In our Daily Dose of Social Media: Nadal and Djokovic cross paths, Stearns in exquisite Rabat celebration as Ruud jokes with sponsors

With Roland Garros a day away, our Daily Dose of Social Media hits Saturday 25 May with the conclusion of tournaments away from Paris as well as practice ahead of the Grand Slam starting.

Rafael Nadal features heavy as during and after his practice he had double joy as he won his set and also bumped into a familiar face, Jessica Pegula reacts to Collins and Keys superb post match speech and Peyton Stearns stuns with acrobatics in her Rabat win.

Nadal-Djokovic meet as they changeover for practice

Two of the legends of the sport and in reality unlikely to face off on a court again unless Rafael Nadal somehow gets to the semi-finals of Roland Garros. But they did meet on court in Paris albeit only to changeover.

They had a cordial handshake and hug with each other which of course was lapped up by the crowd as their teams also exchanged niceties. It was like waiting for a goal to go in at the football, the fans waiting with baited breath and finally they shake hands. Nadal and Nole fever certainly making it to Paris.

Of course for Djokovic too, it is his first day even in Paris after going out yesterday in Geneva to Tomas Machac who went on to be defeated in the final against Casper Ruud.

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Del🇪🇺

@Stroppa_Del

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After his second practice today, Rafa greets Djokovic. (Thanks A.)

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Collins and Keys speech warms hearts and also lauded by Pegula

Jessica Pegula may be more of a pundit this tournament than a player appearing on NBC to give her takes on who will seal the title at Roland Garros. But seeing two of her friends and compatriots laud each other in their post match interview in Strasbourg had her all in the feels.

She wrote: "Love seeing American's do well on the dirt." She was referencing also to their post match speech on court. “What a special week to play one of my long time friends, Madi. We’ve known each other since we were 10 years old. We used to be pen pals and write each other little letters.. some incredible memories. I never like losing in the finals, but if I’m gonna lose to someone, I don’t mind losing to you.. cause you know.. we’re American buddies," said Collins.

Keys reciprocated the praise to Collins in her speech as the 30-year-old smiled away next to her. “Danielle, you’ve had the most incredible few weeks. I’ve absolutely loved cheering you on and watching you beat basically everyone who stood in your way. It’s been amazing to see that. Congratulations on another really great week," said the champion.

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"If I am going to lose, I don't mind losing to you": Danielle Collins gives heartwarming speech to friend Madison Keys after Strasbourg loss

Jessie Pegula

@JPegula

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Love seeing 🇺🇸 s do well on the dirt 🥰

wta

@WTA

"If I am going to lose to someone, I don't mind losing to you." 🫂 Danielle Collins ❤️ @Madison_Keys #IS24

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Nadal wins practice against Rune

Rafael Nadal continues to ramp up his practice ahead of Roland Garros and before meeting up with Djokovic for that aforementioned moment, he played on court to an adoring fan base who are following his every move.

He faced Holger Rune and won in practice 7-5, 2-0 in the end. He faces Alexander Zverev on Monday. Kicking off the tournament tomorrow will be Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka as well as Stan Wawrinka v Andy Murray.

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Olly 🎾🇬🇧

@Olly_Tennis_

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Rafa won the practice vs Rune 7-5 2-0 💪

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Sublime Stearns shows off acrobatics

Peyton Stearns somewhat had an easier route to success at the Rabat Open final on Saturday than her previous marathon victories and against a typically better player to boot.

Stearns saw off Mayar Sherif in the final to seal her maiden WTA title on Sunday. Showing that dawg in her all week with multiple closely fought wins, the American sealed her first title also under former Sakkari coach, Tom Hill who was with the Greek for six years.

If Stearns ascends to a similar trajectory, she will be a top player and if not she could join a circus as she showed post final. She completed a pretty phenomenal handstand after holding the trophy. What do you need after another tennis match? More physical exertion.

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Dawg in the game: Peyton Stearns' remarkable rise to maiden WTA title at Rabat Open

Tennis Channel

@TennisChannel

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Celebrating her first WTA title 🏆 @peyton_stearns lifts the trophy in Rabat and shows off with a handstand! 🤸‍♀️ #WTARabat

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Casper Ruud shares hilarious quip in post final speech

Winning Geneva for a third time on Saturday, it is perfect opportunity knocks for Casper Ruud ahead of the French Open. Games and closely fought ones at that compared perhaps to Novak Djokovic who has kind of taken a step back.

One of the reasons for him playing in Geneva as was confirmed by his post match speech is one of his sponsors, Gonet. He said afterwards: "To the sponsors, specially my friend Gonet".

He put his hand on his shoulder and said: "Is my prize money ready yet?" In stark reality to Hubert Hurkacz when his was transferred through a screen on court. Halcyon days from early clay court season.

Read also

From brink of defeat to glorious victory: the dramatic tale of Casper Ruud's Geneva Open hat-trick

The Tennis Letter

@TheTennisLetter

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Ruud after winning Geneva for the 3rd time: Casper: “To the sponsors… especially my friend, Gonet…” *Puts hand on shoulder* Casper: “Is my prize money ready yet?” 😂

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