Daily Dose of Social Media: Djokovic’s Argentina trip highlights—Del Potro’s gift, playing with Sabatini, and emotional reception
Tennis NewsSunday, 01 December 2024 at 23:30
Today in
our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and
Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Juan Martin del Potro organized a remarkable exhibition to bid farewell to his career, with Novak Djokovic as the guest of honor. The 24-time Grand Slam champion received a special gift from the Argentine and an incredible ovation from the crowd at the stadium during the farewell match, which also featured Gabriela Sabatini on the court.
On the other hand, Iga Swiatek is trying to move past the doping case and shared a video of her latest training session with her fans ahead of the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Grigor Dimitrov offered an emotional reflection in his 'Letter to Tennis,' a series of ATP videos.
Grigor Dimitrov shares heartfelt ‘Letter to Tennis’ after stellar 2024 season
Grigor
Dimitrov was the star of the ATP’s latest video, where he penned an emotional
“letter to tennis,” reflecting on the moments that shaped his career. The
Bulgarian celebrated a remarkable season, climbing back into the top 10 for the
first time in six years, winning the Brisbane International title, and reaching
three finals, including the prestigious Miami Open Masters 1000.
In the
video, Dimitrov spoke about his lifelong relationship with tennis: “Dear
tennis, it's a long love story that you and I have,” Dimitrov began. “I got
introduced to you when I was 3 years old, with a very little racket I was given
by my mom. Precious moments. My first interaction with you was when I was
hitting against a very broken wall in my hometown.”
He fondly
recalled how his father played a key role in his development: “Our journey took
a very different turn when I stepped on court with my dad, who actually taught
me how to play—for which I'm extremely grateful. Our years together have been
filled with lots of love, heartbreaks, excitement, and outrageous moments. For you,
I'll forever be grateful for what you have brought, not only to my life but to
my heart.”
Dimitrov
also shared a pivotal moment in his early career: “I remember when I was 11
years old—it was the time I won a tournament in France. I was at home, looking
at the trophy. Then my parents came home, and I said, ‘This is what I'm going
to be doing’. That was the turning point, I guess.” You can watch Dimitrov’s
full video in the following link.
Iga Swiatek moves past doping case, returns to training ahead of 2025 season
Iga Swiatek
is determined to put the doping controversy behind her as she resumes training
for the upcoming 2025 season. The five-time Grand Slam champion was handed a
one-month suspension after testing positive for trimetazidine, a substance that
entered her system due to contamination in a melatonin supplement she uses to
manage jet lag. Swiatek is serving her suspension during the off-season,
meaning she will be eligible to compete when the WTA Tour resumes on December
27.
Amid
ongoing discussions about doping in tennis, the world No. 2 has shifted her
focus to future challenges. She recently joined forces with coach Wim Fissette,
whom she partnered with just weeks before the WTA Finals. Swiatek is expected
to return to action at the United Cup, teaming up with Hubert Hurkacz to
represent Poland in Sydney. They will compete in Group B alongside the Czech
Republic, led by Karolina Muchova, and Norway, represented by Casper Ruud.
Swiatek
recently posted a video from her latest training session on social media,
sparking hundreds of supportive comments from fans in light of her doping case.
Casper Ruud triumphs in first Nordic Battle match against Holger Rune
Casper Ruud
secured victory in the first match of the Nordic Battle exhibition against
Holger Rune, winning 4-6, 6-4, 10-7 in Norway. The exhibition event consists of
two matches featuring the top Nordic players of the moment. The opener was held
on November 30 at the Varner Arena in Asker, Norway, with Ruud delighting the
home crowd with a hard-fought win.
Both
players now head to Copenhagen, Denmark, where the champion will be decided in
a second match on December 3. The players have already stoked excitement on
social media, promising a thrilling showdown.
“Now I’m
coming to Copenhagen to claim the title of the Nordic Battle!🛡️🔥 Let’s do this!,” wrote former world
No. 2 Ruud.
“Thank you,
Norway, for a fantastic evening 🇳🇴🙌🏼 you were great company,” Rune
shared on Instagram. “Now I can’t wait to feel the Danish energy on Tuesday 🦾🇩🇰. It’s always very special for me to
play for my Danish fans at home. I look forward to seeing you all, playing some
great tennis, and welcoming @casperruud and his team to Denmark.”
🍿💫 No hi ha partits oficials, però ja comença l’època d’exhibicions. Punt espectacular de Rune contra Ruud pic.twitter.com/t4uLS3ZrEI
— ANNA (@AnnaVentura_) December 1, 2024
Juan Martín del Potro surprises Novak Djokovic with a special Gift during Argentina visit
Novak
Djokovic received a heartfelt gift from Juan Martín del Potro during his visit
to Argentina. The 24-time Grand Slam champion traveled to the South American
country to participate in an exhibition match marking the farewell of the
former world No. 3.
“This is
something typical of Argentina that I think you’ll like,” said Del Potro as he
handed Djokovic a wooden box containing the gift. Upon opening it, Djokovic
revealed three bottles of local wine with personalized labels. One featured a
photo of Del Potro and Djokovic after their US Open clash, while another
displayed Djokovic celebrating his Olympic gold medal victory in Paris 2024.
At the
start of the exhibition, Djokovic received a warm welcome from the crowd, but
the main star of the evening was undoubtedly Del Potro. The Buenos Aires
audience gave him a rousing ovation as they celebrated one of the greatest
players in Argentine tennis history.
Djokovic
also had the opportunity to share the court with other Argentine tennis
legends. Teaming up with Gisela Dulko, he faced Del Potro and former US Open
champion Gabriela Sabatini in a doubles match. Check out the best moments from
Djokovic’s memorable visit to Argentina.
Así fue recibido Novak Djokovic 🇷🇸 en el partido despedida de Juan Martín del Potro. 🎾👏pic.twitter.com/fa0Wrskc6D
— VarskySports (@VarskySports) December 1, 2024
Juan Martin del Potro receiving so much love during his farewell match against Djokovic in Buenos Aires.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 1, 2024
A man who was dealt an unfair hand with injuries.
But he’s left such a special mark on this sport that will never be forgotten.
Delpo forever. 🥹
pic.twitter.com/6hVCiszKMA
⭐ ¡PAREJAS DE LUJO EN EL PARQUE ROCA!
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) December 1, 2024
🎾 DELPO con SABATINI
🎾 DJOKOVIC con DULKO
📺 Mirá #ElÚltimoDesafío por #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/RDLBEDXV7M
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