Daily Dose of Social Media: Jasmine Paolini’s heartbreaking injury moment in Dubai, MrBeast surprises Serena Williams’ family
Tennis News
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we look back at the tough moment Jasmine Paolini experienced with her ankle injury while facing Sofia Kenin at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, where she was the defending champion.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams and her family received a special gift from the famous YouTuber MrBeast, while Fernando Verdasco had an emotional farewell to his professional career, playing doubles alongside none other than Novak Djokovic.
Andrey Rublev and Carlos Alcaraz train together at Qatar Open
Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz secured his spot in the quarterfinals after overcoming Luca Nardi in three sets. It was a tough challenge for the Spaniard, who had to bring out his best tennis to claim the victory. On the other hand, Rublev has had a smoother path to the quarterfinals, securing straight-set wins over Alexander Bublik and Nuno Borges.
Alcaraz and Rublev have faced each other three times, with the Spaniard leading their head-to-head 2-1. Both of Alcaraz’s wins came at the ATP Finals (2023, 2024), while Rublev claimed victory last year at the Madrid Open on his way to the title. Watch below the video of their training session in Qatar.
Por otro lado, Carlos Alcaraz celebró el difícil Triunfo ante Luca Nardi luego de superar el duro desafío: “Very happy to keep moving forward in Doha! 🏃🏻♂️🔥 @qatartennis” posted the forme r world No. 1.
Jasmine Paolini’s nightmare in Dubai
Jasmine Paolini endured a truly dreadful afternoon in the Round of 16 at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai. The Italian, who had made a promising start with a win over Eva Lys, suffered a painful injury in her match against Sofia Kenin and ultimately lost 6-4, 6-0.
The most heartbreaking moment of the match came at the start of the second set. With Kenin leading 6-4, 30-0, the 2024 Roland Garros and Wimbledon finalist twisted her ankle, severely limiting her movement for the remainder of the match.
"Sorry, I had to withdraw from Dubai. It’s frustrating, but the right decision. I don’t think it’s too serious, but I’ll get it checked out as soon as possible and hopefully be back soon. Thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it! 🙏," the Italian stated after the match.
Jasmine Paolini injured herself in her match against Sofia Kenin in Dubai.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 19, 2025
She was in tears, but continued to fight til the end.
Heartbreaking finish for the defending champion.
Hopefully we see her back on court very soon.
🇮🇹❤️🩹🙏
pic.twitter.com/GlpROQvBtH
MrBeast surprises Serena Williams’ family with a special gift
Serena Williams' family had a special moment thanks to the famous YouTuber MrBeast. Alexis Ohanian, husband of the tennis legend, shared the surprise they received on Instagram: a package from Feastables, MrBeast’s popular snack brand. In a video posted by Ohanian, he is seen entering their home with a box containing MrBeast’s creamy peanut butter eggs. His daughter, Olympia, reacted with an excited "Yay!", clearly showing her enthusiasm for the gift.
The sweet scene captures the fun-loving spirit of the Ohanian family and their growing connection with the famous content creator. Olympia, convinced that the gift was hers, claimed it immediately, prompting her father to joke in the video’s caption: "Thanks @MrBeast... I guess... @OlympiaOhanian is keeping it." Ohanian also took the opportunity to express his gratitude with a message to MrBeast and Feastables: "Thanks @MrBeast @Feastables."
Me: "Olympia, we got a surprise package from @MrBeast"
— Alexis Ohanian 🗽 (@alexisohanian) February 18, 2025
Her: "YAYYYYY!" pic.twitter.com/PxQNz0CGTt
Naomi Osaka spotted back on the courts as she prepares comeback
Naomi Osaka was seen in new photos on the tennis courts as she gears up for her return following an injury at the Australian Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion was forced to withdraw during her third-round match against Belinda Bencic after suffering an abdominal strain.
"Since I was a teenager, I’ve had these kinds of issues. At least once a year, I experience an abdominal strain," Osaka revealed. "Unfortunately, it carried over into the start of this season."
This was Osaka's first time reaching the third round of a Grand Slam since 2022. She has missed significant time over the past seasons due to mental health struggles and later took a break from the tour during her pregnancy. The former World No. 1 is expected to make her comeback at Indian Wells in two weeks and is already back in training.
NAOMI OSAKA IS BACK ON THE TENNIS COURT pic.twitter.com/8IhUtMfgju
— Lisa 🧚🏻♀️ (@lisa_talking) February 19, 2025
Fernando Verdasco bids farewell to tennis alongside Novak Djokovic
Fernando Verdasco officially ended his professional career in a heartfelt moment at the Qatar Open, where he partnered with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in doubles. The former World No. 7 played his final tournament but fell to one of the circuit’s top pairs, Henry Patten and Harri Heliövaara, in a 7-5, 6-4 defeat.
Following the match, Verdasco received a standing ovation from the crowd, with Djokovic himself applauding him. After a 24-year career, the Madrid native said goodbye to the sport where he reached a career-high ranking of No. 7, won seven ATP titles, and secured three Davis Cup crowns (2008, 2009, and 2011).
"After being away from competition for a year and a half, I wasn’t even thinking about making an official announcement or playing one last time—until I spoke with him (Djokovic)," Verdasco revealed after the match.
All good things come to an end 👏@FerVerdasco & @DjokerNole lose 7-5 6-4 in Verdasco's final tennis match#QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/ngIgtRakFb
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 19, 2025
Thank you for everything @FerVerdasco 👊
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 19, 2025
Happy retirement 🙌#QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/tsAPUsxPZt
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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