Daily Dose of Social Media: ATP Stars relive childhood memories, Rybakina relaxes during Tour break

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. ATP stars relived their childhood by signing photos from their early years, including Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina enjoys her days off in Kazakhstan amid uncertainty about her possible return. Find out more in a new Daily Dose of Social Media below.

Djokovic calls Alcaraz ‘Titanito’ in playful hallway encounter

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz had a friendly encounter during the Shanghai Masters after running into each other in the training complex halls. Both players had successful debuts on Sunday: the Spaniard defeated local player Shang Juncheng (6-2, 6-2), while Nole overcame young American Alex Michelsen (7-6, 7-6).

Nole and Carlitos met in the corridors of the Chinese tournament, and Djokovic greeted him in Spanish: “What’s up ‘Titanito’?” upon seeing the 4-time Grand Slam champion—a playful nickname that reflects their good relationship off the court. ‘Titanito’ translates to ‘little titan’ in English in an affectionate way.

They exchanged a conversation, partly in Spanish and partly in English: "Where are you all, we never see you?" asked Alcaraz, to which Djokovic, laughing, replied, "You spend a lot of time on the court, and I’m enjoying my time off." Both players will return to the court on Sunday in the Round of 32. Alcaraz will play against Yibing Wu, and Djokovic against the winner of the clash Cobolli - Wawrinka.

Throwback moments: Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner react to childhood photos

A new ATP video features tennis stars signing photos of themselves from their youth. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and others were shown childhood photos and asked to describe them while signing.

“Oh, who is this young, handsome fella here?” joked Djokovic. “I was probably like 18, 19? A lot has changed, definitely more beard… and wrinkles,” he added.

“My first time in Paris, and one of the first times I left Spain,” commented Alcaraz when seeing a photo of himself as a child on a clay court.

As for Sinner, he signed a picture of himself holding a tennis racket with curiously long hair: “Here my hair is too long, and now it’s too short. I think it looks okay when you’re young, but now…I don’t know, I don’t see myself with this long hair,” he said and pointed out the position he was hitting the ball in the picture: “Always backhand, never forehand,” the world No. 1 added. You can find the rest of the reactions from their colleagues in the next video, featuring Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev.

Rybakina takes time off in Kazakhstan

Elena Rybakina has had a difficult 2023, withdrawing and retiring from several tournaments throughout the season, including the US Open, Dubai Open, Indian Wells, and Rome Open, among others. With a record of 41-9 and 3 titles, the Kazakh player is 3rd in the WTA Race despite not competing regularly.

Several reports indicated stress and injuries, while recently, Russian journalist Sonya Tartakova claimed that Rybakina was under psychological stress from her coach, Stefano Vukov, which could be the main reason for her frequent absences from the Tour. Recently, the 2022 Wimbledon champion announced her split from the coach. "Hello Everyone, after 5 years, Stefano and I are no longer working together. I thank him for his on-court work and wish him all the best for the future. Thank you all for your support."

Rybakina last competed at the US Open, securing a first-round victory over Destanee Aiava but did not take the court for the second round against Jessika Ponchet, who advanced via walkover. The Ice Queen is not signed up for any tournaments in the Asian Swing and is taking time off back in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with no news yet about her potential return or a new coach. Despite being out of competition temporarily, Rybakina has practically secured her spot at the WTA Finals, though it remains to be seen whether she will extend her break or return to competition before the year ends.

Grigor Dimitrov Stars in ATP’s ‘Down the T’: Who’s the Nicest Guy on Tour?

Grigor Dimitrov was the star of the new ATP Tour video “Down the T,” where players answer a round of Q&A alongside American influencer Sharky. Dimitrov is at the Shanghai Masters and played his first match against Zizou Bergs, which had to be suspended while the Bulgarian was serving at 6-3, 2-4. The match will resume on Sunday during a new day of the tournament.

During the recently published interview on social media, Dimitrov was asked who the nicest guy on Tour is and replied: “Hubi Hurkacz, for sure.” Regarding who would be his wingman, he mentioned British No. 1 Jack Draper: “He can bring the heat,” said the Bulgarian.

The 32-year-old player then chose among his peers the most underrated player, the funniest one in the locker room, and who he would call in an emergency. You can find the rest of the answers from world No. 10 in the following video: