Daily Dose of Social Media: Shapovalov fires back: 'Different rules' after Medvedev Laver Cup outburst

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the top activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Denis Shapovalov ignited social media with a sarcastic comment following Daniil Medvedev's controversy after throwing his racket during the Laver Cup match.

Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff took part in the '5 Seconds Challenge' in a fun WTA video. At the same time, Ons Jabeur received an emotional tribute video, featuring her colleagues Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka, and more.Find the best highlights from another eventful day on social media.

Unequal Rules? Shapovalov weighs in on Medvedev's controversial racket throw

Denis Shapovalov responded to a fan's tweet about Daniil Medvedev's outburst at the Laver Cup. The Canadian was disqualified at the DC Open earlier in August for throwing his racket and insulting a spectator during his match against Ben Shelton. The ATP ruled that the former world No. 10 would lose his prize money and points earned for reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament. ‘Shapo’ appealed the decision, and ultimately his points and prize money were restored, although he still faced a fine.

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Europe’s Laver Cup miracle: Carlos Alcaraz crushes Taylor Fritz to seal the title

This time, Medvedev found himself in controversy after throwing his racket into the crowd following an unforced error in the tie-break against Shelton, a situation quite similar to Shapovalov's disqualification during a tie-break. Despite Team World's protests, Medvedev was not disqualified.

A user on X expressed that the rules do not apply equally to all players: “Medvedev flung his racket in anger towards the fans in the Laver Cup. No default, imagine my shock. One rule for Djokovic and one rule for the rest.”

Shapovalov responded to the user's post with a sarcastic message: “Nah of course not 🙂 #differentrules.”

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Tournament Centre Laver Cup 2024: All results, schedules, standings, Prize Money and TV Guide for Team World v Team Europe showdown

Denis Shapovalov

@denis_shapo

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Replying to @pavyg

Nah of course not 🙂 #differentrules

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Sinner speaks Chinese! Prepares for China Open with style

Jannik Sinner arrived in China to compete in the ATP 500 China Open as the defending champion. Starting September 26, the world No. 1 will play his first tournament since winning the title at the US Open, where he defeated Taylor Fritz in the final to secure his second Grand Slam title.

The Italian arrived in China this Sunday a few days early to prepare before returning to the court. Sinner touched down in Beijing like a star, receiving gifts from the tournament organizers and even attempting to speak Chinese in his initial promotional remarks for the event.

Upon his arrival in Beijing, the defending champion had his first training session on the tournament's main court alongside his compatriot Lorenzo Sonego. You can check out Sinner's arrival and his first training session in the following videos:

Luca Fiorino

@FiorinoLuca

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🇮🇹 Allenamento oggi a Pechino per Jannik #Sinner e Lorenzo #Sonego 🫂 #tennis | #ChinaOpen

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Janniksin_Updates

@JannikSinner_Up

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📍Beijing 🇨🇳 Here we are, Forza 🦊

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"Minister of Happiness:" Ons Jabeur honored with emotional Tennis Channel tribute

Ons Jabeur received an emotional video tribute from Tennis Channel, celebrating the "Minister of Happiness," a nickname the Tunisian has earned on the Tour for her constant joy both on and off the court. The former world No. 2 opened up about being recognized as the most liked person on the Tour: "Even as a kid I’ve been a very open person. I think I just say whatever comes to my mind," she said. "I feel like it’s not good to keep our emotions inside, it’s better to let them out and definitely accept them."

The tribute also featured former Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka, as well as players like Marta Kostyuk, Daria Saville, and Tatjana Maria. Osaka mentioned that ever since she joined the Tour, Jabeur made a point to speak with her: "I was very introverted, way more introverted than I am now, and she made the effort to come talk to me every day. I’ll never forget that, and I’ll always have so much love in my heart for her."

"It’s actually been incredible the way she’s built herself and brought awareness for the region and for Tunisia, being a role model for young girls from a different culture. I love that about her; she’s always stayed true to herself," commented former world No. 1 Azarenka.

Hilarious ‘5 Seconds to Name’ challenge: Swiatek, Gauff and more

WTA stars participated in a new game in a funny social media video. Featuring Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, among others, the tour stars attempted to answer a series of questions in “5 seconds to name.” The players responded to questions like naming “three apps on your phone” or “naming female tennis legends.”

Paula Badosa answered the question about three famous people in her contacts, including Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and singer Shakira. In response to the same question, Coco Gauff mentioned she has Roger Federer, singer Ravyn Lenae, and Ben Shelton in her contacts. You can find the rest of the WTA stars' answers in the following video:

Shelton and Tiafoe bring the fun with epic celebration

Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe had a blast during their time as teammates in the Laver Cup this past weekend. Team World entered the final day with an 8-4 lead, needing just two victories to secure the title. Shelton and Tiafoe teamed up for doubles but fell to Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud.

Later, Shelton reignited hope by defeating Daniil Medvedev in a hard-fought match, leaving only one win to clinch the title. On social media, the fun celebration of both Americans after Shelton’s win caught the attention, just before Big-Foe took to the court to chase the title for his team against Zverev.

The 25-year-old American was up a break in the second set, just a couple of games away from securing the title for Team World. However, Zverev made a comeback, taking a crucial victory for Europe, which eventually claimed the title after Alcaraz's win over Fritz in the final match.

Laver Cup

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Vibes are high in Team World after Ben Shelton's victory. @BenShelton | @FTiafoe | #LaverCup

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Tennis Stars show off dance moves ahead of China Open

Camila Osorio shared a video dancing with colleagues Ashlyn Krueger and Elena Gabriela-Ruse. The three tennis players are in Beijing for the start of the China Open, where both Osorio and Krueger have secured spots in the main draw, while the Romanian will have to compete in the qualifiers, facing local player Shuo Feng.

While waiting for the tournament to begin, the Colombian shared a TikTok video where the three are seen dancing in the locker room at the Beijing Open to a song by Colombian Latin singer Karol G.

‘Korea, you have my heart’: Marta Kostyuk stays optimistic despite tough loss

Marta Kostyuk shared a compilation of photos from her time at the Korea Open, following a disappointing quarterfinal loss where she left the court in tears after being eliminated by Diana Shnaider in straight sets. Despite the result, the Ukrainian player remains positive about her performance in Seoul and posted a heartfelt message on social media:

“Korea you have my heart ❤️ first time here and oh man.. ready to open skincare shop 😅 disappointed with the result but onwards and upwards 😇 Ready for 🇨🇳 trust the process🧘🏼‍♀️#uponly”