In a new
Daily Dose of Social Media,
Roland Garros enters its final stage, and the women's finalists have been decided, with
Aryna Sabalenka delivering a major upset by eliminating three-time defending champion
Iga Swiatek. The Belarusian danced to celebrate and had another encounter with Novak Djokovic, with whom she's shared several amusing "bromance" moments this week.
Meanwhile, the mixed doubles title was decided with special celebrations from the Italian duo
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. Elsewhere,
Hubert Hurkacz hosted the "Hubi Cup," a tournament he organizes for young talents in Poland.
Errani and Vavassori crowned mixed doubles champions at Roland Garros
Italy's Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori defeated Americans Taylor Townsend and Evan King 6-4, 6-2 on Philippe Chatrier on Thursday, becoming the mixed doubles champions at the
French Open. Both had an emotional reaction after the match and then celebrated in the locker room, where they were also congratulated by the ball kids.
Errani and Vavassori secured their second Grand Slam mixed doubles title, having won last year at the US Open, where they also defeated Townsend and her former partner Donald Young. This title marks Errani's seventh Grand Slam doubles crown, as she also holds five women's doubles titles.
"Congratulations to Evan and Taylor, it was a great battle. We had to study a lot," Errani said during the award ceremony. "I want to thank Andrea, my best friend. It was so much fun playing alongside you. You're an incredible person, it's very special to be here with you. You've had a fantastic tournament."
"Thank you, Sara," Vavassori responded. "It's incredible to have played another Grand Slam final together. We had a sensational tournament at the US Open, it was a dream come true. We love playing together. We are best friends, and that's fantastic."
Sabalenka joins the groove after toppling Iga Swiatek
Aryna Sabalenka claimed a remarkable Roland Garros semifinal victory over Iga Swiatek, leading to enthusiastic celebrations in the locker rooms. The world No. 1 danced down the hallway towards the changing rooms in a trend that has been repeated by winners of recent French Open matches, with Djokovic and Sabalenka even challenging each other to show off their best victory moves. Sabalenka was overwhelming in the third set, closing out the triumph 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0, and will return to the court this Saturday to face world No. 2 Coco Gauff.
Djokovic and Sabalenka's bromance steals the show at Roland Garros
Throughout these past weeks, Nole (Novak Djokovic) and Sabalenka (Aryna Sabalenka) have been seen several times joking together, both with their "dance-offs" – sending messages to each other – and when Sabalenka interrupted a Djokovic interview live on a TV set. This time, Sabalenka was seen on the gym bike doing recovery work after defeating Swiatek, when she received a greeting and congratulations from Djokovic, who approached to give her a hug after the world No. 1's remarkable triumph.
Hurkacz hosts "Hubi Cup" for young Polish talent
Hubert Hurkacz once again sponsored the "Hubi Cup," a tennis tournament he organizes for children in Poland, which held its third edition this year. After an early exit from Roland Garros – falling in the first round to João Fonseca – the former world No. 6 traveled to his city of Krakow to accompany the children at this event, which aims to introduce them to the sport and allow them to get close to one of Poland's biggest sports stars. The 26-year-old shared some photos on his social media before beginning his grass-court swing, a time of year that has typically brought him better results than on clay courts.
"Another Hubi Cup is in the books! Held in Wrocław, this tournament is all about young talent, love for the game, and the spirit of community. Proud to support the next generation, and looking forward for the finalists to experience the pro tour firsthand at the ATP 500 in Halle."