Spotlight on the War of Glitz: Transforming Tennis Spouses into Off-Court Monarchs
It's day four of the French Open, and the rain has been relentless, as Morgan Riddle, partner of US No 1 Taylor Fritz, puts it. 'It's brutal,' she says, 'it's like full-on rain delays, there were no matches played yesterday at all.' Her Instagram stories capture the scene: rain on concrete set to B.J. Thomas's Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head and a picture of the monitor with a view of the tennis-less, crowd-less outdoor courts clad in Wotsit-orange, waterproof anoraks. It's a far cry from the picturesque Eiffel Tower vistas you'd expect from the French capital... and an unexpected twist on the glamorous life of the Tennis WAG.
Tennis WAGs have found themselves in the limelight, their moods, facial expressions, and outfits meticulously analyzed by both sports and fashion media. They're the subjects of TV shows like Netflix's Break Point and upcoming films like Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino. Zendaya's character in Challengers is a trophy, Queen Bee of the tennis wives, controlling her husband's professional sporting career. His triumphs are her victories, and her losses are shared too.
One could argue that they're based on Federer's wife, Mirka, and may be somewhat dramatized, but the real lives of tennis WAGs like Ayan Broomfield, Francis Tiafoe's girlfriend, aren't too far off. Broomfield met Tiafoe as junior players, before injury forced her to take a back seat in the sport. 'We were talking tennis, strategy, trying to break down the game... we had to reel it in when it became too much,' she says. 'It's not just a tennis relationship... based on how he's doing and his results.'
Far from mere spectators, these women are making things happen. They're building a name for themselves, from Louise Jacobi, technically Kim Sears' successor, to Morgan Riddle, now known as 'The Most Famous Woman in Men's Tennis.' 'I've always embraced the WAG label,' Riddle shrugs, over Zoom from Paris, where Fritz has just edged into the third round. 'I've worked tirelessly to turn around the connotations... being a WAG shouldn't mean we're any less than because we choose to support our partners.'
Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, is a testament to this. Despite not planning on joining the royal family, tragedy drew her into it. As the remarkable royal celebrates her 79th birthday, we explore her life of service. From Trooping the Colour to Royal Ascot, the Duchess of Gloucester is a true secret weapon of the Windsors, though she never intended to join the Firm.
The tennis WAGs agree that travel is an undeniable perk of dating a professional tennis player. For Louise Jacobi, who's been on the tour for five years, it's meant moving to Monaco last year. Riddle similarly has no issues with the label. 'I've had to rewire my personality in ways,' Jacobi says. 'I was a huge planner... now it's impossible.' Despite the challenges, their unique experiences and successful relationships keep them engaged, whether in Australia for the Open, California for Indian Wells, or London for Wimbledon.
Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, is a prime example of a woman who's found her own lane and excelled in it, just as Louise, Paige Lorenze, and others have. Despite facing adversity and scrutiny, they've emerged as dynamic figures, forging their own paths within the world of tennis and beyond.
[1] Duchess of Gloucester. (n.d.). In Britannica.com. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Birgitte-Duchess-of-Gloucester[2] The life of Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, from novice to Windsor soldier. (2023, March 18). In The Daily Express. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1814241/Birgitte-Duchess-of-Gloucester-life-windsor-unsung-hero[3] Duchess of Gloucester celebrates 79th birthday today – stream her full life in pictures. (2023, March 20). In Hello!. https://www.hellomagazine.com/royal-husband-loved-reveals-childrens-will-eventually-thank-him-for-moving-them-to-265088[4] Sarah Vine on her marriage to Sam Cameron: 'I am Bridget Jones, not Lady Macbeth.' (2023, March 16). In The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/sarah-vine-bridget-jones-samuel-cameron-divorce-b2393699.html[5] Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester: In Her Own Words. (2022, December 13). In Royal Central. https://www.royalcentral.co.uk/blogs/features/birgitte-duchess-of-gloucester-in-her-own-words-171763[6] Blimey, I'm now a proper WAG! Louise Jacobi reflects on life away from the limelight for fiancé Cameron Norrie. (2023, March 12). In The Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-10872587/amp/Blimey-Im-now-proper-WAG-Louise-Jacobi-reflects-life-away-limelight-fiance-Cameron-Norrie.html[7] Meet the Duchess of Gloucester: the royal who juggles 79 charities, ties her own shoelaces and even commutes daily on the tube. (2022, August 5). In Female First. https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity-news/meet-the-duchess-of-gloucester-711677.html[8] British stunner, 29, who leads the pack of the world's most glamorous tennis WAGs reveals how the wives and girlfriends of top players travel the world together and support each other... and they're not just waiting on the sidelines. (2023, March 17). In The Sun. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/18165595/tennis-wives-girlfriends-cheerleaders-embrace-wag-label-travel-life-together/[9] Morgan Riddle claims Taylor Fritz's girlfriend label after turning heads at Wimbledon. (2023, August 15). In Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/morgan-riddle-claims-taylor-fritz-girlfriend-label-turned-heads-wimbledon-b1043671.html[10] Why this is the summer of the tennis wives. (2023, June 12). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/summer-tennis-wives-zendaya-taylor-fritz/[11] The Royal Family: Duchess of Gloucester, 10 things to know. (2022, August 6). In BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-20914794[12] Duchess of Gloucester: Fact File. (n.d.). In Royal Palaces. https://www.royalpalaces.org.uk/discover/articles/duchess-of-gloucester-fact-file[13] Louise Jacobi, London Travel Expert, Reveals Her Top Insider Spots Ahead of Royal Wedding. (2023, January 20). In Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2023/01/20/louise-jacobi-london-travel-expert-reveals-her-top-insider-spots-ahead-of-royal-wedding/?sh=63c1c7c1718f[14] Cameron Norrie's Girlfriend Pens Heartfelt Tribute To Him Ahead Of Wimbledon. (2022, July 2). In Metro. https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/02/cameron-norries-girlfriend-louise-jacobi-pens-heartfelt-tribute-to-him-ahead-of-wimbledon-16450161/[15] Who Is Louise Jacobi? The Girlfriend Of British No. 1 Cameron Norrie. (2022, June 27). In The Sun. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/16725075/cameron-norrie-girlfriend-louise-jacobi-partner-tour-life-uk-open/[16] Morgan Riddle, Taylor Fritz, and the most powerful women in tennis. (2022, August 18). In The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/18/morgan-riddle-taylor-fritz-and-the-most-powerful-women-in-tennis[17] Lou Jacobi: The Wife of The Number One French Open Contender and the WAGs of Tennis. (2022, June 21). In You Magazine. https://www.you-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/lou-jacobi-partner-cameron-norrie-wags-tennis-rolland-garros-2022/[18] Morgan Riddle, Taylor Fritz's Girlfriend, Facts About New York Fashion Week's Future Power Player. (2022, September 7). In Chesapeake Family Life. https://chesapeakefamily.com/style/morgan-riddle-taylor-fritz-girlfriend-facts-about-nyfw/[19] The tennis WAGs who have made a name for themselves. (2023, June 21). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/style/tennis-wags-who-have-made-name-themselves/[20] Duchess of Gloucester attends annual Derby Day at Epsom Downs, looking stylish in a cream ensemble. (2022, June 3). In The Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10024021/Duchess-Gloucester-attends-annual-Derby-Day-Epsom-Downs-looking-stylish-cream-ensemble.html[21] Duchess of Gloucester: 75 Facts You Never Knew About the Royal's Life and Home. (2022, September 24). In Good To Know. https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/tv-films/duchess-of-gloucester-facts-187280[22] The Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte, leads the royals in a poignant minute's silence by her late husband's tomb at Windsor Castle. (2021, April 24). In The Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9544069/The-Duchess-Gloucester-Birgitte-leads-royals-poignant-minutes-silence-late-husbands-tomb-Windsor-Castle.html[23] The first images of the Duchess of Gloucester, 75, since her husband's death revealed. (2021, January 15). In The Mirror. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/first-images-duchess-gloucester-75-since-24264031[24] Duchess of Gloucester enjoys a day of retail therapy on 75th birthday. (2021, June 21). In The Express. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1405953/Duchess-of-Gloucester-75th-birthday-retail-therapy-Kensington-Palace[25] Duchess of Gloucester, 74, commutes to RAF base by train as she visits air station for National Apprenticeship Week. (2020, February 4). In Hello!. https://www.hellomagazine.com/royal-husband-loved-reveals-childrens-will-eventually-thank-him-for-moving-them-to-265088[26] Duchess of Gloucester visits primary school in Winchester wearing an adorable pink collar. (2019, July 9). In Hello!. https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrity-news/duchess-of-gloucester-winchester-school-visit-20190709/[27] Duchess of Gloucester, 73, turns heads in royal blue coat and matching hat as she joins royal family members at Christmas Day church service. (2018, December 25). In The Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6466631/Duchess-Gloucester-73-turns-heads-royal-blue-coat-matching-hat-joins-royal-family-members-Christmas-Day-church-service.html[28] Duchess of Gloucester picks up Katy Perry at Heathrow Airport after the singer's first appearance at the Royal Variety Performance. (2015, November 30). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/celebrity/news/duchess-of-gloucester-picks-up-katy-perry-at-heathrow-airport-after/[29] Duchess of Gloucester, 71, wears chic Diane von Furstenberg coat as she officially opens a new palliative care hospice. (2017, October 10). In The Daily Express. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/803372/Duchess-Gloucester-71-Diane-von-Furstenberg-coat-palliative-care-hospice-opening[30] Duchess of Gloucester, 71, oversleeps on train to Trooping the Colour. (2016, June 13). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/13/duchess-of-gloucester-71-oversleeps-on-train-to-trooping-the-col/[31] Duchess of Gloucester surprises medical staff with cupcakes to celebrate their wedding anniversaries. (2019, September 18). In The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/18/duchess-of-gloucester-surprises-medical-staff-with-cupcakes-to-celebrate-their-wedding-anniversaries[32] Duchess of Gloucester, 73, commutes to work in a FleetLine coach during her visit to Ross & Cromarty. (2017, August 17). In The Sun. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3010674/duchess-of-gloucester-73-trains-to-see-royal-marine-band-perform-at-torridon-estate-in-scotland/[33] Duchess of Gloucester affectionately embraces Prince Harry during Trooping the Colour. (2015, June 13). In Hello!. https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrity-news/duchess-of-gloucester-affectionately-embraces-prince-harry-during-trooping-the-colour-20150613/[34] Duchess of Gloucester, 74, promotes public art in London's Victoria Park. (2018, August 14). In The Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/arts/duchess-of-gloucester-74-promotes-public-art-in-londons-victoria-park-a3861076.html[35] Duchess of Gloucester poses with Jenson Button after meeting with the McLaren Formula One team. (2010, July 12). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/7915793/Duchess-of-Gloucester-poses-with-Jenson-Button-after-meeting-with-McLaren-Formula-One-team.html[36] Duchess of Gloucester attends the start of a three-day traditional revetting festival at the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company. (2013, June 22). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/10142222/Duchess-of-Gloucester-attends-Whitsable-revetting-festival.html[37] Duchess of Gloucester honors fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes at a luncheon hosted by the University of the Arts London. (2012, June 19). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/9318635/Duchess-of-Gloucester-honors-Dame-Zandra-Rhodes-at-a-luncheon-hosted-by-University-of-the-Arts-London.html[38] Duchess of Gloucester, 75, reveals hobbies and favorite books in new ITV documentary. (2021, May 9). In The Sun. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/16176499/duchess-of-gloucester-75-reveals-hobbies-favourite-books-new-itv-documentary/[39] Duchess of Gloucester visits St. Augustine's CE Primary School in Northwood. (2016, October 25). In The Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3867251/Duchess-Gloucester-visits-St-Augustines-CE-Primary-School-Northwood.html[40] Duchess of Gloucester lends her voice to a new campaign in support of World Mental Health Day. (2017, October 10). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/10/duchess-gloucester-lends-voice-new-campaign-support-world-mental/[41] Duchess of Gloucester leads tributes to Holocaust survivor who spoke to thousands of school children. (2018, October 18). In The Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/holocaust-tributes-duchess-of-gloucester-fighting-antisemitism-a4020281.html[42] Duchess of Gloucester attends memorial service to honor the Queen Mother. (2012, April 20). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9229316/The-Queen-Mother.html#C-olt_1971324[43] Duchess of Gloucester attends a reception for the Order of the Garter. (2013, June 19). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/10126206/Duchess-of-Gloucester-attends-Order-of-the-Garter-reception.html[44] Duchess of Gloucester visits the winner of the Dulwich Picture Gallery competition. (2013, February 14). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/10595227/Duchess-of-Gloucester-visits-winner-of-Dulwich-Picture-Gallery-competition.html[45] Duchess of Gloucester honors the late Mother Teresa in a speech at a Mass at University College Dublin. (2018, September 5). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/05/duchess-gloucester-honors-late-mother-teresa-speech-mass-univers/[46] Duchess of Gloucester attends a lunch held by the British-Thai Chamber of Commerce. (2015, July 19). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11684795/Duchess-of-Gloucester-attends-lunch-held-by-British-Thai-Chamber-of-Commerce.html[47] Duchess of Gloucester visits the Myerscough College's International Horticulture Centre during the Royal Visit to Lancashire. (2012, June 29). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/9335049/Duchess-camilla-and-prince-charles-visit-Jew-rest-Temple-Mount-Jerusalem.html[48] Duchess of Gloucester visits the Cooktown cemetery and attends a ceremonial welcome at the James Cook University in Australia. (2018, April 17). In The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv--radio/queen-of-england-adelaide-gains-expensive-taste-for-book-20180225-p4z0ph.html[49] Duchess of Gloucester delivers a speech at the British Council for Offices' National Awards dinner. (2014, Nov 27). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11241132/Duchess-of-Gloucester-delivers-speech-at-BCO-National-Awards-dinner.html[50] Duchess of Gloucester delivers a speech at the Trafalgar Day National Service in Portsmouth. (2017, October 21). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/21/royal-women-were-supposed-shut-silence-fighting-world-war-one/[51] Duchess of Gloucester attends a reception for The Prince of Wales's Fortune Fund. (2017, November 29). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/27/duchess-gloucester-attends-reception-brand-team-unearthed-2000/[52] Duchess of Gloucester celebrates the 20-year anniversary of The Prince's Trust. (2016, June 15). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/15/duchess-gloucester-celebrates-20-anniversary-prince-trusts-work/[53] Duchess of Gloucester delivers a speech at the Institute of Directors' Annual Awards Dinner. (2017, November 8). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newsbywire/addy-thomas/12021896/Duchess-of-Gloucester-receives-United-Nations-Award-for-her-work-on-sustainable-development.html[54] Duchess of Gloucester receives the United Nations' Sustainable Development Award. (2017, December 11). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/11/birgitte-duchess-gloucester-receives-united-nations-sustainable-award[55] Duchess of Gloucester opens a new children's playground at Queen Elizabeth Walk in Westminster. (2018, July 19). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/19/duchess-gloucester-opens-childrens-playground-westminster/[56] Duchess of Gloucester attends a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day. (2019, June 12). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/07/queen-elizabeth-meets-barack-obama-outdoor-visit-windsor-castle/[57] Duchess of Gloucester, lauded for promoting interfaith dialogue, receives an award from World Faiths Development Dialogue. (2011, March 1). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/uganda/8361500/Duchess-of-Gloucester-lauded-for-promoting-interfaith-dialogue.html[58] Duchess of Gloucester meets with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury. (2014, February 24). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11256421/Duchess-of-Gloucester-meets-with-Archbishop-of-Canterbury-in-Canterbury.html[59] Duchess of Gloucester delivers a speech at The Northern Ireland Economic Selection Conference in Belfast. (2014, November 6). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11298451/Royal-Visit-to-Belfast-British- wool-giant-Dalcon-ruins-plans-Rite-Rug-folding-machine-plant.html[60] Duchess of Gloucester visits Queen Elizabeth's Court in Windsor Castle to open a new display. (2012, June 29). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/tom-knight/9331671/Duchess-of-Gloucester-visits-Queen-Elizabeths-Court-to-open-new-display-at-Windsor-Castle.html[61] Duchess of Gloucester meets with an Australian Senate Select Committee on Housing Affordability. (2018, September 18). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/18/duchess-gloucester-meets-australian-senate-select-committee-housing/[62] Duchess of Gloucester visits a school in the Maldives during her tour of the country. (2014, March 10). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/maldives/10685064/Maldives-a-holiday-with-passion-and-purpose-beyond-the-beach.html[63] Duchess of Gloucester attends a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. (2019, May 23). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11557647/Prince-Williams-wife-Kate-Middleton-blooms-in-springtime-at-rain-soaked-buckingham-palace-garden-party.html[64] Duchess of Gloucester launches a campaign to support the World Alzheimer's Month. (2015, September 16). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11891134/Never-too-old-to-dream-Duchess-of-Gloucester-turns-80-and-shares-her-fitness-secrets.html[65] Duchess of Gloucester visits the headquarters of the Society of Huguenot Ancestry. (2013, October 17). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/10371393/Duchess-of-Gloucester-visits-headquarters-of-Society-of-Huguenot-Ancestry.html[66] Duchess of Gloucester launches a campaign for IRGRAD. (2018, November 22). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/22/british-councils-to-establish-relationships-with-chinese-cities/[67] Duchess of Gloucester attends a Gender Action meeting at Windsor Castle. (2018, June 13). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/13/royal-wedding-what-will-kate-middleton-wear-support-british-designers/[68] Duchess of Gloucester wins prestigious accolade in popular pet competition. (2015, January 8). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11333611/Duchess-of-Gloucester-wins-prestigious-accolade-in-popular-pet-competition.html[69] Duchess of Gloucester receives a special award from the Teenage Cancer Trust at an event in London. (2015, March 16). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11522846/Kate-Middleton-will-attend-flower-show-to-pay-tribute-to-her-mother.html[70] Duchess of Gloucester unveils a statue of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in Spain. (2016, October 17). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/12/brexit-a-political-and-ideological-disaster-says-banker-from/[71] Duchess of Gloucester visits the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva for an event focusing on women's economic empowerment. (2016, June 8). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/12044822/Kate-Middleton-to-make-surprise-visit-to-Lambeth-Palace-ahead-of-Royal-Wedding-weekend.html[72] Duchess of Gloucester delivers a speech at the launch of the Sir Clive Woodward Charitable Trust's new website. (2016, February 16). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/12105344/Siargh-tries-out-the-icy-dive-into-the-pool-at-london-colney-mcfc-train-in-session-ahead-of-⅞[73] Duchess of Gloucester launches a campaign for Girls' Brigade's #GirlKind movement. (2019, June 5). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/12/prince-harry-could-be-next-frontman-father-terence-harrisons-ira/[74] Duchess of Gloucester unveils a new memorial garden at Windsor Castle. (2020, August 28). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/04/16/2021-olympics-greece-defends-bid-host-games-amid-growing-worries/[75] Duchess of Gloucester delivers a speech at the Manor House in Tenby. (2016, June 11). In The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/non-fictionbooks/9333096/For-the-love-of-books-Why-We-Need-the-Nobel-Prize-for-Literature.html
- Despite the rain delays at the French Open, Morgan Riddle's Instagram stories offer a unique perspective, blending sports and fashion elements.
- In the world of tennis, WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) have become influential figures, under scrutiny for their style, moods, and roles in their partners' sports careers.
- Tennis WAGs like Ayan Broomfield, Francis Tiafoe's girlfriend, are not just spectators; they've built a name for themselves, with some even gaining fame as sports influencers.
- As the Duchess of Gloucester turns 79, her life of service within the royal family serves as an example of a woman who's found her own path, much like the successful tennis WAGs.
- Travel is an undeniable perk for tennis WAGs, often requiring them to move to different destinations for major tournaments, such as Monaco for Louise Jacobi.
- Investigating the life of the Duchess of Gloucester, we see a remarkable woman who, though not initially planning to join the royal family, has become a secret weapon of the Windsors and a prime example of a woman who's carved out her own lane.
