Daily Dose of Social Media: Swiatek’s proud message after BJK Cup, Jannik Sinner and Chris Evert praised Italy's title

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Iga Swiatek shared photos of her time at the Billie Jean King Cup after a historic performance for Poland, reaching the semifinals before losing to Italy, who were crowned champions on Wednesday. Jannik Sinner and Chris Evert were among those offering congratulations for Italy's title on social media.

The elimination of the USA in the Davis Cup marked the day, and Nicole Melichar launched strong criticism against Bob Bryan for including Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul in the doubles. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal was seen happy reuniting with his family shortly after his retirement and elimination in the Davis Cup.  

Evert and Sinner praised Italy's Billie Jean King Cup triumph

Chris Evert and Jannik Sinner praised Italy's victory in the Billie Jean King Cup final. The former World No. 1 congratulated the European team for securing their fifth title in the most prestigious tournament in women’s team tennis. Led by Jasmine Paolini, the Italian team defeated surprise finalists Slovakia following wins by World No. 4 Paolini against Rebecca Šramková and Lucia Bronzetti over Viktória Hrunčáková.

The men’s World No. 1, Jannik Sinner, shared an Instagram story featuring a post by the Italian Tennis Federation celebrating the victory, including photos of the entire team: Paolini, Bronzetti, Sara Errani, Martina Trevisan, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, and captain Tathiana Garbin.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion Evert reposted a message on X (formerly Twitter) where Paolini celebrated the title and took the opportunity to praise the whole team. The Italians avenged their 2023 final loss to Canada, adding another crown to their titles in 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2013. “Congratulations to Team Italy! Look at those smiles… What a year! You all exude so much spirit and joy and fun….. Great messaging and role models for the sport! 👏👍💪,” Chris Evert wrote.

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Messi, Maradona and the Pope: The unique banner from Argentina at the Davis Cup

Argentine fans travelled to Malaga to support their country in the Davis Cup, bringing along a particularly eye-catching banner. The team returned to the Finals after missing out in 2023 and faced favourites Italy, led by Sebastián Báez and Francisco Cerúndolo.

Images from the stadium, shared by the official Davis Cup account, showcased a massive banner from Argentina. It featured iconic footballers Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, highlighting the World Cups and Copa América titles won by the South American nation. The banner also included a photo of Pope Francis, with the caption: "With the Hand of God, the Messiah, and the Pope, we're going for another World Cup."

Unfortunately for the Argentinians, they won't have another day to display the eye-catching banner, as they were eliminated by the defending champions. Despite an early win by Cerundolo over Musetti, Sinner later had no trouble against Báez and sent it to doubles. In the decisive match, Matteo Berrettini teamed up with Sinner to defeat the specialists Máximo González and Andrés Molteni, advancing to the semifinals where they will face Australia.

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USA's doubles snub? Melichar-Martinez calls out Bryan's faith in Shelton and Paul

Nicole Melichar-Martinez criticises Bob Bryan's decision to field Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul in Davis Cup doubles. USA Captain Bob Bryan made a last-minute change in the Davis Cup series against Australia, opting to replace doubles specialists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram—both former world No. 1s and silver medallists in Paris 2024—with Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul for the decisive match.

The decision raised eyebrows, especially given Bryan's legacy with his brother Mike as the most decorated doubles duo in tennis history. Despite his expertise, Bryan chose not to rely on his doubles players, and Shelton and Paul were defeated in straight sets by Jordan Thompson and Matthew Ebden (4-6, 4-6).

Former doubles world No. 6 Nicole Melichar-Martinez shared her disagreement on social media, criticising the exclusion of Ram and Krajicek. "Very curious as to why @RajeevRam and @AustinKrajicek aren’t playing the doubles tie right now @usta@DavisCup#watchmoredoubles"

“Doubles players are 'specialists' for a reason… they’re good at what they do. Why not trust in them??," she added later. Especially when you have 2 former #1s…” wrote the 31-year-old American, who recently reached the WTA Finals semifinals alongside Australian Ellen Perez.

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‘Thank you’: Swiatek shares appreciation for Team Poland 

Iga Swiatek shared photos on Instagram from her time at the Billie Jean King Cup, where Team Poland achieved their best-ever result by reaching the semifinals, with the 5-time Grand Slam champion leading the charge. Swiatek claimed victories over Paula Badosa and Linda Niskova in singles and partnered with Katarzyna Kawa to defeat Bouzkova and Siniakova in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals, they faced Italy, who went on to become champions of the tournament. Despite Swiatek's singles win over Paolini, Italy secured the victory in the decisive doubles match, with Paolini and Sara Errani sending Italy to the final. Nonetheless, the 4-time French Open champion expressed her gratitude for representing Poland in the competition and shared a heartfelt message on social media for her team: “Thank you 🤍❤️,” she posted alongside photos of the team celebrating their quarterfinal win over Czechia.

First images of Rafael Nadal with his son after retirement surface

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, was seen for the first time with his son following his retirement. Nadal played his last match against Botic Van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup, losing 4-6, 4-6. Later, Spain was eliminated after Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers lost in doubles to Wesley Kolhoff and Van de Zandschulp.

The retirement was somewhat overshadowed by the elimination of the European team and the absence of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. However, Nadal was seen smiling off the court, particularly when reunited with his son Rafa and wife Xisca Perello. In the video, the legendary tennis player is seen greeting and hugging his family at the Martin Caperra Arena in Malaga after the on-court tribute concluded.