fortyloved

[fortyloved]

Uninvited but Unmissable: LaPlante's past returns courtside

Tensions quietly resurfaced on Centre Court as former British No. 1 Harlow LaPlante was unexpectedly confronted by the presence of her estranged mother and ex-coach, Freja LaPlante. In a move that caught even insiders off guard, Freja's return to the Royal British Tennis Federation marks a potential turning point for the strained relationship, now unfolding at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

LONDON — There was a noticeable shift in the air of Centre Court yesterday and it wasn’t because of the usual heavy clouds that hang over southwest London. Midway through her second round match, former British No. 1 Harlow LaPlante’s attention was disrupted by what seemed like an unexpected visitor. 

That visitor, unmistakable to those who have followed the rise and rupture of LaPlante, was her mother and former coach, Freja LaPlante. It marked the first time that she’s been publicly seen at one of her daughter’s matches since their professional, and personal, split almost two years ago. 

The moment was made even more unsettling due to where she was sat: not among family or player guests, but beside two senior officials from the Royal British Tennis Federation. By evening, it was confirmed that Freja has taken up a position as a development coach within the RBTF’s national academy programme, quietly stepping into British tennis’ long term vision. Her appointment was not publicly announced.

For the current world No. 61, the match ended in a straight sets win. But her on-court composure clearly displayed a noticeable undertone of distress. She glanced toward the royal box more than once, her expression unreadable.

“Not the best time for family therapy, is it?” said a former British player turned commentator. “Harlow’s handling the moment alright, but you could see she wasn’t expecting this.”

The Royal British Tennis Federation declined to comment on the emotional implications of Freja’s new role, issuing only a brief statement: “We’re pleased to welcome Freja LaPlante to the RBTF Academy Development Team. Her coaching record speaks for itself, and she’ll be working with emerging British talent across the junior and elite levels.”

Harlow gave a short, yet cold, response when asked about the sighting in her post-match interview before quickly moving on. “I don’t decide who they invite,” she said. “Or hire, obviously.” 

Still, for the fans, reporters and even players that watched on, the moment was hard to ignore. A daughter chasing past form on a court where she was once champion. A mother who helped guide her there, no longer in her corner, but still within her line of sight. 

A reunion between the two may be distant for now, but with Freja now back within the Federation’s inner circle and Harlow clawing her way back to the upper ranks, a future intersection feels inevitable. Whether that takes the shape of reconciliation or further estrangement remains to be seen.

[fortyloved]

Pseudonyms, Please: Signed, Benchwarmer  Email: anon@pls.com Subject: Match Point or Strike Three? 

Message: not the first time and maybe not the last… word on the street (or more like a scottsdale hotel lobby) is that a certain tennis comeback queen, think 3x major winner from across the pond, was spotted in a not-so-private argument with socal golden boy pitcher who helped seal the deal for his team’s 2024 world series win. 

the two were caught causing a scene (again). witnesses say voices were raised, tempers flared, and it was not the kind of match either of them trained for. things got loud fast, with sources overhearing sharp tones and a few choice words before the pair ducked into an elevator together, but only he came back down, heading off with the team like nothing happened.

hours later, she was spotted exiting solo, luggage in tow, looking stone faced and done. coincidence or not, his performance that night? subpar at best. from what we’ve heard, it wasn’t just the strike zone he was missing.

if this sounds familiar, it might be because these two had another very public blow up last year when he was reportedly physically removed from a club after getting into it with a guy who wouldn’t back off her. she followed, not looking thrilled.

since then, sightings of the two have been few and far between. looks like whatever this is, it’s not exactly love-all.

[fortyloved]

Harlow LaPlante Adds Former Pro Maeve Bronwyn to Coaching Team as She Looks to Rebuild

Former World No. 3 Harlow LaPlante has officially welcomed Australian Maeve Bronwyn, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former professional, to her team, the 24-year-old announced on Monday.

Since returning to the WTA tour in January, LaPlante has worked with a variety of former professionals and top coaches on a tournament by tournament basis. However, the Brit has not had a consistent coaching partnership since her collaboration with her mother, Freja LaPlante, ended following her hiatus from the sport in August 2023.

Freja, who had coached her daughter since LaPlante left Stanford for the professional tour in 2019, had been with her for all three of her Grand Slam victories, including back to back Australian Open titles.

Bronwyn was first seen working with LaPlante earlier this month at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, where the tennis player reached the fourth round, her best result at a WTA 1000 tournament this season. 

“I’m really grateful to get to add Maeve to my team,” LaPlante said in a statement provided to ESPN by her management. “I believe that our work together has already had a positive impact on my game and I’m excited to see how her experience on clay will contribute over the next few months.”

This will mark the first time the three-time Roland Garros champion has worked with a professional player in a coaching capacity. While Bronwyn brings a wealth of experience from her extensive playing career, her only instructional background comes from five years at a junior academy in Melbourne, Australia. However, LaPlante declined to comment on whether her mother would play a role in her coaching team during this transition period.