Daily Dose of Social Media: Nadal hints at singles return after intense practice with Alcaraz, Swiatek recalls training with her idol
Tennis News
Today in
our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and
Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Rafael Nadal
played a practice set with Carlos Alcaraz, hinting at his probable
participation in the Davis Cup singles this Tuesday as he approaches
retirement.
Meanwhile,
Iga Swiatek recalled the first time she spoke with Nadal and the challenges of
their joint training session at the French Open. On the other hand, Jannik
Sinner received a tribute at an important monument in Turin.
Paula Badosa joins ‘Los Gonzalez de Tour’ for a fun-filled interview
Paula
Badosa appeared in the latest episode of Los Gonzalez de Tour, where
Camila and Matías, the children of Mexican doubles player Sebastián González,
interview top ATP and WTA stars as they travel the world alongside their father
for his commitments on tour. This time, it was the turn of the Spanish player,
who had a fun conversation with the children of the former doubles world No. 7.
“Unfortunately,
no, I don’t have one, but I would love to have a little dog. Let’s see if in
the future I can, but traveling so much makes it complicated,” said the former
world No. 2. Badosa also picked Indian Wells as her favourite tournament: “I
love the place; I think it’s very relaxing, and I also like the conditions for
playing. Plus, it’s a tournament I won, so it still has a special place in my
heart.”
When asked
about her favourite childhood gift, she said: “When MP4 players first came out,
which was like a device just for music—I love listening to music, I love
dancing, I’m a bit like you. And I was gifted one, and I was the happiest girl
in the world.”
Iga Swiatek remembers special practice session with Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros
Iga Swiatek
recalled her practice session with Rafa Nadal at the French Open. The four-time
Roland Garros champion trained with her idol Nadal (14-time French Open
champion), and as the Spaniard prepares for his retirement, the world No. 2
reflected on the first time she met him.
“I remember
we practiced at Roland Garros once. That was actually like a gift for my
birthday. So we hit for like 15 minutes,” she said. “I just realized that he’s
really down to earth and humble. And that was the first time I talked to him.”
“When I was
supposed to run, it was impossible. Like, the topspin made it go even further
from me. It was tough for sure,” Swiatek remarked.
Swiatek was
recently eliminated in the Round Robin stage of the WTA Finals after suffering
two defeats. However, the Pole is competing in her final tournament of the
year, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where Poland has already reached the
semifinals, marking their best historical result in the competition.
The 5-time
Grand Slam champion has won all three of her singles matches and also triumphed
in doubles against the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. The Polish team is
now aiming for a place in the final after Swiatek’s crucial singles victory
over Jasmine Paolini leveled the tie at 1-1.
Nadal hints at singles return after intense practice with Alcaraz
Rafa Nadal
and Carlos Alcaraz trained together in Malaga just a day before Spain’s debut
in the Davis Cup. The multi-Grand Slam champions played a practice set where
Carlitos secured the win, but Nadal kept the duel tied up to 4-4, raising hopes
that he might play singles on Tuesday against Botic van de Zandschulp.
According to Punto de Break, ‘rumours in the corridors’ suggest this is
likely.
Footage of
the Spaniards’ training in Malaga surfaced, where they were seen preparing for
the quarterfinals against the Netherlands alongside Captain David Ferrer.
Alcaraz also shared a photo with Rafa Nadal, captioning it: “See you
tomorrow in Malaga! 🙏🏻❤️🇪🇸”
If
everything goes as expected, Nadal will face Van de Zandschulp in the opening
match, while Carlos Alcaraz will challenge Dutch No. 1 Tallon Griekspoor.
Should the tie remain level, the doubles will be the decider, with
Griekspoor/Koolhof taking on Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martínez.
Nadal and Alcaraz practising together today, before tomorrow’s Davis Cup Finals action 💪 pic.twitter.com/vc7kF7dDAP
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 18, 2024
Nos vemos mañana en Málaga! 🙏🏻❤️🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/xiBgAxRtXg
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) November 18, 2024
Read also
Team Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup squad shares fun moment with Nadal
The players
of Team Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup squad had a fun moment while waiting
for Rafael Nadal to take a photo with them. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is
not only celebrated by fans but also admired by his colleagues, who eagerly
sought a picture with him during his farewell event.
In the
video, all the team members are seen organising themselves to try to get Nadal
to join them for a photo. Daria Saville guided her teammates on how to ask Rafa
for the picture: “Would you like to join us?” she said to her teammates. Later,
Nadal walked past Team Australia as they pretended to be taking a group photo
and casually invited the Spaniard to join them. Nadal quickly agreed with a big
smile before continuing on with team captain David Ferrer.
Turin lights up Mole Antonelliana to honour Jannik Sinner
Jannik
Sinner has become a sporting hero in Italy following an exceptional season,
which saw him reach World No. 1. At just 23 years old, Sinner led his country
to its first Davis Cup title in 47 years in 2023. Alongside his two Grand Slam
titles, he recently claimed the ATP Finals trophy in Turin—his first title on
home soil.
The Italian
star captured the spotlight at the Finals, with overwhelming support from the
local crowd, who came out in droves to cheer for Sinner in Turin. After
clinching the title, Sinner was honoured in the city as his image was projected
onto the Mole Antonelliana, an iconic historical building in the city centre
and one of Italy’s most recognisable landmarks.
This week,
Sinner will aim to defend the Davis Cup title and achieve an unprecedented
back-to-back championship. Italy faces Argentina in the quarterfinals starting
on 21 November, with Sinner set to face Argentinian No. 1 Sebastián Báez. The
Europeans face a tough challenge against the South American team led by
Francisco Cerúndolo and Báez, two consistent players who are ranked in the top
30 and have previously broken into the top 20.
Jannik Sinner on the Mole Antonelliana in Turin Italy.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 17, 2024
(via @siriomerenda)
🇮🇹❤️🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/NBNAWvou3F
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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