In a new
Daily Dose of Social Media, we review some of the most important moments that unfolded on social media today, with stars still in a period of transition at the start of the North American hardcourt swing and several big names currently off the courts. Such is the case for
Aryna Sabalenka, who shared the second episode of her 'video-blog,' showing her reaction in the hours following her Wimbledon elimination, expressing her disappointment while packing.
On another note,
Novak Djokovic met with Croatian football stars Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric in Croatia, gifting them autographed jerseys. Meanwhile,
Eugenie Bouchard is already training in Montreal for the upcoming
Canadian Open, the tournament where she will retire from tennis.
Sabalenka's Vlog reveals Post-Wimbledon blues
Aryna Sabalenka shared a new episode of her vlog, a recent initiative by the world No. 1 that offers a behind-the-scenes look at her life while competing on the WTA Tour. The Belarusian posted a video showing her packing in the aftermath of her Wimbledon semifinal loss to Amanda Anisimova, once again coming up empty-handed at a Grand Slam. The three-time major champion talks about her upcoming vacation, though she doesn't seem overly motivated after a tough defeat at the All England Club.
Sabalenka remains off the courts and has decided to extend her time away from competition after withdrawing from the Canadian Open, citing physical precautions. Her next challenges will come at the Cincinnati Open – where she is the defending champion – and the US Open – where she must also defend her 2024 crown.
Djokovic spotted in Croatia with football stars Kovacic and Modric
Novak Djokovic reunited with Croatian football legends Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric while spending his days in Croatia before returning to the courts. The 24-time Grand Slam champion recently changed his residence from Monaco to Croatia, though he maintains his status as an absolute sporting legend worldwide. The former world No. 1 appeared in photos enjoying the European summer alongside the Croatian footballers, both key players in Croatia's campaign at the 2018 Russia World Cup, where their country reached the final.
Djokovic recently competed at Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals where he was eliminated by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. The Serbian tennis player is now awaiting his return to the courts in a couple of weeks at the Cincinnati Open. A few days ago, his absence from the Canadian Open was confirmed – joining other important names like Sinner, Alcaraz, and Draper, who will extend their time away from competition, focusing primarily on the US Open which begins in late August. Djokovic will compete the week of August 4th in Cincinnati – where he won the title in 2023, defeating Alcaraz – which will be his only preparatory tournament before the fourth Grand Slam of the year.
Fernandez and Tiafoe share laughs in fun DC Open promo
Leylah Fernandez and
Frances Tiafoe starred in a fun video at the
DC Open, while both are having great campaigns at the tournament. In a promotional video for the event, they challenged each other in a target practice session with an American football on the DC Open courts. Both players had a hilarious time throwing several balls, with one even accidentally landing in the crowd.
Fernandez has been a standout in DC with a notable campaign to the semifinals, even defeating local top seed Jessica Pegula along the way. The Canadian is in a confident moment and has already secured a return to the top 30. Her next challenge will be in the semifinals against Elena Rybakina, where she will seek the possibility of reaching the seventh final of her career.
As for Tiafoe, he awaits his quarterfinal clash against Ben Shelton at the DC Open, looking to advance to the semifinals. The world No. 11 defeated Aleksandar Kovacevic and Flavio Cobolli on his way and will seek his first win of the season against a top-10 player against Shelton.
Eugenie Bouchard returns to Canadian Open
Eugenie Bouchard is back at the Canadian Open, where she has received a wildcard as part of her farewell to professional tennis. The former Wimbledon runner-up will play her final professional tournament and is already making her last preparations, having recently appeared in a video on social media training at one of the main stadiums.
The former world No. 4 recently announced her retirement at just 31 years old, after several injuries and a couple of seasons where she attempted to balance professional tennis appearances with her foray into pickleball, where she has been a prominent figure in the biggest PTPA Tour events.