Daily Dose of Social Media: Tsitsipas’ unique cheer for Swiatek sparks laughter, as Evert calls for Navratilova statue at Wimbledon
Tennis News
Several legends headline a new Daily Dose of Social Media after Chris Evert joined the discussion about a potential Roger Federer statue at Wimbledon and proposed her great rival Martina Navratilova for the honor, considering that both hold the record for titles – male and female – at SW19. Evert also celebrated her 70th birthday today with special greetings from her colleagues.
On the other hand, the World Tennis League provided a fun moment during the last day of Round Robin when Stefanos Tsitsipas made a special cheer for Iga Swiatek from the sidelines, recalling the reaction the Polish player generates from fans when she plays at Roland Garros.
Evert supports Navratilova in Wimbledon statue discussion
A social media post sparked a debate about
whether Roger Federer deserves a statue at Wimbledon, more than two years after
his retirement. The Swiss Maestro is the most successful male Wimbledon
champion, with 8 titles between 2003 and 2017, along with 4 runner-up finishes.
Federer ended his career with a record of 105-14 (88%) at the All England Club,
the tournament where he achieved his best results.
The discussion, initiated by a user on X, was
joined by none other than 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert—who herself
won the Wimbledon title three times. Evert added to the conversation by
suggesting that her friend and great rival Martina Navratilova also deserves to
be considered for a statue at the iconic grass-court Grand Slam.
The women’s record at Wimbledon belongs to the
Czech-American Navratilova, who claimed 9 titles between 1978 and 1990,
including six consecutive wins (1982-1987). The 18-time Grand Slam champion
also reached three other finals at the tournament, finishing with an
extraordinary record of 120-14 (90%) at SW19.
What about @Martina who's won it 9 times? 💪🏼👏🤷♀️ https://t.co/7y501Jk9Lb
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) December 20, 2024
Evert’s comments coincided with her 70th
birthday, for which she received several special greetings. Among those who
didn’t hesitate to congratulate her was the legendary Billie Jean King, who
shared a photo with 'Chrissie' on social media and celebrated her as one of the
greatest in tennis history.
“On this day in 1954, a future tennis legend
was born! Happy birthday to 18x Grand Slam singles champion, the first woman
athlete to be @SInow's sole recipient of the 'Sportsperson of the Year' award,
and our dear friend, @ChrissieEvert,” wrote King.
On this day in 1954, a future tennis legend was born!
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 21, 2024
Happy birthday to 18x Grand Slam singles champion, the first woman athlete to be @SInow's sole recipient of the "Sportsperson of the Year" award, and our dear friend, @ChrissieEvert! pic.twitter.com/lzlN0mCGuj
King wasn’t the only one, as Navratilova also
had congratulations for Evert. The two built one of the most remarkable
rivalries in history. They faced off 90 times between 1973 and 1988 – 60 of
those in finals – with Navratilova leading 43-37 (36-24 in finals). Arguably
the greatest rivalry in history, where each won 18 Grand Slam titles, meeting
at least four times in every Grand Slam (14-8 for Navratilova), 14 of those in
finals (10-4).
A unique aspect of their legendary rivalry is
that Evert and Navratilova became close friends over the years, a friendship
that still endures today, more than 50 years since their first encounter. It
was precisely Navratilova who wished her former rival:
“Happy 70th today to my friend, nemesis,
partner and most of all an amazing, strong, resilient and compassionate woman,
champion of champions! Lots of love, m,” she posted. “Here is looking at you,
kid:) @ChrissieEvert.”
Happy 70th today to my friend, nemesis, partner and most of all an amazing, strong, resilient and compassionate woman, champion of champions! Lots of love, m.
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) December 21, 2024
Here is looking at you, kid:)@ChrissieEvert
Cheering Champion: Tsitsipas delights fans supporting Swiatek
Stefanos Tsitsipas created a fun moment at the
World Tennis League while cheering on Iga Swiatek during her match against
Elena Rybakina. The Polish star, playing the opening match of the tie between
the Eagles and Falcons, secured a commanding 6-3 win over the 2022 Wimbledon
champion to give her team a strong start.
During the match, Tsitsipas, standing courtside
with his girlfriend Paula Badosa—also a member of Team Eagles—offered a unique
cheer for the 5-time Grand Slam champion. His enthusiastic shout drew laughter
from Badosa and caught the crowd's attention. Later, the former World No. 3
shared a video of the moment on social media with the caption: “The way the
French do at Roland-Garros 🙌.”
Swiatek, a 4-time French Open champion, later
thanked Tsitsipas for his support and his amusing cheer. “That really made me
smile. Thank you 🫶🏼,” she said. Swiatek then teamed up with Badosa
to defeat the duo of Caroline Garcia and Rybakina, while Tsitsipas paired with
Alexander Shevchenko to triumph over Rublev and Shapovalov in the men’s
doubles. Despite the Eagles winning the tie, it wasn’t enough to reach the WTL
final, and they were ultimately eliminated from the competition.
That really made me smile. Thank you 🫶🏼
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) December 21, 2024
Ben Shelton tackles the “Gift Wrapping Challenge”
Ben Shelton starred in Tennis Channel’s latest
video, participating in the “Gift Wrapping Challenge” as he attempted to wrap a
present ahead of the holiday season. The American, ranked World No. 31, had a
fun time on camera, answering a round of questions and sharing his Christmas
wish list.
“I actually just asked my agent for a gift
yesterday. I need new headphones; I tend to lose them a lot, so hopefully, he
comes through for me and gets me some headphones sent to my house,” said the
former US Open semifinalist.
Shelton also revealed what’s currently on his
playlist. “I’ve been listening to a lot of Afrobeat lately because the Afrobeat
Artist of the Year award is coming up, but none of my guys were nominated,
which I think is kind of messed up. I love Ruger, Rema, and I’m a big fan of
Wizkid too. Those are a few of the artists I listen to.”
With the 2025 season approaching, Shelton still
has a few weeks to prepare. He will play the ASB Classic in Auckland starting
January 7 as the first seed before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open
the following week.
Chilean vs. Argentine: Tabilo claims South American exhibition
Alejandro Tabilo (World No. 23) and Tomás
Martín Etcheverry (World No. 39) played an exciting exhibition match ahead of
their journey to Australia to kick off the 2025 season. The Chilean and
Argentine delivered an entertaining clash, with Tabilo claiming a straight-sets
victory, 7-5, 7-6.
Two of South America's highest-ranked players
competed in a match far from the bright lights of Dubai’s World Tennis League
or the intense preseason grind in Australia.
Both players are now gearing up to cross the
globe for a strong season start. Etcheverry is set to debut at the Adelaide
International beginning January 6, while Tabilo will make a stop at the
Brisbane International starting December 30 before heading to Auckland to
defend his ASB Classic title. Below are some of the highlights from this South
American battle.
Feliz por la exhibición de ayer junto a Tabilo en @granarenamonticello 🎾
— Tomás Etcheverry (@tometcheverry) December 21, 2024
Gracias al público chileno por el respeto y afecto, espero que hayan disfrutado el partido como lo hicimos nosotros 🙌🏻
Ahora tocan los últimos días de preparación para empezar con todo en Australia 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/7DNvHrq47p
¡VICTORIA PARA TABILO! 👏
— DSPORTS (@DSports) December 21, 2024
🇨🇱 Jano venció a Tomás Etcheverry 🇦🇷 en el partido de exhibición por 7-6 y 7-5 en Chile.#TenisEnDSPORTS pic.twitter.com/4Ck4hEBX3c
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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