Daily Dose of Social Media: Jannik Sinner thanks Jack Draper for aiding return, Iga Swiatek nearly aces Porsche parking challenge
ATP
In our Daily Dose of Social Media, we look at some of the top moments of entertainment and information that you may have missed from Friday 18 April as the clay court season continues with tournaments in Munich, Stuttgart and Barcelona.
But not only that but Jack Draper has been helping Jannik Sinner practice, Roland Garros offered a potential glimpse at the emotional ceremony that will be given to Rafael Nadal. As well as more strife for Caroline Garcia.
Sinner thanks Jack Draper after returning to practice
Jannik Sinner is back on court and roped in a new top 10 star into helping him out with his preparation in British ace Jack Draper.
"Back on court, thanks @jackdraper" wrote Sinner on Instagram. It will be continued practice at least in the interim for Sinner who cannot return until Rome in a few weeks time.
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But while he has had Draper involved who isn't playing anywhere this week, he also roped in Matteo Berrettini for his first practices back in Monte-Carlo. So good preparation all around alongside his regular coaches of Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill.
Also good for Draper to keep his eye in during a week off the tour as he decided not to play Barcelona or Munich this week, both ATP 500's.
Forza
— Janniksin_Updates (@JannikSinner_Up) April 18, 2025
🦊❤️🇬🇧
Jannik via IG pic.twitter.com/qgvxj05dVp
No play but still work in Stuttgart
It was a unique situation this year at the Stuttgart Open due to how the Easter weekend falls with Good Friday being a holiday in Germany so due to local bylaws, no action could take place today in the indoor tournament ran by Porsche.
This has meant that Aryna Sabalenka in particular who received a walkover against Anastasia Potapova in the last round has not played yet and will only do so on Saturday. Also it means a fast turnaround before the eventual Madrid slog next week.
But despite the place being deserted due to no matches, players were working hard including Sabalenka as well as Jasmine Paolini who the social media account quipped they need some translation as to what she is saying in Italian.
All Quarter-Finals will take place tomorrow so it is an action packed Saturday but it will be three days in a row of play to crown a champion.
No matches today at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix due to Good Friday – but that doesn’t mean it’s a day off. 😤#PTGP25 pic.twitter.com/xHbxoOVN3e
— Porsche Tennis (@PorscheTennis) April 18, 2025
Iga Swiatek aces parking challenge with Porsche
Iga Swiatek has won plenty of Porsche's from this tournament as well as being an ambassador for the brand alongside Eva Lys who was announced this week.
So those who were invited to take the challenge set by Porsche this week perhaps had a disadvantage compared to the former World No.1.
Said challenge saw Swiatek regrip a tennis racquet which she said she couldn't really do and putting a water bottle, tennis racquet and tennis balls in the boot. Before parking up, hitting the balls against a wall and then driving off before parking up at the finishing line.
Albeit she had one issue. She hit a cone on the way back before finishing the challenge which the cameraman joked that they didn't see as Swiatek wondered if she had hit it.
Tennis grips and parking tips - just another day with Iga! 🚗😉 pic.twitter.com/9I0ALDdTqr
— Porsche Tennis (@PorscheTennis) April 18, 2025
Footage of young Rafael Nadal shared by Roland Garros
In a potential glimpse at the ceremony at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal footage was shared today of the Spanish king of clay going from being a young boy to becoming the best at Roland Garros.
He will have his ceremony at Roland Garros on May 25 in what is bound to be an emotional affair honoring one of the greats of the sport and at this tournament perhaps the greatest. He didn't want the send off last year as he wasn't sure on how his future was going to go.
But the FFT revealed earlier in the year that they had plans to do it this year and had already spoke to Nadal. That was soon confirmed earlier this week. Now with the road to the ceremony continuing, some great footage was released.
Roland Garros shared beautiful footage of Rafa Nadal
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 18, 2025
From a young boy to becoming the Forever King of Roland Garros
What a journey he took us on
Throughout these moments, he stayed the same humble kid
That’s what makes his legacy even more special 🥹
pic.twitter.com/GIDndrXD9u
Caroline Garcia out of Madrid, doubt for Roland Garros
Caroline Garcia has not had it easy during the past few years ever since winning the WTA Finals and that has continued as she is out of Madrid due to issues with her back.
She took to social media as she often does to offer insight and said that she returned with clarity and a will to succeed and so it now hurts to have another setback.
She hopes to be ready for Roland Garros with that being the goal but now she is looking at potentially Rome if all goes well. She is now 117th in the world after being World No.4 so no doubt will need a wildcard for Roland Garros.
"After more tests on my back, it’s clear I won’t be able to play in Madrid. I need to take some time for treatment and recovery. I’ll do everything I can to be ready for Rome, but the main goal is to arrive strong and healthy for Roland Garros.
"It’s tough to accept. After the break last year, I came back feeling happier, clearer, and more motivated. The results weren’t there yet, but I truly believed in the path I was on. This setback hurts—but I’ll use it to come back stronger.
"Right now, it’s about controlling what I can, keeping perspective, and finding ways to embrace the journey—even on the hard days. Paris is still the dream. And I’ll keep fighting for it."
After more tests on my back, it’s clear I won’t be able to play in Madrid. I need to take some time for treatment and recovery. I’ll do everything I can to be ready for Rome, but the main goal is to arrive strong and healthy for Roland Garros.
— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) April 18, 2025
It’s tough to accept. After the… pic.twitter.com/hZxtiO5yWI
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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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