from my short period of competing on the midwestern boys’ junior circuit. Nowadays, I’m an extremely average weekly player constantly on the brink of, you know, trying to get myself back into top condition. I absolutely delight in finding the rhythm on a powerful, big-finish crosscourt topspin forehand, I relish playing a few sets with companions, but I detest the idea of exposing myself to even a local club competition. Acting purely on innate instinct, everything in my being urged me to decline this (admittedly astonishing) chance.
Emotionally, I discerned I was experiencing a sort of reversal of the seven stages of grief, fixated on a peculiar kind of frustration at this unique opportunity landing on my doorstep. Not one of the numerous performers I’ve interviewed had ever suggested I step in front of the lens and recite lines, or leap through a window in a big chase sequence; none of the musicians I’ve conversed with over time have invited me to perform with them at Madison Square Garden and exchange guitar solos or assume lead-vocal roles during their sound check—so why this?
Yet here was this proposition: Engage in tennis, with one of the finest to ever play, in the largest tennis arena globally. I had 90 minutes to decide.
The initial move I made was to reach for a box laden with old snapshots on a bookshelf in my living area, where I located a photograph of Andre and myself—in 1994—at a pre-Open Nike gathering at a dining place close to Gramercy Park. I have no recollection of our conversation, and in any case, I didn’t want to inconvenience him or occupy too much of his time, as he was accompanied by Brooke Shields (they’d then been in a relationship for about a year and were to marry several years later), and it was apparent that they enjoyed each other’s presence. No—I was merely overjoyed to even be present: a devoted tennis enthusiast now, for the first time, among authentic tennis legends. (Apart from Andre, I also encountered John McEnroe, who arrived late, in a creased jean jacket and with a frown, holding a bundle of vinyl records—a.k.a. exactly the Johnny Mac from central casting that I hoped to witness.)
Explore These 7 Unmissable Exhibits in France This June
Ah, estar en París durante el verano, cuando es casi tan agradable descansar en un parque como lo es explorar los museos de la capital. De hecho, a menudo es mejor disfrutar de ambos cuando están conectados: dormir una siesta en el césped después de descubrir a un artista vanguardista en una nueva galería es, en nuestra opinión, una de las mejores maneras de pasar una tarde de domingo.
Ya sea que estés en Francia para Vogue World, vacaciones, o alguna combinación de ambos, hay toda clase de convincentes exposiciones para ver este mes. Desde la obra de la artista autodidacta estadounidense Kelly Beeman hasta una nueva encuesta de Miquel Barceló, Vogue ha elegido las exposiciones imperdibles de galerías y museos en París (y más allá) este junio.
La fotógrafa y escultora franco-estadounidense Sabine Mirlesse ha centrado su trabajo en la geología durante mucho tiempo. Sus instalaciones, tanto monumentales como efímeras, invitan a los observadores a apreciar la poesía en visiones que podríamos considerar triviales—como Crystalline Thresholds | Les Portes de Givre, una serie de siete estructuras congeladas erigidas en la cima del Puy de Dôme a una altitud de 1,465 metros. Con “Voyant,” su nueva exposición en la Galerie Andréhn-Schiptjenko, Sabine Mirlesse continúa persiguiendo sus obsesiones, desvelando una serie de obras nunca antes expuestas.
“Sabine Mirlesse: Voyant” está en Andréhn-Schiptjenko (París) hasta el 20 de julio de 2024.
Maren Morris Embraces Her True Self: Redefining the Yeehaw Agenda
An insightful seer known as Kacey Musgraves once urged her audience to “kiss lots of boys, kiss lots of girls, if that’s what you’re into,” and over ten years later, it appears another pop-country songstress has elected to heed those hallowed words. Maren Morris, the Texas-native singer-songwriter whose tunes have earned her five Academy of Country Music accolades (alongside a Grammy), declared on Monday through Instagram her bisexuality, stating she’s “happy to be the B in LGBTQ+.”
In an ideal universe, a woman of 34 years revealing her bisexuality wouldn’t be noteworthy, but regrettably, the real world we inhabit—and Morris’s country-music realm specifically—can still be unwelcoming to such revelations. Nonetheless, it’s uplifting to envision Morris entering the company of Orville Peck, Lil Nas X, and other openly LGBTQ+ creators who decide to craft their work within (or on the outskirts of) the country domain.
Though Morris may not be enveloped by a queer circle within the sphere of mainstream country tunes, supporters are unquestionably embracing her on Instagram, where the comments section on her coming-out announcement has transformed into an actual Pride festival of rainbow-flag emojis and hearts. (A swift glance through country history illustrates that Morris is certainly not the pioneering woman in her style to be drawn to other women, naturally; the late country vocalist Wilma Burgess, who had more than a dozen Billboard-charting hits from 1965 to 1975, was openly lesbian.)
With hope, Morris’s openness about her orientation will motivate country music to become a tad more embracing—and encourage her admirers grappling with their own LGBTQ+ identities to feel a touch more at ease with loving freely…or, at minimum, to play the Chicks’ iconic, profoundly sapphic-coded country ballad “Goodbye Earl” at full blast. (I mean…ending an abusive man’s life and then serenely making jam with your best friend for eternity? Sounds quite queer to me!)
Casting the Ultimate Taylor Swift Biopic Dream Team
Bien qu’il n’existe actuellement aucun projet public pour un biopic sur Swift (ou Paine), cela ne semble être qu’une question de temps, n’est-ce pas ? À cet égard, pour célébrer l’anniversaire de Swift, j’ai pris l’initiative de rêver au casting du film ; si quelqu’un à Hollywood souhaite me rémunérer pour ce type de génie créatif déjanté, il est le bienvenu.
“Voices from Grenfell: A Heartrending Journey at St. Ann’s Warehouse”
Yet, will the American public desire to watch this? When individuals involved in New York’s theater scene discuss Grenfell: In the words of survivors, a documentary play (initially presented at the National Theatre of London) that recounts the catastrophic blaze in a 24-story affordable housing block in West London, which claimed 72 lives and rendered many others without shelter in 2017, this question arises. Indeed, it’s an exceptionally busy season, both on Broadway and beyond, and witnessing every performance isn’t feasible. My advice? Place Grenfell high on your list. Performing until May 12 at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, it offers a substantial theatrical encounter, an exploration of the human condition that goes beyond simple amusement. Tickets are reasonably priced, and there doesn’t appear to be a poor vantage point in the venue.
Why might Americans invest interest? Because it’s necessary. Undisputed is the brilliance of this heart-wrenching, astonishing, and infuriating drama. It is superbly directed and produced by Phyllida Lloyd and Anthony Simpson-Pike and excellently crafted by Gillian Slovo, who has compiled, word for word, the legal testimonies and conversations with the survivalists, in addition to local officials, fire service personnel, and business proprietors. During its London rendition, a counselor was available to support attendees who might be affected emotionally. In Brooklyn, audiences are welcome to momentarily exit, collect themselves, and return if they feel capable of managing the emotional intensity.
Lorde, Glen Powell, and a Cigarette Bouquet: Charli XCX’s 32nd Birthday Bash Hits Bratfest Vibes
I won’t deceive you: I perceived myself as pretty chic for offering small bites at my 31st birthday bash last month. I mean, what could be more mature and stylish than providing attendees with ham-and-cheese swirls to nibble on while they overindulge in drinks? Surprisingly, Charli XCX somehow managed to surpass me during her 32nd birthday celebration in Los Angeles on Friday, which featured none other than Lorde joining Charli on the dance floor to groove to their “Girl, So Confusing” remix.
To be honest, I’m unsure which aspect to highlight first in that award-worthy video clip. Is it Charli’s Brat-green mobile cover? Her impeccably daring, pantless birthday ensemble? Lorde’s quirky little braids? Rachel Sennott and Molly Gordon dancing beside them? The individual in the crowd clearly being FaceTimed in? Or should we pull back to the wider scene that includes the presence of the Manic Pixie Dream Guy himself, Glen Powell (though not necessarily during this exclusive moment, which appeared reserved for the ladies and gays, but generally at the party)?
If Powell’s attendance weren’t remarkable enough, the gathering also included Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Finneas, Gracie Abrams, Addison Rae, Tove Lo, Nelly Furtado, Anya Taylor-Joy, and two of the Willis sisters—specifically, Scout and Tallulah—who came together to mark the transition of our world from being without Charli XCX to being with Charli XCX, and I certainly trust they brought a vast selection of slime green presents.
Ultimately, however, a single extraordinary detail of the birthday celebration had me daydreaming, and it was the exquisite and incredibly on-point cigarette bouquet that singer Rosalía presented to Charli as a birthday gift:
Unforgettable Highlights from the Tim Walz vs. J.D. Vance Vice Presidential Debate
With the stakes elevated heading into Tuesday’s primary (and solitary) vice presidential debate between Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, considering the 2024 presidential election is merely weeks away. Although the clash between the two vice presidential contenders was unlikely to sway political dynamics comparable to a Kamala vs. Trump scenario, Tuesday’s gathering still provided noteworthy moments. Below, discover the five major takeaways from the Walz versus Vance exchange.
The mute button was utilized
Despite the Walz-Vance confrontation being noticeably more courteous than Harris and Trump’s encounter last month, it was nonetheless somewhat gratifying to witness two women—in this instance, CBS moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan—employ the mute button on both men when they interrupted.
Vance and Walz were scrutinized on previous errors
While Walz encountered some rigorous inquiry regarding newly discovered contradictions to his assertion of being in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, Vance faced questions about once comparing Trump to “America’s Hitler.” Subsequently, Walz directly questioned Vance on whether Trump had lost the 2020 election—to which the senator offered what could only be considered a non-response.
Walz (shrewdly) mentioned his state’s track record on reinstating post-Roe abortion rights
“We are ranked first in healthcare for a reason. We trust women; we trust doctors,” Walz stated regarding Minnesota after citing real-life scenarios of abortion rights advocates like Hadley Duvall being refused essential reproductive care. Walz enacted a law intended to incorporate the right to abortion into the Minnesota state constitution in January 2023—enhancing the contrast between his achievements on reproductive rights and the Trump-Vance campaign’s extravagant abortion claims.
Childcare expenses were finally highlighted
Walz and Vance managed to converge (to some degree) on the necessity for more and improved childcare options for working families. Although their proposals differ, it was pleasant to hear the American childcare crisis—an issue that disproportionately impacts women—discussed on a national level.
The politeness of the entire debate was somewhat unsettling
It might easily be overlooked, considering the rarity of proceeding through a debate without one candidate declaring another “mentally impaired,” but Vance’s skillful twist on Trump’s agenda remains…the same plan.
Here, Vogue’s political correspondent Jack Schlossberg provides his personal key insights from Tuesday’s debate:
Unforgettable Highlights and Quirky Twists from the 2024 MTV VMAs
Los MTV Video Music Awards 2024, llevados a cabo el miércoles, estuvieron llenos de momentos dignos de un resumen: Más allá del estilo único de la alfombra roja, la energía de las presentaciones en vivo de artistas como Katy Perry, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, Lenny Kravitz y la presentadora Megan Thee Stallion hicieron que la noche se sintiera realmente divertida. (Y lo merecemos después de ese debate, ¿verdad?)
A continuación, descubre todos los momentos que nos encantaron, ¡o que nos hicieron sentir un poco raros!, durante los MTV VMAs 2024.
El tatuaje de código QR en la parte baja de la espalda de Katy Perry, ganadora del Video Vanguard
Déjame ser claro: Soy un evangelista de tatuajes en la parte baja de la espalda que permanece muy callado sobre si tengo uno o no por el bien de mis padres, pero un hashtag escaneable es… algo salvaje para plasmar en tu piel. (Tal vez sea temporal o solo una especie de obra de arte viviente). Aún así, Charli XCX sí declaró que esta es la temporada de “presumir mi nuevo pequeño tatuaje en la espalda”.
El beso alienígena de Sabrina Carpenter
Craving That Connection: Inside Cher and Alexander ‘AE’ Edwards’ Dynamic Relationship
L’amour est un sentiment aux multiples facettes, surtout lorsque vous l’observez de l’extérieur. Dans cette rubrique, nous allons analyser les couples de célébrités qui nous donnent de l’espoir pour notre futur amoureux et essayer d’apprendre ce que nous pouvons de leurs relations bien documentées.
Je ressens fortement qu’une relation de type mai-décembre est aussi mature que la personne la plus jeune qui y participe, ce qui explique pourquoi je suis régulièrement déçu lorsque les Leonardo DiCaprio de ce monde sont aperçus avec des femmes dans la vingtaine. Je ne cherche pas à jouer les moralisateurs—une référence à SNL d’une époque que je n’aurais jamais connue si je n’avais pas brièvement fréquenté un humoriste plus âgé, d’ailleurs—mais si votre truc, c’est de sortir avec des gens qui viennent d’acquérir le droit légal de boire, j’ai certainement quelques questions sur votre niveau de maturité.
Cela dit, je pense vraiment qu’une relation de ce type peut fonctionner, tant que l’équilibre de pouvoir reste relativement égal. Prenez par exemple Cher, âgée de 78 ans, et son petit ami, le cadre musical Alexander “AE” Edwards, âgé de 38 ans, avec qui elle est un jour ensemble, un jour séparé. Je veux dire, d’accord, personne au monde n’est aussi influent que Cher—mais au moins, dans ce cas, la partie jeune de l’équation est, vous savez, un adulte. Mardi, ils ont été vus en train d’assister ensemble au Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show de 2024 pour une soirée en tête-à-tête, et pardonnez-moi de faire de la Kremlinologie des célébrités en me basant uniquement sur des photos de paparazzi, mais…les ondes romantiques n’ont jamais semblé aussi fortes. (Embrasser sa petite amie bien plus âgée sur la joue est-il techniquement un acte d’affections publiques? Douteux, mais j’apprécie cela.)