Daily Dose of Social Media: Jannik Sinner's classy gesture with Darren Cahill's dad, 'Swiftie' Iga Swiatek enters her 'hardcourt era'
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner had a notable gesture when he welcomed Darren Cahill's father at his final training session before the Australian Open semifinals in a classy move featured in a new Daily Dose of Social Media.
On the other hand, Paula Badosa and Ben Shelton showed their emotional reactions after reaching the semifinals of the first major of the year, while Iga Awiątek answered a unique round of questions about her fandom for Taylor Swift.
"Faster hard court era": Swiatek discusses career and Taylor Swift fandom
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek participated in a Q&A session regarding singer Taylor Swift. The Polish star has often expressed her admiration for Swift and has even been seen in videos attending a couple of the American singer’s concerts during her rare breaks from the WTA Tour.
“What era are you currently in your career?” Swiatek, a 5-time Grand Slam champion, was asked in relation to Swift’s albums.
“Oh my god, honestly, my fans say Reputation, but I don’t know—it’s hard to say. I’m in my own era, I guess. Faster hard court era, that’s my answer,” she added.
When asked which song she would sing with the Pennsylvania-born artist, she replied:
“Blank Space, 100%. That’s the best song to sing.”
Swiatek remains in contention at the Australian Open, equaling her best result at the tournament by reaching the semifinals after a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Emma Navarro. The Pole has dropped just 14 games across her five previous matches, averaging fewer than three games lost per match. She also remains in the race for World No. 1, which she could reclaim by winning the title.
Third time’s the charm: Badosa celebrates breakthrough into Australian Open semis
Paula Badosa had an emotional reaction after reaching the Australian Open semifinals, marking her first appearance in the final four of a Grand Slam. The Spanish player had faced a tough time a year ago when she even considered retiring due to a back injury that kept her off the courts for more than six months.
Badosa shared a couple of photos reflecting her amazement after defeating World No. 3 Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. The former Indian Wells champion later signed the broadcast camera lens with the message: “Third time’s the charm,” referencing her previous two losses in Grand Slam quarterfinals, at the 2021 French Open and the 2024 US Open
Her next challenge will be against the 2-time defending champion and close friend Aryna Sabalenka, with whom she is expected to set aside their friendship for an important clash for both. The Belarusian is not only fighting for a possible third consecutive title and a streak of 19 consecutive wins in Melbourne but would also lose the World No. 1 ranking to Swiatek if she is defeated.
SEMIS! 💙💙💙💙
— Paula Badosa (@paulabadosa) January 21, 2025
¡Seguimos! pic.twitter.com/FEYNct7hIK
Paula Badosa’s reaction after beating Coco Gauff at the Australian Open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 21, 2025
She falls on her knees, overcome with emotion.
1st Grand Slam Semifinal.
Doctors told her she might have to retire from the sport because of her injury.
Look at her now. 🥹
pic.twitter.com/hmcrKK2hHx
Shelton’s roar: The American storms into semis
Another player with a notable reaction was Ben Shelton, the most unexpected name in the men’s semifinals. The American defeated Lorenzo Sonego in the quarterfinals, an unlikely matchup considering that Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev were the main favourites in that section of the draw.
Shelton is now into his second Grand Slam semifinal, having also reached the same stage at the 2023 US Open. The American reacted with a passionate roar, pacing the court and cheering himself on after his victory over Sonego.
Shelton now prepares to face defending champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner for a spot in the final. He also mirrors the achievement of his compatriot Tommy Paul, who made the Australian Open semifinals last year. Interestingly, Paul defeated Shelton in the quarterfinals on that occasion
Sinner’s classy gesture: shares laughs with Darren Cahill's Father
Jannik Sinner showed a class gesture towards his coach Darren Cahill after the Australian invited his father to join the World No. 1 in his final practice session. The 23-year-old player is still in the hunt to defend his Australian Open title, having achieved a remarkable 12-match winning streak and entering with great confidence after dominating Australian star and World No. 8 Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.
During his last practice, Sinner took some time to share moments with Cahill's father, who attended the practice court to watch Sinner up close and enjoy a few laughs with the rest of the team.
Sinner will face 21st seed Ben Shelton in the semifinals, with a favorable head-to-head record of 4-1. The Italian is once again the favorite, especially with the impressive level he's shown over the past two weeks, reaching a 20-4 record at the Australian Open, equaling Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the youngest players to reach 20 wins since 2000.
"See you next year, Melbourne!”: Carlos Alcaraz thanks fans after loss to Djokovic:
Carlos Alcaraz left a message of gratitude to the fans after his departure from the Australian Open at the hands of Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard arrived in Melbourne with the goal of lifting his 5th Grand Slam title and completing the Career Grand Slam, which would make him the youngest player in history to achieve this. However, he came up against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who once again struck a blow to Alcaraz – just as he did in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – sending the 21-year-old player packing.
Despite the loss, Alcaraz left a message for his colleague and the fans: “I fought to the end, but it was not to be 🥲 Congratulations @DjokerNole for winning a great battle out there yesterday! See you next year Melbourne! 👋🏻 Thank you for the support ❤️,” he posted.
Alcaraz will have a change in his 2024 calendar, as he had previously attended the Golden Swing on clay courts in South America. This time, he will head to Europe for the ATP 500 Rotterdam Open in early February, followed by the Doha Open two weeks later. In both tournaments, he will be the second seed, behind Sinner.
I fought to the end, but it was not to be 🥲 Congratulations @DjokerNole for winning a great battle out there yesterday! See you next year Melbourne! 👋🏻 Thank you for the support ❤️
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 22, 2025
📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/ADbziTfg1F
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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