Olympic Silver Medalist Donna Vekic getting a champion’s welcome back home in Croatia 🥹 Very deserved. ❤️
Daily Dose of Social Media: Raducanu and Zheng shine at Nike event, Wawrinka unveils perfect player
Tennis NewsFriday, 13 September 2024 at 12:19
Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. On social media, exclusive photos from Nike’s latest event surfaced, featuring stars like Emma Raducanu, Jack Draper, Zheng Qinwen, and Lorenzo Musetti, among others.
While some players enjoy a week off from competition following the US Open, Stan Wawrinka built his perfect player, Holger Rune visited Denmark for the launch of his new book, and Donna Vekic received a spectacular welcome from fans in her home country after winning the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Donna Vekic receives hero's welcome in Croatia
Donna Vekic
receives an incredible welcome upon her return to Croatia, celebrating her
Olympic silver medal. World No. 21 Donna Vekic had a surprising run at the
Olympic Games, reaching the final after defeating strong opponents like Bianca
Andreescu, Coco Gauff, and Marta Kostyuk.
In the
final, she was unable to overcome 6th seed Zheng Qinwen, losing decisively 2-6,
3-6. Despite the loss, the Croatian had an impressive tournament and returned
home with the silver medal. Vekic was welcomed as a champion in Croatia, with
fans gathering to chant her name in celebration.
After
winning the silver medal, Vekic explained that it came after a challenging
period marked by injuries and last-minute setbacks: "I had pain in my arm,
pain in my ankle. I was sick. Everything was happening all at once, and when we
came here, first our flight was canceled. We arrived late. Everything was going
wrong. When we had our first practice, I told my coach I was coughing so bad I
couldn't hit two shots in a row," she said.
Holger Rune explores new paths after launching his book
The Danish
player made a major breakthrough in 2022 when he won the Paris Masters title,
defeating none other than Novak Djokovic in the final. Although he reached
world No. 4 in 2023, his most recent season has been less convincing, as he
currently holds the world No. 14 ranking.
Rune
experienced a disappointing first-round exit at the US Open, losing decisively
to Brandon Nakashima 2-6, 1-6, 4-6. While preparing for his next challenge
during the Asian Swing, where he will debut at the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open, Rune
took advantage of his time in Denmark to launch his book.
"This
book gives a picture of my world since I was a junior. It’s not really an
autobiography; I’ll wait until I’ve won a Grand Slam," Rune commented.
“Another
fantastic day ✍🏼📖 great to meet so many dear fans 🫶🏼 how lucky I am. Tomorrow, back on the training
track 🦾”
Endnu en fantastisk dag ✍🏼📖fedt at møde så mange kære fans 🫶🏼hvor er jeg heldig . I morgen, tilbage på træningsbanen 🦾
Wawrinka reveals his perfect tennis player
Stan
Wawrinka built his perfect player in an interesting video shared on social
media. The 3-time Grand Slam champion highlighted who he considers the best
players in different aspects of the game, including members of the Big-3, Nick
Kyrgios, and Milos Raonic.
The Swiss
player made his last appearance at the recent US Open, where he suffered a
straight-set first-round defeat to Mattia Bellucci. Wawrinka is set to play his
next tournament at the Challenger 125 in Saint-Tropez starting on 16th
September.
Wawrinka
chose Canadian Milos Raonic for the best serve, while he praised Novak Djokovic
for his return, tactics, and backhand. On the other hand, for Wawrinka, the
best forehand belongs to Roger Federer, as well as the slice and volley of his
fellow 20-time Grand Slam champion. He also selected Rafael Nadal for his
mentality, while Nick Kyrgios was chosen for his trashtalk.
The PERFECT PLAYER according Stan Wawrinka 🤖 ▪️ Serve: Raonic ▪️ Return: Djokovic ▪️ Tactics: Djokovic ▪️ Mentality: Nadal ▪️ Forehand: Federer ▪️ Backhand: Djokovic ▪️ Slice: Federer ▪️ Volley: Federer ▪️ Trashtalk: Kyrgios Can we do better, honestly?
Tomas Machac pulls out after just seven points in Davis Cup
Tomas
Machac stole the spotlight in a new Davis Cup day after retiring just seven
points into the match. The Czech player withdrew after only the second game,
with the score at 1-0, 15-30 in favour of Alexei Popyrin.
The Czech
No. 1 had already retired the day before in the series against Spain, following
a good performance against Carlos Alcaraz. Machac lost the first set but his
level declined significantly before retiring with the score at 7-6(3), 1-6,
0-0.
Jiri
Lehecka was expected to play for the Czech team today, but a feverish condition
forced captain Jaroslav Navratil to use Machac as the singles player. However,
Machac again could not finish the match, leaving doubts about who will play on
the final day, considering the Czech team only has four players, including
doubles specialist Adam Pavlasek, who does not have a singles ranking.
Medical time out after 1 game played for Tomas Machac against Alexei Popyrin. Issue with the left calf/leg. Machac to serve next at 0-1 down in set 1.
🤕La dura imagen de Tomas Machac después de tener que retirarse de su duelo frente a Carlos Alcaraz en Valencia 📹 @ConradoValle
Raducanu, Zheng, Draper, and more at Nike Athlete Hospitality
Some ATP
and WTA stars enjoyed a Nike Athlete hospitality event during their latest
appearance at the US Open. Several top representatives of the sports brand
shared a relaxed moment while previewing some new outfits.
The event
featured Emma Raducanu, Lorenzo Musetti, Jack Draper, Zheng Qinwen, Katie
Boulter, Holger Rune, among others. Tennis Sports Marketing's Mia King shared
some photos on Instagram showcasing details from the unique event with the
world's top tennis stars: “That NY energy! Our last Nike Athlete hospitality of
the year. What a way to end slam season 🏆✨”
Nike 👟 📸 IG miasking12 #Raducanu | #EmmaRaducanu
ATP stars guess outcomes in new 'What happens next' clip
ATP stars
had a blast participating in a new entertaining video from the ATP Tour, where
they tried their hand at guessing "What Happens Next." The video
features Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Matteo Berrettini, Ben Shelton, and
others.
The players
watched clips of their peers from previous US hardcourt matches and attempted
to predict the outcome of each play. Highlights include a fun segment featuring
Daniil Medvedev and Frances Tiafoe, a match-up between Rafa Nadal and Novak
Djokovic, and a hilarious moment with Nick Kyrgios.
Osorio overcomes injury and 0-5 deficit for stunning comeback against Kudermetova
Camila
Osorio pulled off an incredible comeback in her match against Veronika
Kudermetova at the WTA 500 Guadalajara Open. The Colombian prevailed in a tight
contest against the Russian, coming back from 0-5 down in the third set.
The 22-year-old also suffered a right shoulder injury during the match but
managed to recover and deliver one of the most epic victories of her career,
winning 7-6(5), 6-7, 7-5.
The former World No. 33 advanced to the quarterfinals of a WTA 500 for the
first time in her career and now has a great opportunity in her next match
against Kamila Rakhimova (No. 89), whom she has defeated in their two previous
encounters. Osorio’s comeback was widely praised on social media.
W😮W! From 0-5 to 5-5! @CamiOsorioTenis | #GDLOpenAKRONxSantander
an absolutely UNREAL comeback 🤯 @CamiOsorioTenis completes the ultimate bounce back in the third set to win the match! #GDLOpenAKRONxSantander
😭♥️
an absolutely UNREAL comeback 🤯 @CamiOsorioTenis completes the ultimate bounce back in the third set to win the match! #GDLOpenAKRONxSantander
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- The guy that left Qinweng Zheng without a word of warning.MrAndreeva17-09-2024
- Done, looks good!
AceOfBase17-09-2024 - FYI: The term 'snub' is a much overused verb by writers of sensationalist rags. [SNUB: rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully]. That is not the definition of what is going on with frequent withdrawals from tournaments.
mandoist16-09-2024 - No offence, Mr. Lloyd, but where have you been the past two years?? How long have you been a tennis fan? This 'article' may be informative for newbies or fair-weather tennis observers but the majority of fans know the root of the multiple issues within WTA. The #1 issue being the subject of health & well-being which has been (or has attempted to be) addressed with the WTA Elitist council members last season. WTA was extremely dismissive of players' concerns and opposed to such a meeting. Eventually giving-in due to publicity and allowed selective players only -- no rep's, no medical personnel, and no team members. The meeting was a farce as WTA soon after that released an even more hectic schedule... with mandatory tourneys! Guess they weren't taking notes?? BTW: There is a lot missing from this piece concerning "withdrawals". No writer has yet taken the jump to get behind the scenes and dig at the problems -- obvious organizational problems. IMO, the top two issues are WTA's lack of proper attention to health & well-being of its Money-Makers; and Financial Greed. Tip to Mr. Lloyd: there is no "snubbing" when these players withdraw. These women have to take such measures as withdrawing from a tourney, and occasional time-off from the circuit, to protect themselves -- because WTA refuses to take any measures at all (although not allowing matches until sunrise is a start). Surely you can do better than point fingers at players. The finger-pointing should be directed entirely at WTA (and ATP). Be a true journalist, Mr. Lloyd, and research them!!mandoist16-09-2024
- Uh-oh.... Now Raducanu is being forced to compete! Let's see who withdraws next... I wonder??mandoist15-09-2024
