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.
Heartbreak
for Alcaraz as he falls short in Olympic Final
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."
Djokovic celebrates Olympic gold with joyful dance
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.
Paolini and
Errani's Golden Moment at the Olympics
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.
Osaka showcases Toronto adventures
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
Andy Murray enjoys retirement: Funny donut photo goes viral
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.
Nadal congratulates Alcaraz on Olympic silver medal
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 reunites with Serena Williams
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.