Daily Dose of Social Media: Raducanu meets fan after backlash; Sabalenka and Badosa train together

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most important activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Emma Raducanu met with a young fan after receiving criticism for not stopping to take photos at Flushing Meadows. The Brit reached out to the girl on social media and invited her to spend a few minutes on the court.

Preparations for the US Open continue with practice sessions on the main courts. Today, Jannik Sinner took to Arthur Ashe Stadium and received a standing ovation following the controversial doping case he was involved in. Additionally, Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka had a friendly training session, while ATP and WTA stars tested their skills in pickleball.

Raducanu meets fan after apology, shares special moment on court at US Open

Emma Raducanu was recently criticized by social media users after not stopping to take photos and sign autographs following a US Open practice session. A young fan was eager to meet Raducanu and spoke of her admiration for the former champion, but the Brit didn't greet her after the training.

Read also

"I was hard on myself": Raducanu on skipping Murray's Wimbledon farewell doubles

“To the little girl far up in the stands who said I was her favourite player at this morning’s practice, I heard you and it made my heart smile,” Raducanu wrote on X on Thursday. “I’m very sorry I had to rush off after practice and I couldn’t see you near the court but please forgive me and I hope to find a way to meet you or arrange a signed something or photo.”

This Friday, the Brit managed to meet the young fan and even shared time with her on the court. Raducanu took photos with the girl and they even hit a few balls together.

Emma Raducanu Fans

@RaducanuNews

·Follow

🥰 Thank you @EmmaRaducanu🙏 📽️ IG annalft #Raducanu | #EmmaRaducanu

Watch on Twitter

526

Reply

Copy link

Read 8 replies

Arthur Ashe Stadium applauds Sinner despite doping criticism

Despite the controversies following the doping incident, Jannik Sinner received a warm welcome as he entered Arthur Ashe Stadium. The world No. 1 was met with applause at Flushing Meadows' main stadium as he prepares for his participation in the US Open.

The Italian tested positive for clostebol in an anti-doping test conducted at Indian Wells. The ITIA's investigation determined that the tennis player did not use clostebol intentionally, but rather his masseur applied the product, resulting in Sinner's accidental use of the substance, which ultimately led to his exoneration. However, this sparked criticism on social media, including from some of his colleagues like Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov.

Nonetheless, Sinner did not receive a suspension and will be the first seed at the US Open. The world No. 1 arrives full of confidence after winning the Cincinnati Open last week and is set to make his debut on Tuesday against Mackenzie McDonald. During his first practice session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Italian was met with applause and full support from the New York crowd.

Tennis stars gather for pickleball promotion: Alcaraz, Djokovic, Rybakina and more

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Barbora Krejcikova gathered at the “Tennis vs Pickleball Exhibition” event in New York City amidst the lead-up to the US Open. The three former Grand Slam champions participated in the activity hosted by Head, where they interacted with pickleball star Callie Jo Smith.

They were not the only ones gathering around pickleball, as in another promotional event for the sport held at the Lotte New York Palace, Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki, and Elena Rybakina also came together and posed for some photos.

“The tennis stars hit the pickleball court with @calliejosmith_pickleball at HEAD NYC Mash Up Event 🤩”

Jon Levey

@levey_jon

·Follow

Djokovic, Sinner, Krejcikova and Callie Smith doing pickleball dingles at Head event.

Watch on Twitter

13

Reply

Copy link

Read 2 replies

Adam Zagoria

@AdamZagoria

·Follow

Everyone’s playing Pickleball now Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki and Elena Rybakina played last night at @lottenypalace Andre Agassi was there as well. The US Open starts Monday.

0

Reply

Copy link

Read more on Twitter

Carlos Alcaraz Brasil

@carlosalcarazbr

·Follow

FOTOS: Carlos Alcaraz com Andre Agassi, Elena Rybakina, Caroline Wozniacki e Taylor Fritz ontem (22) de um evento Lotte New York Palace no Lotte New York Palace 📸 | Getty imagens

92

Reply

Copy link

Read more on Twitter

Read also

Daily Dose of Social Media: Kyrgios hits back at Roddick’s defense of Sinner

Azarenka reveals US Open outfit

Victoria Azarenka revealed her outfit for the US Open. The former world No. 1 shared a video on her social media showcasing the clothes she will wear for the last Grand Slam of the year. The 20th seed will debut against Ukrainian Yulia Starodoubtsewa (No. 146), who qualified and entered the main draw for the first time in her career.

In the video shared by Azarenka on social media, she tries on the outfit from her regular sponsor, Nike, which includes a pink top and shorts, as well as sneakers from the same brand in white and purple: “I’ve got the shoes, I’ve got the dress, that makes me….ready for the @usopen ✨”

Badosa & Sabalenka share practice

Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka shared a practice session at the Grandstand in Flushing Meadows. The close friends were the stars of another open training day for the public. Sabalenka (No. 3) will debut against New Zealand qualifier Priscilla Hon (No. 205), while Badosa (No. 26) will face the experienced Viktorija Golubic (No. 74).

After their joint practice, Wimbledon finalists Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini took to the court. Both players are among the top 8 seeds in the tournament, with Paolini ranked No. 5 and the two-time Grand Slam champion Krejcikova in the 8th spot. Paolini will debut against former champion Bianca Andreescu (No. 169), while Krejcikova will face Marina Bassols Ribera (No. 113), who came through qualifying.

Mario Boccardi

@marioboc17

·Follow

Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova at practice!

36

Reply

Copy link

Read more on Twitter

ziza 🥤

@zizacypri

·Follow

Krejcikova, Paolini e Badosa.

Watch on Twitter

Watch on Twitter

Watch on Twitter

4

Reply

Copy link

Read more on Twitter

Read also

WTA Ranking Update (20/08/24): Aryna Sabalenka regains World No.2 as Mirra Andreeva reaches new career high

Tiafoe goes undercover

Frances Tiafoe goes undercover in a fun ATP video. The American, a recent Cincinnati Open finalist, appears as a salesperson in a water store sponsored by the tournament.

“Who guys you are to see today?” Tiafoe asks a fan while working at the water store. “I think his name is Frances,” she says.

“Big fan of his, huge fan of his,” Tiafoe responds. “Super charismatic, funny guy,” he adds. The video was shared on the US Open’s social media, showing how some fans recognize the former world No. 10.

Tiafoe (No. 20) will make his debut on Monday against his compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic (No. 76). The former world No. 10 arrives at Flushing Meadows full of confidence after reaching his first Masters 1000 final last week at the Cincinnati Open, although he ultimately fell to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.