Daily Dose of Social Media: Iga Swiatek, Zheng Qinwen and Jessica Pegula stand out at Dubai Players Party
ATP
WTA players dazzled at the Players Party, as we take a look at the images in a new Daily Dose of Social Media, featuring Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Zheng Qinwen, Coco Gauff, and more.
Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur celebrated his 26th birthday, while Eugenie Bouchard shined in her latest pickleball exhibition. All this and more below!
Alcaraz, Djokovic & more in Qatar Open’s AI-driven pirate-themed promo
The new promotional video for the Qatar ATP 500 features Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Stefanos Tsitsipas as its main stars. Created using artificial intelligence, the entertaining video depicts the three tennis players dressed as corsairs and pirates, landing on the shores of Doha, Qatar, with the goal of conquering the tournament. The clip hints that the best of tennis is arriving in the Middle East.
The Qatar Open begins today, 17 February, and will run until 22 February. With Jannik Sinner absent due to his doping-related suspension, Carlos Alcaraz leads the tournament’s field. Fans eagerly anticipate whether the Spaniard can close the ranking gap with the Italian and reclaim his spot as world No. 1.
Bouchard shines in Pickleball slam
Genie Bouchard recently posted an image from the Pickleball Slam, where she currently ranks No. 17. As one of the most recognisable faces in the sport, she is a major attraction at events. However, the former tennis star has made it clear that she has not completely retired from the sport.
The 2014 Wimbledon finalist still trains, competes, and holds a ranking in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). At present, Bouchard is ranked No. 1288 in tennis.
The Canadian is currently taking part in Pickleball Slam 3, where she faced legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf in a series of matches held in Las Vegas, broadcast on ESPN. Bouchard admitted that her presence on the centre court is not solely due to her pickleball skills but also because of her past tennis achievements and the impact they have on her transition into the sport.
The former world No. 4 was first approached by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) in 2023 during the US Open. She later signed a three-year contract—terms undisclosed—that includes provisions allowing her to continue competing in tennis events.
Today is the day @pickleballslam! Tune into @espn at 4pm ET!
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) February 16, 2025
Or come out to Mandalay Bay at 1pm Vegas! https://t.co/fB8lvyWlfT pic.twitter.com/mm7qbMxN83
What an epic weekend. Andy & I won the match that mattered 🤪 https://t.co/bTSazzpo7h
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) February 17, 2025
WTA stars shine at Dubai Players Party: Swiatek, Zheng and more
The players shone at the Dubai Players Party, with some catching particular attention. Among them, American Jessica Pegula looked radiant in a fitted white top, smiling happily throughout the event. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina stayed true to her signature style, sporting jeans and a white blazer.
Qinwen Zheng dazzled in a stunning outfit, pairing a black leather skirt with a white shirt and top combo, a look that was widely praised by her fans.
Iga Swiatek opted for comfort, sticking to her usual outfit patterns—yet that didn't stop her from looking beautiful.
However, German player Eva Lys stole the spotlight with a simple yet striking ensemble—jeans and a top—showcasing her impressively toned abs. Not only did she turn heads with her outfit, but she also made waves on the court. Lys secured a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory over World No. 70 Kamilla Rakhimova in the final round of WTA 1000 Dubai qualifying, officially booking her place in the main draw for the first time.
Currently ranked World No. 91, Lys delivered a dominant performance in the Dubai qualifying final, winning seven consecutive games, breaking Rakhimova’s serve five times, and sealing the match in just 77 minutes.
Eva Lys attends the Dubai Players Party after reaching R2 earlier in the day. pic.twitter.com/yZ98evaV5y
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) February 17, 2025
Emma at the players party in Dubai ✨ pic.twitter.com/GlLsGBOcrQ
— Raducanu News (@RaducanuNews) February 17, 2025
Iga Świątek at the Dubai Players Party. pic.twitter.com/jWn4b5Nmn8
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) February 17, 2025
Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff, Belinda Bencic, and Anastasia Potapova at the WTA Dubai Player’s Party. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QTKhW948id
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 17, 2025
Alex de Minaur turns 26 as he prepares for Doha Open debut
Alex de Minaur is celebrating his birthday today! The Australian turned 26, and the ATP Tour shared a post to mark the occasion. Currently ranked World No. 8 after dropping two spots, De Minaur is set to compete this week at the Doha Open, where he will face Roman Safiullin tomorrow.
It's worth remembering that last year, the Australian withdrew from the Paris Olympics—just like Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune—after suffering a hip injury during his fourth-round victory at Wimbledon. The injury prevented him from playing in the quarter-finals, and since he hadn't fully recovered, he opted not to compete in the singles main draw in Paris.
Emma Navarro prepares for Dubai return
Emma Navarro posted a video of herself training and chatting with young girls at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Tomorrow, the American will face Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic. After a disappointing opening-round loss at the Qatar Open against Leylah Fernandez, Navarro returns to Dubai, a tournament she previously had to leave due to the unpredictability of the WTA Tour.
It's worth remembering that during her Australian Open quarter-final loss to Iga Swiatek, Navarro decided not to stop play after a double bounce, costing her a crucial point. Following the incident, the American called for a rule change regarding video review usage.
Navarro lost the match 6-1, 6-2, and her comeback hopes faded after a controversial moment in the second set when the score was tied at 2-2. Swiatek rushed to the net and returned a low shot after the ball had bounced twice, but the chair umpire failed to notice.
Navarro immediately requested a video review after losing the point, but the umpire ruled it was too late since play had continued. "I think it should be allowed after the point, even if you're playing. It all happens so fast. You hit, she returns, and you're thinking, 'Well, I'll keep playing,'" said Emma Navarro.
Rybakina all smiles in Dubai
Elena Rybakina was all smiles in her latest training photos from Dubai as she prepares for her debut on Tuesday against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima, who recently stunned Doha finalist Jelena Ostapenko with a dominant 6-3, 6-3 victory.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion has been in the spotlight following the indefinite suspension of her coach, Stefano Vukov. The WTA decided to suspend him for violations of the code of conduct due to alleged mistreatment of Rybakina, although the player denied the accusations when asked and voiced her dissatisfaction with the sanction. Rybakina recently reached the Qatar Open quarter-finals but fell to world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
Elena Rybakina looking very happy during her practice in Dubai.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 17, 2025
Great to see this. 🐠❤️ pic.twitter.com/eTWrwiP66r
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
