Daily Dose of Social Media: Alcaraz shares his must-have travel essentials, WTA stars shine in behind-the-scenes photoshoot - Raducanu, Swiatek and more
Tennis News
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we take a look at some of the standout moments, including Carlos Alcaraz revealing his must-have travel essentials in a fun, lighthearted video.
ATP and WTA stars took part in various challenges throughout the day, featuring Matteo Berrettini, Emma Navarro, Ben Shelton, Casper Ruud, and more. Additionally, the WTA shared a behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoot for its latest promotional campaign, "Rally The World."
Carlos Alcaraz reveals his must-have travel essentials – and one item stands out!
Carlos Alcaraz recently took part in a fun video showcasing “Things I can’t travel without.” The four-time Grand Slam champion shared some of his essentials, including a T-shirt, a razor… and a golf club? The Spaniard joked while showing some of the items he “usually carries” in his bag.
World No. 3 was in action at the Qatar Open this week, reaching the quarter-finals after wins over Marin Cilic and Luca Nardi, before falling to Jiri Lehecka. His seven-match winning streak, which included the Rotterdam Open title, came to an end. Now, Alcaraz is gearing up for his title defense at Indian Wells.
Medvedev and Rublev hilariously describe each other in one word
Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev took part in a fun video where they attempted to describe each other. The former US Open champion called Rublev “unorthodox,” while Rublev hesitated before saying: “Crazy… something with crazy” to define Medvedev.
Both Russians competed at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships but had disappointing results. Third seed Rublev lost in the first round to Quentin Halys (3-6, 6-4, 6-7), while top seed Medvedev was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Tallon Griekspoor. The match was marked by Medvedev’s frustration, as he accused the umpire of treating Russian players unfairly.
Thanasi Kokkinakis undergoes shoulder surgery: “My toughest challenge yet”
Thanasi Kokkinakis shared a post-surgery photo after undergoing a shoulder operation that will keep him out of the Tour for an extended period. The Australian has battled injuries throughout his career, which already affected his performance at the Australian Open, where he reached the second round before losing to Britain’s Jack Draper.
The 28-year-old opted for surgery, but his return timeline remains uncertain. “Been struggling for a little while with this… Probably my toughest challenge to date. I’ve been trying to find the answers to an ongoing pec injury that I haven’t been able to fix. Let’s see how this goes.🤞🏼” he posted.
Matteo Berrettini gets candid in ATP’s ‘Never Have I Ever’ challenge
Matteo Berrettini participated in a fun ATP video where he answered questions like whether he had ever lied on a first date or cried during a movie. The Italian star shared honest answers in a lighthearted exchange.
This week, Berrettini competed at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, securing wins over Gael Monfils and Christopher O’Connell before losing a tight quarter-final clash to fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas (6-7, 6-1, 6-4). Despite the loss, he continues to regain form and will climb to World No. 28 in the rankings on Monday.
From the Aviation Club Tennis Centre in Dubai, Matteo Berrettini took a moment to teach fans an essential Italian phrase. The former Wimbledon finalist demonstrated how to say, “Where is a good restaurant?” in Italian. “This is really important, guys,” the 28-year-old joked.
Emma Navarro takes on the Jenga Challenge in Mérida
World No. 9 Emma Navarro participated in a ‘Jenga Challenge’ while in Mérida, Mexico. The top seed is preparing for her debut on Thursday night at the Center Court, where she will face Croatia’s Petra Martic.
Navarro is considered the favourite to win the title but faces a tough opponent in Martic, who recently knocked out former US Open champion Sloane Stephens.
During the game, Navarro was asked about her guilty pleasure snack. “Maybe sweet and salty popcorn,” the American admitted.
ATP stars take on ‘Tennis Roulette’ Challenge in Acapulco
ATP stars took part in the ‘Tennis Roulette’ challenge during the Mexican Open in Acapulco, with players facing different fun tasks. Casper Ruud stole the show by hilariously impersonating Frances Tiafoe, while Big Foe himself, along with Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev, answered some amusing questions.
The Mexican saw early exits from many favourites, including all four Tennis Roulette participants. In the quarter-finals, Denis Shapovalov, Tomas Machac, and Learner Tien remain among the title contenders.
Behind the Scenes: WTA stars shine in ‘Rally The World’ photoshoot
A new WTA video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoots featuring top players during tournaments. The footage captures stars like Iga Swiatek, Emma Raducanu, Zheng Qinwen, and Coco Gauff posing for official photos and videos as part of the WTA’s latest promotional campaign, "Rally The World."
Honouring the organisation’s rich history, the WTA is redefining its mission to shape the future of women’s tennis. With "Rally The World," the tour aims to captivate fans, forge new heroes, inspire future generations, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of tennis.
In the launch campaign, some of the WTA’s top players share their personal stories about what drives them in their own mission to Rally The World.
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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- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
