Tommy Paul's second round match against Joao Fonseca courted attention as a must watch spectacle as the American saw off the rising Brazilian 7-6, 7-6 and now faces Karen Khachanov for a spot in the Last 16 tomorrow. One person in attendance though was a certain Victoria Azarenka but why.
Commentators speculated if they were dating despite Paul being in a long-term relationship with Paige Lorenze and has been for three years. But despite that misinformation, there is a common link between the pair.
Azarenka lost out to Olga Danilovic but is still in Madrid for the doubles and is into the Quarter-Finals alongside Ashlyn Krueger. She saw off Ekaterina Alexandrova and Peyton Stearns alongside the rising American. But following her doubles win, she was in the box during Paul's win over Fonseca.
But the common link is that they have a shared fitness coach. They have known each other for some time through Franco Herrero who is the American's fitness coach and the former World No.1 occasionally trains with them. They are based close to her home in Boca Raton in Florida.
Herrero is a renowned strength and conditioning coach and has previously worked with Monica Puig as well as Sofia Kenin. He is also a busy man currently working with not only Paul and occasionally Azarenka but also Aleksandar Kovacevic and Renata Zarazua.
Ethan Quinn speaking of players was also in the box to support Paul so it was very much a player laden tandem instead of the usual just girlfriends of players and coaches which perhaps courted more attention than needed. But Paul let his tennis do the talking as he moved through.
Azarenka herself after losing to Olga Danilovic made unwanted history as the last player born in the 1980's to leave the top 50 as of next week as a new era unintentionally gets heralded of all players born in 1990 or later.
Azarenka and EQ sitting in TP's box for his match vs Fonseca right now .. announcers ask if "they are dating"...... Lol
— NewmarkTennis (@NewmarkTennis) April 26, 2025
All 3 of them train/do fitness under the same fitness coach/spot in Florida
There's your answer for anyone over-analyzing this 🤦🏼♂️#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/GJ5yn7IyQq
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
