Due to his role as the presenter for the US Open Women's Singles Champion, Matthew arrived in New York before the finals and made his way to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Upon entering the stadium, he was accompanied by the Director of North American Marketing for Rolex. They discussed the arrangements with the committee, and then Matthew headed to a changing room. Inside, there was a custom-tailored suit from Rolex and, most importantly, a gold Rolex watch waiting for him.
"After the match," a committee official told Matthew, "there will be some time to prepare before the award ceremony, enough for you to change into your suit."
Matthew nodded, "Thank you."
It was early September, and New York's weather was still quite warm. Today, he was dressed casually in a tennis shirt and cap, giving off a very relaxed vibe.
After a few more reminders from the official, they left the dressing room.
A stylist hired by Rolex came over, observed Matthew, and handed him a classic Rolex Submariner watch. Matthew cooperated and put it on his left wrist.
Having accepted the endorsement fee from Rolex, he was more than willing to help advertise for them.
Besides the watch, he was also wearing a tennis shirt and hat provided by Rolex, a special edition for this year's US Open, with the Rolex crown logo prominently displayed.
Mercedes-Benz had also gotten involved in his New York trip. Upon his arrival, they provided him with a vehicle. For all his engagements in New York, he would be using Mercedes-Benz cars.
Recently, Mercedes-Benz had been in touch with Helen Herman, likely because of the increasing sales of the G-Class SUV during the years Matthew endorsed it. Mercedes-Benz was interested in deepening their collaboration.
With Matthew's image maturing over time, Mercedes-Benz wanted him to also endorse their flagship models.
Moreover, Mercedes-Benz had already expressed their willingness to sponsor his lead role in "I Am Legend."
This trip to New York was primarily a commercial endeavor, and Matthew was surrounded by a heavy commercial atmosphere. However, overall, he didn't endorse many products. Helen Herman was cautious in choosing endorsements, rejecting any brands that might damage his image or reduce his prestige.
Matthew understood that as his status elevated, it wouldn't be long before every aspect of his public life—his clothing, food, residence, and transportation—would be deeply commercialized.
But he didn't mind this. After all, it meant he didn't have to spend his own money.
Even now, Matthew remembered the awkwardness of his first red carpet experience when he had to borrow money from Angel Agency to buy a decent outfit.
As a big star, he could now wear and display millions or even tens of millions of dollars worth of items without spending a dime.
Not long ago, during a phone call with Charlize Theron, she mentioned that as an Oscar-winning actress and Dior's top ambassador, her ensemble for a recent New York event's red carpet was worth $8 million.
According to Theron, the jewelry she wore was worth $4.5 million alone, but it was all borrowed from Cartier for promotional purposes. Her makeup and gown were sponsored by Dior, her hairstyle was styled for free by a famous New York salon, and the shoes were a gift from Givenchy.
Theron didn't spend a cent to dazzle on the red carpet in an outfit worth over $8 million.
If someone asked whether being a big star was great, Matthew would tell them it was beyond amazing!
Money, fame, benefits—all there at his fingertips. Every appearance felt like being at the center of the universe.
Comparatively, Matthew considered himself relatively low-key among Hollywood's A-listers.
Thus, he walked alone to the VIP section of Arthur Ashe Stadium without any entourage.
The stadium was packed, almost to capacity. Unlike the noisy atmosphere of sports like soccer, the tennis arena was fairly quiet.
"Wow…"
Matthew hadn't even sat down when he heard a young girl's voice from the row in front. "Mom, this is the guy who's always on the billboard with you!"
Hearing the clear voice, Matthew looked up. A brunette woman in her thirties sat with a six or seven-year-old girl beside his seat.
He recognized them both. This section belonged to Rolex's designated area, and the woman, like him, was a Rolex ambassador—supermodel Cindy Crawford.
"Hi, Cindy." Matthew approached, greeting Cindy Crawford first before turning to the little girl. "Hello, Kaia. We meet again."
The little girl stared at Matthew's face for a moment before turning to Cindy Crawford. "Mom, do I know him?"
Cindy Crawford chuckled, "You forgot? He was in a photoshoot with mommy." She looked up at Matthew, "Kids grow fast and forget things easily, don't mind her."
Matthew quickly replied, "No problem."
He had only met Cindy Crawford's daughter a handful of times, so it was natural for Kaia Gerber not to remember him.
Matthew sat down, with Kaia Gerber between him and Cindy Crawford.
"Your name is Matthew?" Kaia asked, her big eyes full of curiosity.
"Uh-huh." Matthew nodded.
"Have we really met before?" Kaia tilted her head.
"When I first saw you…" Matthew gestured a height, "You were only this tall."
"Oh…" Kaia wiggled in her seat, "No wonder I can't remember."
Just then, she stood up suddenly, pointing towards the court. "They're coming out! They're coming out!"
Matthew saw it too. The two finalists of this year's US Open Women's Singles were entering the court, seemingly preparing to warm up.
As the award presenter, he knew who they were. Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin had made it to the finals.
He knew little about Henin, only her name. Sharapova, on the other hand, left a more vivid impression, especially her physique, which reminded him somewhat of Elena Bojar.
"Who do you think will win?" Kaia asked.
Matthew responded with a question, "What do you think, Kaia?"
Kaia sat back down, biting a finger thoughtfully. "Henin! I like Henin!"
Matthew, curious, asked, "Do you understand tennis?"
"Of course!" Kaia scrunched her nose. "I've been to all four Grand Slam tournaments."
Cindy Crawford interjected, "I often take Kaia to matches and fashion shows."
"You're so lucky," Matthew told the little girl, "to have such a great mom."
Cindy Crawford smiled, feeling a sense of pride from being complimented by a Hollywood star.
Matthew chatted with Cindy Crawford a bit more, mostly focusing on Kaia. It was clear Cindy loved her daughter dearly and was subtly nurturing her.
From Kaia's conversations, Matthew could tell she was more knowledgeable and confident than most kids her age.
Growing up in such an environment had obvious advantages. Matthew could imagine that if Kaia Gerber decided to pursue a career in acting or modeling, she would have a very smooth path ahead.
"Hey, Matthew!" Kaia suddenly spoke up again. "You didn't tell me, who do you think will win?"
On the court, Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin were warming up. Sharapova's long legs were particularly eye-catching.
"I think Maria Sharapova will win," Matthew gave an opinion opposite to Kaia's.
Kaia widened her eyes, "Why?"
Matthew's knowledge of tennis was limited to what he had read in the papers since arriving in New York. He thought for a moment and pointed at Sharapova. "Can't you see?"
"See what?" Kaia shook her head.
"Sharapova is taller and stronger!" Matthew recalled an article he read and said, "The trend in women's tennis towards more power and athleticism is clear. Stronger players are more likely to win."
Kaia, still a child, was puzzled for a moment. She tugged at Cindy Crawford's sleeve, asking, "Mom, is that true?"
"Yes," Cindy Crawford nodded gently. "Matthew's right."
She explained softly, "In recent years, the Williams sisters have been very successful because they've enhanced their physical strength, giving them a huge advantage. Purely technical players like Hingis have struggled to compete."
Matthew listened and realized Cindy Crawford had some knowledge of tennis. He decided to change the topic to avoid revealing his ignorance.
If it were about English football, he could talk all day, but tennis was another story.
As the match was about to begin, Matthew noticed a camera panning toward them. He stopped chatting with Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber and adopted a more composed demeanor.
Just like his NBA outings, Hollywood stars often capitalized on the popularity of major sporting events. These events, in turn, welcomed star attendance, often giving them the best seats.
It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Tennis's Grand Slam events, especially the US Open, weren't always the prestigious tournaments they are today. They were promoted to their current status.
"Ah…"
As Matthew's mind wandered, a woman's loud yell rang out. The match had started.
He turned to the court. Sharapova hit a backhand return, and another loud yell filled the air.
"Ah!"
The intense scream echoed through the stadium, almost startling the audience.
Next to him, Kaia Gerber covered her ears.
Sharapova's screams continued, a constant rhythm that seemed designed to drive every man in the stadium wild.
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