Living the dream, Tokyo edition.
Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the top activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Paula Badosa responded to a photo of Stefanos Tsitsipas on social media as they both await their debuts at the China Open and Tokyo Open, respectively. The Greek shared a fun video drumming together with Holger Rune using traditional Japanese drums.
On the other hand, Grand Slam champions Barbora Krejcikova and Jannik Sinner shared videos of their training upon their arrival in Beijing, while Daria Kasatkina received support from her girlfriend after losing in the final of the Korea Open. All this and more in a new day of Daily Dose of Social Media.
Paula Badosa reacts to photo of Stefanos Tsitsipas in Tokyo. The tennis couple begins their Asian swing this week, although they are currently in different countries. Paula Badosa is the 15th seed at the WTA 1000 China Open starting on September 26, while Tsitsipas traveled to Tokyo for the Japan Open, where he will be the 4th seed.
In the photo, the Greek can be seen wearing the Japanese national football team's shirt while looking out from inside the car with striking white sunglasses. Tsitsipas posted: “Living the dream, Tokyo edition.”
A few minutes later, Paula Badosa shared her impression of her boyfriend's photo on X with a brief message: “So much Flow.”
Living the dream, Tokyo edition.
So much flow
Jannik Sinner and Barbora Krejcikova share practice videos upon their arrival in China. Both will be among the main stars of the Asian swing as recent Grand Slam champions. Krejcikova claimed her second major title at Wimbledon two months ago, while Sinner also secured his second major at the recent US Open just weeks ago.
This week, the China Open is taking place, a combined event for both men and women, categorized as a WTA 1000 and ATP 500 tournament. Sinner is the defending champion, having started an incredible winning streak in Beijing a year ago. He will face Chile’s Nicolas Jarry, who is going through a tough period with seven losses in his last eight matches.
On the other hand, the Czech arrives as the 7th seed, defending only a first-round exit from last year. Krejcikova is still waiting for confirmation of her opponent, who will be the winner of the match between Anna Bondar and Jaqueline Cristian.
Both Sinner and Krejcikova shared some footage of their latest practice session this Tuesday, which you can find in the videos below. “Made it to @ChinaOpen 👋🏻” captioned Krejcikova. “Great to be back 👋🏼🇨🇳 @ChinaOpen” posted the Italian world No. 1.
Great to be back 👋🏼🇨🇳 @ChinaOpen
Made it to @ChinaOpen 👋🏻🇨🇳 #Beijing
Holger Rune and Stefanos Tsitsipas stole the spotlight on media day at the Tokyo Open. Two of the main stars of the ATP 500 event tried to replicate Japanese traditions and enjoyed playing traditional Japanese drums in unison before the local audience.
Holger Rune shared a video of the fun moment on his social media, where both players enjoyed drumming together: “Was drumming a lot as a kid 😂 fun evening #kinoshitajapanopen 🪘”
The Tokyo Open is set to take place from September 25 to October 1, with a star-studded main draw that includes 10 top-20 players. The defending champion is Ben Shelton, who will face an important points defense if he wants to avoid losing positions in the rankings.
Hang it in the Louvre 🎨 @japanopentennis | #kinoshitajotennis
Daria Kasatkina received a response from her girlfriend, Natalia Zabiiako, on an Instagram post after losing in the final of the WTA 500 Korea Open. The World No. 11 fell on Sunday in her 5th final of the season in three sets against Beatriz Haddad Maia, 6-1, 4-6, 1-6.
Kasatkina has played 14 WTA 500 finals in her career, though she has only won five of them. The Russian player reached her 5th WTA 500 final of the season but has managed to win just one title this year, at the Eastbourne International, where she defeated Leylah Fernandez in straight sets.
“Seoul stole my soul🫰🏼 Had an amazing time here, can’t wait to come back next year🇰🇷🫶🏼 Thanks @wta_koreaopentennis for an amazing event💜 #travel,” Kasatkina captioned in an Instagram post alongside several photos of her time in South Korea. “It’s so sweet that you think of me 💭🥰😂” responded the 2018 Olympic silver medalist, Natalia Zabiiako, Kasatkina's girlfriend.
The couple has a YouTube channel that has gained attention for showing behind-the-scenes moments from the WTA Tour and has featured fun moments with several of their colleagues, including Mirra Andreeva, Paula Badosa, Victoria Azarenka, Jasmine Paolini, and Ons Jabeur, among others.
Chris Evert congratulated singles gold medalist Monica Puig after she completed the Ironman. The first Olympic champion from Puerto Rico finished the demanding competition of 226.2 kilometers (140.6 miles) with a time of 13 hours, 57 minutes, and 25 seconds (13:57:25).
Puig faced injury issues during the last years of her career and chose to retire from the tennis courts in 2022. However, she has remained active as an athlete by competing in several marathons since then. “Monica, you are an IRONMAN! 5 words that I’ve waited to hear for a while. Recap to come, but wow…. What a feeling 🥹💜,” captioned the 30-year-old former player.
The former top-30 player completed all six major marathons: New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo. The 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert enthusiastically congratulated the Puerto Rican former tennis player on social media for her new achievement: “Monica.... IRONMAN!!!!!! that is incredible! What an accomplishment 👏👏👏👏 #awestruck”
“Monica, you are an IRONMAN!” 5 words that I’ve waited to hear for a while. Recap to come, but wow…. What a feeling 🥹💜
monica.... IRONMAN!!!!!!that is incredible! what an accomplishment 👏👏👏👏#awestruck
“Monica, you are an IRONMAN!” 5 words that I’ve waited to hear for a while. Recap to come, but wow…. What a feeling 🥹💜
A user on X shared a short video of Marta Kostyuk while shopping in Beijing. The Ukrainian tennis player is waiting for her debut at the China Open, where she entered as the 14th seed and received a bye in the first round. The world No. 18 will face Katie Volynets or qualifier Dalma Galfi this Thursday, September 26.
Kostyuk recently had a disappointing exit in the quarter-finals of the WTA 500 Korea Open. In a tight match, Kostyuk squandered several opportunities against Diana Shnaider and ended up losing in straight sets to the Russian, leaving the court in tears. The 22-year-old Ukrainian seems to have moved past the difficult loss and showcased her sense of humour while shopping in Beijing by wearing a fun rabbit hat that made its ears move.
“Marta was spotted on the streets shopping for Beijing champion photoshoot outfits”
Marta was spotted on the streets shopping for Beijing champion photoshoot outfits