In today’s Daily Dose of Social Media, we spotlight key moments and entertainment from ATP and WTA stars. Amid the doping controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner, Andy Roddick shared his opinion, defending that it’s impossible for the Italian not to have been clean at the Australian Open—something Nick Kyrgios disagreed with, leading to an exchange of opinions that wasn’t exactly polite.
On the other hand, the US Open Fan Week continues in full swing with another reunion of legends as players prepare. Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic teamed up with John McEnroe and Andre Agassi in doubles. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka shared friendly photos from their latest practice session.
The reactions to Sinner's doping case continue, as Andy Roddick responds to Nick Kyrgios. The American former world No. 1 discussed Sinner’s case on his podcast, defending that there is "basically no chance" the Italian was doping during the Australian Open 2024 in January, where he won his first Grand Slam title.
"There's also a lot of noise online basically saying 'take away his win in January. He beat my favorite player there.' Stop. You get tested at every Slam, so there's no chance he was not clean at the Australian Open if he tested as much as he did. The amount in his system is one billionth of a gram, or 58,000 times smaller than a grain of salt. Which is completely consistent with the explanation."
In a post by The Tennis Letter, Roddick's comments from his podcast were shared, to which Australian Kyrgios, who has been actively criticizing Sinner and the ITIA’s treatment of him compared to other players who have faced similar cases, responded: "Do you understand how quickly this stuff exits your system? Cream, gummies literally hours. Ridiculous statement."
"How do you know? Experience? Lmao you are ridiculous, bro - give it up," a user commented to the Australian. Kyrgios responded: "Research. Dumb ass." Roddick also commented on the post with a short, ironic message to Kyrgios: "Dumbass is one word ..."
Andy Roddick says there is no chance that Jannik Sinner wasn’t clean at the Australian Open: “There's also a lot of noise online basically saying ‘take away his win in January. He beat my favorite player there.’ Stop. You get tested at every slam so there's no chance he was not…
Do you understand how quickly this stuff exits your system? Cream, gummies literally hours. Ridiculous statement.
How do you know? Experience? Lmao you are ridiculous bro - give it up
Research. Dumb ass
Dumbass is one word …..
Iga Swiatek and Osaka met during US Open practice sessions and shared friendly photos on social media. Swiatek, with 5 Grand Slam titles, and Osaka, with 4, are the players in the draw with the most major titles. Among active players, they are only behind Venus Williams, who has barely competed in recent years.
Both know what it’s like to lift the trophy at Flushing Meadows, with the Japanese player winning in 2018 and 2020, and Swiatek claiming the title in 2022. Both practiced ahead of the US Open, just before the main draw was revealed. Swiatek will debut against a qualifier, while Osaka will face the 10th seed, Jelena Ostapenko.
Iga Świątek & Naomi Osaka 😊 📸 Jimmie48 Photography | WTA | #USOpen | #czasnatenis
Who is ready for the last Slam of the season? #USOpen
Elina Svitolina makes headlines again after refusing to shake hands with Elina Avanesyan. The Ukrainian announced in February 2022 that she would not shake hands with players from Russia or Belarus due to the war in her country.
In her debut at the WTA 500 Monterrey Open, the former world No. 3 secured a straight-sets victory against Avanesyan. The Russian-born player switched her nationality to Armenia just two months ago, the country of her family’s origin.
The victory was 6-4, 6-3 for the Ukrainian, who, when match point ended near the net, quickly shook hands with the chair umpire and headed to her seat, thus avoiding a handshake with Avanesyan.
Elina Svitolina did not shake hands with Elina Avanesyan after winning at the Monterrey tournament, as Avanesyan only switched from Russian to Armenian citizenship in August.
The Fan Week leading up to the US Open always provides interesting moments as important tennis legends participate in exhibition matches. Four generations of Grand Slam champions and former world No. 1 players came together in a doubles match full of history.
A total of 'just' 43 Grand Slam titles were amassed between the four players who gathered at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Novak Djokovic teamed up with John McEnroe, while Andre Agassi paired with Carlos Alcaraz in an event that captured the attention of the fans.
When generations collide 🤩
Gold medalist in Paris 2024 Novak Djokovic received another tribute after an incredible mural was unveiled in Sokolac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Serbian’s remarkable career places him as the most successful tennis player in history, and his recent triumph at the Olympic Games further solidified his legend after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a tight final, 7-6, 7-6.
Despite the immense number of titles and records Nole has achieved, the challenges continue as he prepares for the US Open, aiming to defend last year’s title and secure his 25th Grand Slam. The Serbian will be the second seed in the tournament, debuting against a qualifier. At Flushing Meadows, he holds a record of 88-13 and four titles (2011, 2015, 2018, 2023).
This mural honouring Novak Djokovic in Sokolac is absolutely stunning! 😍🖌️ (via IG/deroks22)
A new WTA video in the “Inside the Tour” series showcases the players’ arrival at the Cincinnati Open and their first impressions last week. After her participation in the Olympic Games, Jasmine Paolini was asked what she would do with the medal she won.
“What are you going to do with the medal? Where are you going to put it?” Jasmine Paolini, the recent gold medalist in doubles at Paris 2024, was asked. “I don’t know. For the moment in a safe place, I think,” she said.
“I’m working really hard right now to get back to my top level, and hopefully, this is the tournament where I can show my best tennis,” mentioned Sabalenka at the start of the week in Cincinnati. The Belarusian ended the week as the champion of her 6th WTA 1000 title and now heads to the US Open with great confidence.
Several other stars participated in the new video, including Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and the tournament’s surprise, Ashlyn Krueger, among others.
Former world No. 8 Diego Schwartzman had an emotional reaction after reaching the US Open main draw for the 11th consecutive time, in what will be his last participation at Flushing Meadows. The Argentine is taking the final steps of his career, having announced a couple of months ago that he will retire at the next edition of the Argentina Open in February 2025.
The world No. 247 experienced a downturn in his career over the past two seasons, and at just 32 years old, he is playing his final cards on the Tour. Schwartzman entered the US Open qualifiers and defeated the top seed of the qualification, his compatriot Thiago Tirante (No. 95).
In the decisive match, he overcame Lithuanian Vilius Gaubas (No. 188) to secure his return to the main draw, where he has previously reached the quarterfinals in 2017 and 2019. You can find here the reaction of the Argentine, who has endured a more than challenging season with a significant drop in the rankings.
Look at the joy.
The latest trailer for the new official ATP and WTA game “Tie-Break” has been released. In the video shared on YouTube, characters of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, among others, and even the retired Roger Federer, are shown.
The new tennis game has already been launched and is available on Xbox X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4, featuring over 120 faithfully recreated and playable professional tennis players from the Tours. It also promises a realistic experience and the option to play as some retired legends.
