Rihanna Nearly Tops Will Ferrell’s List of Best Celebrity Tennis Players
Tennis is a sport that commands global appeal, often celebrated as a showcase of athleticism at its finest. Its fast-paced rallies, strategic play, and intense physical demands highlight the skill and endurance required to compete at the highest level. Yet, athleticism alone does not explain why the sport has become such a magnet for celebrities. Prestige, history, and the allure of attending the game’s most renowned tournaments—like Wimbledon and the US Open—also play a significant role in drawing high-profile figures into its orbit.
Once considered a pastime reserved for the elite, tennis has become far more accessible in recent decades. Modern courts, local clubs, and public facilities have helped broaden participation, making it one of the most widely played sports worldwide. Its accessibility, combined with the visibility of marquee events, has created a unique space where sportsmanship and celebrity culture intersect.
Many stars have managed to weave tennis into their demanding schedules, demonstrating just how much the sport has permeated popular culture. Among these enthusiasts are global icons like Rihanna and Will Ferrell, both of whom have been spotted engaging with the sport in various capacities. While Rihanna’s involvement spans both performance and social engagement, Ferrell’s connection has taken a more humorous form.
In 2018, Will Ferrell playfully attempted to rank celebrities he knew who played tennis. Speaking in a mock press conference at the Australian Open media room with tennis legend Jim Courier, he delivered a tongue-in-cheek assessment of celebrity tennis talent. Ferrell proudly declared Taylor Swift as the best celebrity player, adding with characteristic humor: “Oddly enough, Taylor Swift. She’s incredible. I’m just making things up here. Rihanna is really good too.”
Will Ferrell Settles the Debate: Who’s the Best Celebrity Tennis Player? Rihanna Nearly!
Although Ferrell’s comments were clearly intended in jest, they inadvertently highlighted a deeper truth: Rihanna has a longstanding and genuine relationship with tennis. Her connection with the sport dates back to when she was just 17, performing at the US Open—a moment that positioned her not only as an entertainer but also as a figure closely associated with one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.
Over the years, Rihanna’s influence within tennis circles has grown, with several of the sport’s top stars openly acknowledging her impact. Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, and other leading players have shared messages and interacted with her, reflecting the mutual admiration between the singer and the tennis community. These connections underline how Rihanna’s presence transcends mere celebrity appearances; she has become a recognizable and respected figure within the sport.
Her engagement with tennis is not confined to social interactions alone. Rihanna has been photographed with top athletes such as Rafael Nadal, further cementing her place within the sport’s cultural landscape. These appearances reinforce the notion that her interest in tennis is both authentic and enduring, blending fandom with meaningful participation.
The playful commentary from Ferrell, while humorous, inadvertently captured the essence of Rihanna’s relationship with tennis. Even as he jokingly ranked her behind Taylor Swift, the underlying recognition of her skill, enthusiasm, and visibility in tennis circles speaks to her genuine connection to the sport.
This connection between celebrities and tennis is not limited to high-profile sightings at tournaments or humorous commentary. It reflects the broader appeal of the sport as a lifestyle pursuit that combines athleticism, prestige, and cultural relevance. For stars like Rihanna, tennis offers a platform to engage with peers, inspire emerging athletes, and participate in a global sporting tradition that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Ultimately, while Will Ferrell’s ranking may have been tongue-in-cheek, Rihanna’s long history with tennis is unmistakable. From early performances at major events to interactions with world-class players, she has carved out a place for herself within the sport’s vibrant community. Her involvement demonstrates that, beyond glamour and spectacle, tennis provides an enduring connection between athletic excellence and cultural influence—a connection that Rihanna embodies with remarkable authenticity.
In the end, Ferrell may have been joking, but there is some truth in his acknowledgment: Rihanna’s relationship with tennis is real, meaningful, and enduring, reflecting a passion for the sport that goes far beyond casual fandom.
Source- Hitc
