AFL WAGs could learn a thing or two from tennis stars’ wives and girlfriends
Far from whingeing about being called WAGs, our favourite tennis wives and girlfriends happily embrace the term. Some of their AFL counterparts may do well to follow their lead.
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Far from being repelled by the WAG (wives and girlfriends) acronym, our favourite tennis girlfriends not only embrace the moniker, they have learnt how to make bank from it too.
Smiling, easy going and happy to lean into the role, top seeded player’s girlfriends like Morgan Riddle and Costeen Hatzi are changing the game, having fun, cha-chinging in sponsorship endorsements, pumping each other up and all without taking themselves too seriously — take heed AFL!
And don’t think they don’t return serve for their brands too.
As the face of sunscreen label Bondi Sands, Costeen Hatzi has helped propel the Melbourne-founded skincare and SPF brand to a wider audience with her social media platforms and reach alongside Australia’s top scallywag tennis player Nick Kyrgios (who she adamantly confirms in NOT retiring anytime soon.).
“I’m fine with the term WAG, I’m there to support Nick, but I do my own thing,” Hatzi said. “I’m building my own brand and working for amazing brands like Bondi Sands. If anything I think it is a bonus, I like being called a WAG,” Hatzi laughed.
“It might have had negative connotations traditionally but it’s been great for me.”
Meanwhile, all eyes were on Morgan Riddle this tournament with the US WAG labelled the “most famous woman in men’s tennis.”
Riddle and Hatzi are besties on the tennis circuit which can have them on the road for around 40 weeks of the year. Their top piece of advice to other WAGs new to the game was to not attend practice so you can also have a life outside of their partner’s orbit.
“When I first started travelling two or four years ago there weren’t really any partners on tour,” Riddle told Page 13.
“I kind of feel like one of the veteran girlfriends now. When a new girl comes on tours I always try to grab coffee with them and give them advice because it’s a weird lifestyle, bizarre and often isolating.
“My top piece of advice is don’t go to the practices, just go to the matches, otherwise your whole life is just going to become second.”
Riddle’s Instagram following soared by almost 30,000 followers during the Australian Open, before Fritz bowed out to defending champion Novak Djokovic.
Developing a loyal fanbase outside of the normal tennis diehards, Riddle is said to make up to $3,959 per sponsored Instagram post.
“From managing their own careers and public personas to balancing the demands of their partner’s schedule and the constant spotlight, the pressure on WAGs can be immense. Their appearance, behaviour and their relationships face constant speculation and criticism. Despite these challenges, many WAGs, such as Morgan Riddle, navigate this intense world with grace and resilience, and fashion their own identities while being a pillar of support to their partner,” a QRFY spokesperson told Page 13.
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