Alcaraz gets a lock-up tour at Alcatraz, Svitolina and Kostyuk celebrate a landmark win, as Federer hits the links with Ruud and Zverev
Tennis News
In a new "Daily Dose of Social Media," the Laver Cup is in its final stages of preparation. Carlos Alcaraz arrived in San Francisco and visited Alcatraz Island during a media day, while Roger Federer welcomed Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Alcaraz himself for a relaxing day on the golf course.
Meanwhile, Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk celebrated Ukraine's historic win over Spain and their advance to the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals with photos on their social media. Elsewhere, Joao Fonseca thanked his captain, Andre Agassi, and visited the San Francisco Giants' stadium with his Team World colleagues.
Ukraine makes history, advances to Billie Jean King Cup semifinals
Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk took to social media to celebrate Ukraine's historic win at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where they reached the tournament semifinals for the first time ever. In the first match of the day, Marta Kostyuk delivered a hard-fought 7-6(3), 6-2 victory over Spain's No. 2, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. "Stronger together on the way to the semis," the world No. 28 posted after securing the first win for her team.
The joy for the Ukrainians was even greater when, in the second match, Elina Svitolina fulfilled her duty and defeated former world No. 2 Paula Badosa, who was making her return to the courts after two months away. Badosa put up a good fight, taking the first set, but Svitolina ultimately won the match 5-7, 6-2, 7-5, giving Ukraine the tie and a spot in the semifinals without needing to play doubles. Svitolina posted, "UKRAINE, this is for you. For the first time in history, we're in the team world championship semifinals. We're proud to represent our country at the highest level and thank everyone for the powerful support! Ukraine—above all!"
Semifinals of World Cup 🥹🇺🇦✊🏼
— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) September 17, 2025
УКРАЇНО, це для тебе 💙💛
Вперше в історії ми у півфіналі командного чемпіонату світу✊🏻
Пишаємось представляти нашу країну на найвищому рівні та дякуємо всім за потужну підтримку!
Україна – понад усе! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/vqQnlmcTNn
History made for Ukraine 🥹
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) September 17, 2025
On their debut, they secure a spot in the semi-finals 🇺🇦#BJKCup pic.twitter.com/WRVxZCJ2sB
Roger Federer and Stars Enjoy Pre-Laver Cup Golf
With just one day to go until the start of the Laver Cup, the host is the 20-time major champion Roger Federer, one of the driving forces behind the tournament's creation who remains part of the organizing team. The former world No. 1 welcomed some of the Team Europe players to a golf course, where he was joined by Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz and Federer meet on the golf course as the world No. 1 visits Alctraz Islan
However, perhaps the photo that drew the most attention was one with Carlos Alcaraz, who arrived at the Laver Cup as the new world No. 1 and the main star for the Europeans. Federer also spent time with Alcaraz on the golf course. The Spaniard participated in promotional activities ahead of the tournament, including a visit to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, where he even went inside the prison and took several photos before the event.
Laver Cup: Team World's Joao Fonseca Thanks Captain Agassi for Mentorship
Joao Fonseca thanked Team World's captain, Andre Agassi, and vice-captain, Pat Rafter, for the days they have trained together in the lead-up to the Laver Cup. The 18-year-old Brazilian star is preparing for his debut defending Team World, where he will join colleagues like Francisco Cerundolo, Taylor Fritz, and Alex De Minaur in the quest to bring a title back to Team World.
"Extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best this week. Thanks, @agassi and Pat! I'm very happy to be able to learn from these tennis legends this week here at the Laver Cup. Thank you, Agassi and Pat!"
Team World swings for the fences with San Francisco Giants
During promotional activities, Team World visited the home stadium of the MLB's San Francisco Giants, where they received jerseys from the local baseball team's players. The team visited Oracle Park and even played baseball on the main field, with Cerundolo, rEilly Opelka, Alex Michelsen, Jenson Brooksby and the vice captain former No. 1 Pat Rafter.

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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