I hate tennis 😭
Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most important activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. The final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic was undoubtedly the highlight of the day at the Olympic Games. The Serbian celebrated in the Olympic Village, dancing with Team Serbia in a joyful moment, while the Spaniard left the court in tears in a heartbreaking scene.
Meanwhile, Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani also celebrated the Olympic gold they secured for Italy, and Naomi Osaka shared updates with photos for her fans from her recent days in Toronto as she prepares for the Canadian Open.
Carlos Alcaraz fell in the final of the Olympic Games and couldn't hold back tears after the defeat. The Spaniard had a great campaign in Paris 2024 but was unable to overcome Novak Djokovic in the final, who claimed victory in two tie-breaks, 7-6(3), 7-6(2). The world No. 3 was visibly emotional, shedding tears after losing the fight for gold.
‘It is painful to lose the way that I lost this match. I had my opportunities... I couldn’t take them," said Alcaraz. "Novak is playing great, he really settled in his position, in the difficult moments he increased his level, he played unbelievable. I’m really disappointed but honestly, I’m going to leave the court with my head really high. I gave everything that I had fighting for Spain, it was everything to me so I’m proud the way that I played today."
I hate tennis 😭
It was all a celebration for Djokovic once he secured the Olympic gold, the last title missing from his illustrious career. The Serbian had an emotional reaction on the court after sealing his victory and later during the award ceremony. Now, images have emerged of the party held in the Olympic Village, with Serbian athletes dancing as they celebrated the triumph of their national hero.
In the video shared on social media, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is seen dancing with the Serbian flag draped over his shoulders and the gold medal hanging around his neck. Additionally, the other Serbian athletes danced around him in a moment of absolute joy in the Olympic Village, marking a significant moment for Serbian sports.
Olympic village on fire 🇷🇸
Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani brought joy to Italian tennis by securing the gold medal in women's doubles. Despite the absence of Jannik Sinner in Team Italy, the dream of an Olympic gold for Italian tennis was realized thanks to the remarkable performance of Paolini and Errani.
Paolini has had an outstanding season, recently reaching the top 5 and finishing as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. She also paired with Errani in the French Open doubles, where they fell short in the final. However, the Olympics provided redemption for the Italians, who claimed the gold medal.
Moreover, this gold allows Errani to achieve the Golden Career Slam in doubles, adding the Olympic medal to her five Grand Slam titles. "What an incredible day and match! So happy that Sara and I could bring the gold medal home to Italy!" Paolini wrote on X after the match.
È OROOO! Jasmine Paolini e Sara Errani fanno la storia: è il primo oro per l’Italia nella storia del tennis 🥹🇮🇹 #GiochiOlimpici
domani tutti parleranno di Nole Djokovic che a 37 anni vince l’oro olimpico dopo aver vinto tutto; io invece voglio parlare di Sara Errani che a 37 anni si prende l’Olimpo del tennis dopo aver faticato una vita intera per avere un giorno questi occhi #Giochiolimpici #Paris2024
Naomi Osaka shared an update on her recent days in Toronto as she prepares to debut in the Canadian Open. The former world No. 1 received a wild card and faces a challenging draw, as she will take on Tunisian 9th seed Ons Jabeur.
Osaka hopes to move past her early elimination in the Olympic Games and, with her strong performances in recent months, the hardcourt swing is the perfect stage for the Japanese star to make a significant leap forward. Her best result in the Canadian Open so far was the quarterfinals in 2019, where she lost to Serena Williams.
The 4-time Grand Slam champion has been in Toronto for several days and recently shared a photo compilation of herself in the city: “Toronto summer24,” she wrote on Instagram
A humorous photo of Andy Murray has spread across social media as the Brit enjoys his first days of retirement. The career of the 3-time Grand Slam champion came to an end a few days ago after falling in the quarterfinals of the doubles alongside Dan Evans.
Murray has taken advantage of his stay in Paris to continue experiencing the Olympic Games and has been spotted in the audience at various sports events over the past few days. This time, he was captured amusingly eating a donut among the crowd, causing laughter among fans on social media: "When you can finally eat whatever you want." Andy himself later shared the image on his Instagram stories.
Rafael Nadal closely followed the performance of his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Olympic Games. 'Carlitos' had the opportunity to bring another gold medal to Spanish tennis, just as Rafa did in Beijing 2008 and later in doubles with Marc Lopez in Rio 2016.
However, Alcaraz's hopes of winning gold were dashed as he lost in two tight sets to Djokovic. Nevertheless, Nadal sent a message to Alcaraz on social media, congratulating him on his silver medal and highlighting that it is still a significant achievement for Spain: "Carlos, although I know today is a difficult day, appreciate a medal that is very important for the entire country and you will see, in time, that it is for you as well. Thank you for this incredible week and for a medal you give to Spanish sports. A hug."
Billie Jean King met with Serena Williams at the Olympic Games, reminiscing about their shared history in tennis. The American legend recalled her time as coach of Team USA back in Sydney 2000, where Serena and Venus Williams won their first gold medals in women's doubles, with Venus also clinching gold in singles.
Both King and Williams attended the French Open, where they witnessed the thrilling final between Alcaraz and Djokovic. Djokovic's victory secured the gold medal while matching Serena's achievement as the only players to win Olympic gold without losing a set—a feat Williams accomplished in London 2012.
Spotted at Alcaraz vs Djokovic 👀 #Paris2024 | #Tennis | @serenawilliams