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Gigi Fernandez appeared on episode 3 of Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 which aired on June 17, 2024. Captain Sandy welcomed the charter guest and his long-time friend, Gigi, on the yacht with high hopes. She was introduced to Chef Jono as a strict critic with high expectations. Capt. Sandy aimed to impress her during her stay on deck, but, unfortunately, mediocre cooking and unimpressive services left her dissatisfied.
60-year-old Gigi Fernandez is a former tennis player with several accolades from Grand Slam Championship wins to Olympic victories. Born in Puerto Rico, Gigi resides in Tampa, Florida with her family. This renowned star retired in 1997 and shifted her focus to coaching other tennis aspirants.
Gigi Fernandez has had an illustrious career as a professional tennis player
Gigi Fernandez clinched the title of world No. 1
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Gigi Fernandez's Instagram bio proudly introduces her victories throughout her life. She has 17 Grand Slam championship wins, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is a doubles coach, and is a mother. In 2010, she was inducted into the much-coveted International Tennis Hall of Fame and was the first Puerto Rican to be granted the honor.
Gigi Fernandez represented the United States in the Olympics and secured the world No. 1 ranking in doubles. As a singles player, she reached the highest ranking of world No. 17 in 1991. Since retiring in 1997, Gigi has shared her knowledge with other doubles aspirants and enthusiasts through several training programs and workshops. She conducts Master Doubles with Gigi Clinics and Doubles Boot Camps, where players are trained.
Gigi has also worked with renowned doubles players Rennae Stubbs, Lisa Raymond, and Samantha Stosur. Her guidance helped Stosur win her first Grand Slam title at the US Open alongside Raymond in 2005.
Gigi served as the University of Florida's coach and worked with the Puerto Rican national team. In 1999, she was deemed Puerto Rico's "Female Athlete of the Century." She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Florida and a master's degree in business administration from Rollins College's Crummer School of Business.
Gigi Fernandez's personal details explored
For the unversed, Gigi had previously appeared on Below Deck season 10 as the primary charter guest. During her time on the yacht, she celebrated her 57th birthday with partner Jane Geddes alongside other friends.
The former tennis professional is the mother of twins, Karson Xavier and Madison Jane. Her partner, Jane Geddes, is a retired professional golfer and former LPGA and WWE executive. Geddes had a prolific career on the LPGA Tour where she won two major championships and 11 LPGA Tour events.
Gigi launched her company Baby Goes Pro in 2010 intending to introduce children to age-appropriate skills for multiple sports like baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, and tennis.
Gigi Fernandez's appearance on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9
On episode 9 of Below Deck Mediterranean season 3, Capt. Sandy introduced Gigi as a woman with high expectations, making the crew, especially Chef Jono, nervous.
"The chef I had [then] did, like, seven courses at each meal. Her expectations are high," Capt. Sandy said.
With several dietary restrictions, Chef Jono struggled to construct recipes to impress Gigi. The professional tennis star was dissatisfied with the overbearing taste of the spices in the seafood tacos she was served. She was also not thrilled with the chicken that was served as the main course.
" It's just too much rosemary," added Gigi.
Not even dessert could impress the former world No. 1. Gigi claimed the cake could have been more chocolatey. Capt. Sandy was surprised to hear Gigi express her concerns about breakfast where she was served cold eggs.
Furious, Capt. Sandy pulled Chef Jono for a chat while Gigi confessed that people expect a great five-star dining experience on a yacht since they are paying a lot of money to be there.
