Daily Dose of Social Media: Limping Medjedovic pulls off heroic win over Stefanos Tsitsipas as Dominic Thiem experiences Madrid in a wheelchair
Tennis News
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we take a look at some of the funniest and most remarkable moments of the day. Serbian young star Hamad Medjedovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Qatar Open—while literally limping. Meanwhile, former US Open champion Dominic Thiem took part in a campaign where he had to navigate Madrid in a wheelchair.
In South America, amid the Río Open, Joao Fonseca teamed up with a Brazilian sports legend, gymnast Rebeca Andrade. On the other side of the world, Jasmine Paolini—defending champion at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships—had a fun moment as she held a falcon on her arm.
Dominic Thiem experiences life in a wheelchair
Dominic Thiem took part in a campaign supporting people in wheelchairs and experienced navigating the city of Madrid in one himself. The former Austrian tennis player, who retired at the end of 2024, encouraged participation in a race held in May, aiming to raise awareness for people with disabilities that prevent them from walking.
"I experienced being in a wheelchair for the first time today. It was really difficult and challenging," commented the 2020 US Open champion. "It’s really tough that many people have to be like this for all of their life. Not easy for me to go straight. It would be amazing that as many as possible could join the Wings for Life World Run."
"Being in a wheelchair is very difficult and challenging." When @domithiem met @ciscogarve in Madrid, he got a first-hand look at the daily challenges of using a wheelchair, such as navigating high curbs, uneven streets, and inaccessible places. "Let's run, walk, or roll together for those who can’t," posted the WFL World Run.
Read also
Muguruza takes on Bake Off challenge
Garbiñe Muguruza shared a photo of herself cooking for a Spanish TV show: “Bake Off: Celebrities in the Oven”. The former World No. 1 is enjoying her retirement and took part in the cooking competition, though she quickly said goodbye on Monday night.
Muguruza was recently announced as a new Tennis Channel ambassador, aiming to boost Spanish-language broadcasts. She will play a key role in player interviews and creating exclusive content.
The two-time Grand Slam champion appeared as a guest on the latest episode of Bake Off, though she won’t be a regular contestant. Since retiring, she has kept busy, even serving as the tournament director for the previous WTA Finals just two months ago. It remains to be seen what new surprises Muguruza has in store, as she continues filling her schedule with exciting projects."My first seven-layer rainbow cake!! 🥹 Bake Off really knows how to challenge us. Setting the bar high!"
Se estrena como pastelera 👩🍳🎂
— Iván Aguilar (@ivabianconero) February 10, 2025
Garbiñe Muguruza🇪🇸 fue invitada esta noche en el programa Bake Off pic.twitter.com/k1B9QhXZPJ
With one good leg, Medjedovic takes down Tsitsipas
Hamad Medjedovic left an unusual image at the end of his match against Stefanos Tsitsipas after suffering an injury that forced him to limp off the court. However, what is rarely seen is an injured player walking away as the winner—Medjedovic managed to secure victory despite hobbling through the final stages of the match, advancing to the second round of the ATP 500 Qatar Open.
The 21-year-old Serbian suffered an adductor injury in his right leg during the tenth game of the final set while attempting to reach a difficult shot. He had to finish the match barely able to walk, yet still overcame the Greek with winner shots and sheer determination.
Medjedovic spent four games barely able to move, but he sealed a remarkable victory with a 7-6[8-6], 5-7, 7-6[7-5] win, booking his place in the round of 16. He is set to face Felix Auger-Aliassime next, though it remains to be seen whether Novak Djokovic’s protégé will recover in time for the match, as he has less than 24 hours to shake off the injury.
OUCH 😳🤕
— Tennis Masterr (@tennismasterr) February 18, 2025
Medjedovic tried to "recreate" Djokovic's famous split and it didnt end well... pic.twitter.com/vRU4n18P74
A Medjedovic Miracle 🫢
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 18, 2025
Hamad Medjedovic fights through injury to take out Tsitsipas 7-6 5-7 7-6 and reach the 2nd round#QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/Z8Ol9vShYE
Julia Riera meet Gabriela Sabatini in a football match
ESPN shared a photo of tennis players Gabriela Sabatini and Julia Riera, currently ranked No. 144 in the WTA rankings, enjoying a match at Club Atlético River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, where the team secured a 1-0 victory over Lanús.
Sabatini, widely regarded as the greatest Argentine female tennis player of all time, had a conversation with Riera during halftime, where they exchanged experiences. Sabatini is a regular supporter of River Plate, one of the biggest clubs in Argentina and South America.
It's worth noting that Riera was eliminated in the first round of the WTA 125 tournament in Cancún after losing in three sets on Tuesday to Dutch player Anouk Koevermans, ranked No. 193 in the WTA rankings. The Argentine entered the main draw as a lucky loser following the withdrawal of American Caty McNally.
Joao Fonseca share a moment with Rebeca Andrade
The official Río Open account posted a video on Instagram featuring Brazilian tennis player João Fonseca alongside fellow Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade.
Fonseca is enjoying a fantastic moment, as the 18-year-old recently claimed his first ATP title at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, where he defeated Francisco Cerúndolo. This ATP 250 title has sparked excitement among Brazilian fans, reminiscent of Gustavo Kuerten's glory days, even though it’s only the beginning of his journey.
Luis Carvalho, the director of the Río Open, described Fonseca's triumph as: “This is a unique moment for Brazilian tennis, a very special one. We are witnessing the birth of an idol, possibly a global one.” He also highlighted the young star’s temperament, noting that despite the high expectations surrounding him, Fonseca remains positive, composed, and always smiling.
Jasmine Paolini meets a falcon in Dubai
Jasmine Paolini shared a video on her Instagram featuring a falcon during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. In the clip, the Italian can be seen holding and gently stroking the bird. Earlier today, Paolini faced Eva Lys in singles and secured a 6-2, 7-5 victory. She will now move on to the Round of 16, where she is set to face American Sofia Kenin.
Recently, the World No. 4 became the newest athlete ambassador for Amazfit. Paolini will use Amazfit’s smart wearables to enhance her performance and recovery. Amazfit, a global leader in smart wearables, is owned by Zepp Health.
Speaking about the partnership, Italy’s No. 1 player stated:"I have experienced firsthand how tracking my performance and analyzing data during training are essential if I want to compete at the highest level." With Amazfit’s advanced tracking technology, Paolini will receive detailed insights into her training, health, and recovery—both on and off the court.
"If You Dream It, You Can Achieve It"
— Amazfit (@AmazfitGlobal) February 18, 2025
Welcome To The Family, Jasmine Paolini. #DiscoverAmazing pic.twitter.com/kFmJ0K4woU
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
- 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
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
