Daily Dose of Social Media: Raducanu meets fan after backlash; Sabalenka and Badosa train together
Tennis News
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.
“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.
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 🤩”
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.
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.
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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