Daily Dose of Social Media: Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic’s warm Wimbledon greeting, Ben Shelton’s unexpected football display
Tennis News
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner had a friendly encounter on the Wimbledon courts as they geared up for their tournament debuts. Also spotted in training videos were two of the top female contenders, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, both already training intensely at the All England Club.
Meanwhile, Ben Shelton showcased his impressive soccer skills during his training at the Mallorca Open, accompanied by his girlfriend, professional soccer player Trinity Rodman. Finally, Marta Kostyuk and Eva Lys shared some behind-the-scenes photos on social media from their joint photoshoot at the start of the Bad Homburg Open.
Kostyuk and Lys share behind-the-scenes fun from Bad Homburg Open
Marta Kostyuk and German No. 1 Eva Lys recently shared photos from a joint session at the start of the Bad Homburg Open. The two tennis stars, among the tournament's main attractions, posed for a photoshoot, and Kostyuk later posted some of the moments on her social media. "Too much personality for one frame 😂" the Ukrainian wrote, to which Lys replied, "kisses over kisses."
Lys began her Bad Homburg campaign with a win in the qualifying round against Ana Konjuh but ultimately fell in the second qualifying round to Ajla Tomljanović. Kostyuk also faced an early exit, losing to Emma Navarro in the first round. Both players are now headed to Wimbledon, where they will compete in the main draw.
Ben Shelton shows off football skills with girlfriend Trinity Rodman
Ben Shelton displayed his soccer prowess in a training video from the Mallorca Open. The world No. 10 is competing in his final tournament before heading to Wimbledon, accompanied by his girlfriend, soccer player Trinity Rodman. Shelton was seen on the tennis court, impressively juggling a soccer ball and showing off his great skill, all while Rodman watched.
The American was eliminated early from the Queen's Club Championships last week and quickly made his way to Mallorca to get in one last grass-court tournament before traveling to Wimbledon. The American No. 2 will debut this Wednesday against his compatriot Learner Tien.
Sabalenka steals the show in Wimbledon training
Aryna Sabalenka is drawing all eyes during her Wimbledon training sessions, arriving as the top favorite to win the title. The world No. 1 seemed in good spirits despite her recent semi-final loss at the Berlin Ladies Open, where she fell to eventual champion Markéta Vondroušová. Sabalenka had survived an epic battle against Rybakina in the quarterfinals, saving four consecutive match points in the third-set tie-break before securing the victory.
Perhaps emotional fatigue after advancing from a practically lost match led to her defeat in the next round against former Wimbledon champion Vondroušová, leading to her quick departure from the tournament and swift travel to Wimbledon to prepare for her participation at the All England Club.
Rybakina intensifies Wimbledon prep, awaits crucial draw
The 2022 Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina, is already training at Wimbledon and recently appeared in a high-intensity training video as she awaits her debut. The former world No. 3 is still waiting to learn her path in what will be a crucial draw for her as the 11th seed. She could potentially face Aryna Sabalenka or Coco Gauff as early as the fourth round, exposing her to a difficult draw depending on what she receives next Thursday.
Elena Rybakina practicing at Wimbledon.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 24, 2025
Preparations. 🐠🌱
(via @Wimbledon)
pic.twitter.com/HH6aFeBclq
Sinner and Djokovic share warm greeting in Wimbledon training
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have reconnected on the Wimbledon practice courts as both prepare for their tournament debuts. The Italian and the Serb last faced each other just a few weeks ago in the French Open semifinals, where the Italian secured a comfortable 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) victory over Novak.
The world No. 1 (Sinner) now leads their head-to-head 5-4, with the last four wins coming consecutively. Both players demonstrated their great off-court relationship with a friendly greeting between themselves and their teams, moments that were later widely shared on social media.
Jannik Sinner 🤝 Novak Djokovic#Wimbledon | @janniksin | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/17GoRwYYx8
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 24, 2025
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- 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
