Daily Dose of Social Media: Kyrgios slams Swiatek and Sinner again, Del Potro's warm reception of Djokovic

Saturday, 30 November 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. Novak Djokovic stole the spotlight upon his arrival in Argentina with a warm reception from Juan Martin Del Potro and an unexpected appearance at the Copa Libertadores trophy presentation.

While the doping saga involving Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner continues, Russian Hall of Famer Kafelnikov shared his thoughts on the influence these cases have on juniors, while Nick Kyrgios backed the former French Open champion in a new criticism of the multi-Grand Slam champions.

Djokovic welcomed by Del Potro, surprises with trophy presentation at Copa Libertadores final

Novak Djokovic continues his busy off-season schedule and was warmly welcomed by former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro upon arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Serbian star and the Argentine shared a heartfelt embrace as Djokovic stepped off the plane. The World No. 7 later attended a special South American football event, presenting the Copa Libertadores trophy ahead of the final match between Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo at River Plate's Estadio Monumental.

A day earlier, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was in Qatar with Ferrari’s Formula 1 team, quickly traveling to Argentina for Del Potro’s farewell exhibition match set for December 1. However, his surprise appearance at the international club tournament final stole the show, with Djokovic receiving a roaring ovation as he carried the trophy during the opening ceremony.

The head-to-head record between the two legends stands at 16-4 in favour of Djokovic, with their last meeting taking place at the Rome Masters, where Djokovic edged out Del Potro in a tight match, 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4, on his way to the final.

🥹🇦🇷 Del Potro embracing Djokovic as Novak arrives in Argentina for Delpo’s farewell exhibition match pic.twitter.com/cf1mo2d8rj
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 30, 2024

Novak Djokovic makes an appearance at Conmebol Libertadores.

He’s everywhere this off-season. 🏆
pic.twitter.com/Oo8iONKl2A
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 30, 2024

Barbora Krejcikova stuns in fuchsia at Czech music awards event

Barbora Krejcikova made an appearance at a Czech music awards event during her return to the country. The 2-time Grand Slam champion was welcomed like a star to present one of the awards at the Český slavík ("Czech Nightingale") poll, which honours the most popular performers based on audience reception of their songs and music videos.

This year, Krejcikova was one of the guests of honour at the ceremony for the traditional popular music poll held at the Forum Karlín. The 2024 Wimbledon champion presented the evening's first award, the Bronze Nightingale, to singer Monika Absolonová. The 28-year-old tennis player later shared photos of her elegant fuchsia outfit.

Krejcikova had a rollercoaster season, enduring a tough first half of the year with several early exits and barely staying in the top 30 for months. However, her Wimbledon title gave her a significant boost, and she finished the season strong by reaching the semifinals of the WTA Finals. This included victories over Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff in the round-robin stage, ultimately securing her year-end World No. 10 ranking.

💕✨ pic.twitter.com/zHB5cujF0C
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 30, 2024

Bára Krejčíková včera předala bronzového slavíka zpěvačce Monice Absolonové. pic.twitter.com/9Ql48g4U7q
— Zdeněk Perutka (@perdazd) November 30, 2024

Kafelnikov warns of doping's influence on juniors as Kyrgios joins the debate

Nick Kyrgios weighs in again on the doping cases of his peers Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner after sharing a post from former French Open champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The Russian ex-tennis player expressed particular concern about the potential impact these cases might have on junior players, who see two of today’s most prominent athletes involved in doping controversies.

“And the sad part to all of this is that young and upcoming players (12-16 years old) look at their idols and think maybe it’s normal to use steroids in the future and get away with this 🤷‍♂️! Current players setting bad examples for young generations,” Kafelnikov wrote.

The Australian player responded to the post with a brief “Yup,” expressing his agreement with Kafelnikov. The 2022 Australian Open doubles champion has been one of Sinner’s most vocal critics in recent months, and Swiatek’s case didn’t go unnoticed. Just days earlier, Kyrgios tweeted: “The excuse that we can all use is that we didn’t know. Simply didn’t know. Professionals at the highest level of sport can now just say, ‘we didn’t know.’”

Yup https://t.co/z9MCgCPH2N
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) November 30, 2024

Kostyuk robbed in Milan but shares heartfelt message

Marta Kostyuk is visiting Milan during her off-season but suffered an unfortunate incident after being the victim of a robbery in the Italian city. The Ukrainian World No. 18 revealed that her car was broken into while she was traveling with her husband, George Kyzymenko.

"Yesterday I was robbed for the first time in my life (hopefully, the last). But it taught me way more than it took," she posted on Instagram. "I attended two amazing concerts with my team, met my favourite artist, and experienced so many emotions that nobody will ever be able to take away from me. We are moving on. Thank you everyone for the messages, we are safe 🙏🏼❤️."

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Una publicación compartida de Marta Kostyuk / Марта Костюк (@martakostyuk)

Tsitsipas stunned by horse named after him in racing victory

Stefanos Tsitsipas was surprised on social media after realizing that a horse is named "Tsitsipas in his honor." The Greek tennis player shared a post from "Racing.com," a website specialized in horse racing, showing the victory of "Tsitsipas" in the Busuttin Racing, alongside Australian jockey Craig Newitt, who won.

The world No. 11 had a mixed season, where although he won his third Monte-Carlo Masters, he finished the season outside the top 10, after five consecutive years of finishing in the top 6. Tsitsipas also made notable appearances this year as a runner-up at the Barcelona Open and a semifinalist at the ATP 250 Los Cabos Open and Gstaad.

The 26-year-old player shared on social media his impression of the winning horse named after him: “Is this horse actually named after me?! 😳” he posted, generating reactions from his fans.

Is this horse actually named after me?! 😳 https://t.co/AcdDMSfijP
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@steftsitsipas) November 30, 2024

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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