Daily Dose of Social Media: Mirra Andreeva draws strength from LeBron James and shares heartfelt hug with Conchita Martinez
Tennis News
In our latest "Daily Dose of Social Media," all eyes were on Indian Wells champion Mirra Andreeva, who revealed that she drew inspiration from none other than legendary basketball player LeBron James. She also showcased her strong relationship with her coach, Conchita Martínez, in an emotional hug.
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz recalled the bee invasion incident that took place in 2024 and shared behind-the-scenes details with several of the people involved. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka shared her lessons on motherhood.
Andreeva channels LeBron James to conquer Indian Wells
A few weeks ago, Mirra Andreeva revealed in Dubai that she had listened to LeBron James interviews for inspiration ahead of the final against Clara Tauson, where she ultimately claimed the title and became the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 tournament. "I’ve been listening to a lot of LeBron James interviews, and he said that it’s easy to be confident and play well when everything goes your way, but what makes you a champion is when you’re giving your best even when you don’t feel great. So that’s what I tried to do today."
This time, after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final — her second WTA 1000 title and 12th consecutive victory — she told Tennis Channel that before facing the world No. 1, she once again watched a LeBron James speech: "He was saying that even if you don’t play your hundred percent and even if you don’t feel like you’re at your 100% physically, I’m gonna choose to be 100% mentally. And he said that’s what makes champions."
The teenager also experienced a special moment after winning the title when she went to greet her family and team. After hugging her mother, she shared an emotional embrace with her coach, former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez. Andreeva and her coach have repeatedly shown their strong relationship off the court and mutual appreciation, with the Russian player not hesitating to credit Martinez for her recent success.
Naomi Osaka opens up about motherhood and lessons from her daughter
Recently, Naomi Osaka shared a unique lesson her daughter teaches her every day. In a conversation with Elaina Jowdy, featured on Overtime Tennis’s Instagram account, The former world No. 1 commented: "Something I’ve learned recently from my daughter is communication and boundaries,”
Luego agregó “she loves the word ‘No.’ I’ll ask if she wants something, and she’ll say no. ‘Do you want to go here?’ No. ‘Do you want some fruit?’ No. She knows exactly what she wants."
Shai’s arrival has been a source of joy for Osaka, who often brings her daughter to watch her matches from the sidelines. This was seen in 2024 during Osaka’s return to the BNP Paribas Open — her first tournament as a mother. Calling it her "home tournament," Osaka brought Shai along for the first time, beautifully blending her new role as a mum with her passion for tennis.
The four-time Grand Slam champion had an early exit in Indian Wells, losing in the first round to Colombia’s Camila Osorio. Her next challenge will be the Miami Open, where she will debut against a qualifier. If she advances, she will face the 24th seed, Liudmila Samsonova.
Behind the scenes of 2024 Indian Wells’ Bee Drama
One of the strangest moments of the 2024 season was undoubtedly the bee invasion at Stadium 1 in Indian Wells. In the middle of the California desert, the match was interrupted due to a swarm of bees that entered the court at the start of the clash between Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz. The Spanish star admitted he had around 40 bees swarming around him and even got stung on the forehead.
After a 45-minute delay, beekeeper Lance Davis entered the court to ensure the players’ safety and successfully removed the bees, allowing the match to resume. Alcaraz eventually defeated Zverev and advanced to the quarter-finals.
In a recent BNP Paribas Open video, all the key figures involved shared details about the behind-the-scenes of this bizarre incident.
It was an unbee-lievable day 🐝
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2025
Go bee-hind the scenes of 3/14/2024 ⬇️@carlosalcaraz | @AlexZverev | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/7bT2jPI8C7
Djokovic rubs shoulders with stars in Miami before return
Novak Djokovic enjoyed a star-studded night out in Miami, attending a party where he posed for photos with big names, including singer Marc Anthony and actresses Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is gearing up for his return to the courts at the Miami Open after a disappointing run in Indian Wells, where he suffered a first-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp (2-6, 6-3, 1-6).
The Serbian star has been struggling in 2025, with back-to-back first-match defeats in both the Qatar Open and Indian Wells. Now, he is in Miami, a tournament where he has won six titles in 13 appearances, including a three-peat from 2014 to 2016.
Djokovic will once again have Andy Murray as his coach after his early exit in Tennis Paradise. The Serbian revealed that Murray will be with him throughout the clay swing, and he hopes to keep him on his team at least until Wimbledon, which takes place in the first two weeks of July.
Novak Djokovic partying with Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria in Miami. 🥳pic.twitter.com/7LgRaDzHds
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) March 16, 2025

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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- 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 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.
mandoist29-10-2026 - With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?
mandoist29-10-2026






