Daily Dose of Social Media: "Who’s in their phone? - Kyrgios, Swiatek, Alcaraz and others share their VIP contacts
Tennis News
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Nick Kyrgios were among the big stars who shared who the most famous contacts are in their phones. On the other hand, Zheng Qinwen, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff took part in a 'tennis meditation' led by the voice of a well-known chair umpire.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz talked about the nervousness he still feels when meeting certain people, while American legends Pam Shriver and Gigi Fernandez joined Maria Sakkari to make an important donation following the fires in L.A.
ATP and WTA stars reveal the most famous contacts on their phones
Top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios, Madison Keys, and more opened up about the famous names in their phone contacts. Ahead of the start of Indian Wells, the stars discussed their high-profile connections in a video revealed by the tournament organizers this Sunday.
The video features YouTuber Logan Paul, footballer Neymar, Australian actress Rebel Wilson, as well as tennis legends like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Frances Tiafoe.
On Sunday, the third round of the tournament kicked off, and the matchups for the Round of 16 are starting to take shape, with Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina securing their places among the top 16, while Stefanos Tsitsipas and Tommy Paul represent the men’s side.
WTA stars take part in a ‘tennis meditation session’ led by WTA referee Kader Nouni
The stars of the WTA had a good laugh during a ‘tennis meditation session’ guided by the unique voice of chair umpire Kader Nouni. Known for his distinctive voice and manner of speaking during matches, Nouni’s meditation session brought a fun moment for the players.
"Join us for some Sunday morning meditation… by WTA referee, Kader Nouni 😂🧘♀️"
The video featured Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Zheng Qinwen, Petra Kvitova, and others enjoying the quirky session. Nouni is currently part of the chair umpire team at Indian Wells this week.
Join us for some Sunday morning meditation…by WTA referee, Kader Nouni😂🧘♀️#TennisParadise @WTA pic.twitter.com/ezL7I9DnFX
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 9, 2025
Alcaraz still gets nervous to meet this football legend
Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old tennis sensation, has risen to fame at an astonishing pace in recent years, following an incredible 2022 that catapulted him into the top-5 for the first time in his career, followed by a US Open Grand Slam title. Just months later, he became world No. 1 and now boasts four major titles, including two Wimbledon trophies (2023, 2024) and the French Open title (2024).
Having rapidly mingled with some of the most famous personalities worldwide, both from the sports world and beyond, Alcaraz has become one of the most recognized figures in tennis. However, he admitted that there’s still one person who makes him feel nervous when they meet.
When asked who that person is, Alcaraz paused for a moment before choosing legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid icon, whom Alcaraz supports, holds a special place for the young Spanish player. Alcaraz has attended several Champions League and La Liga matches at the stadium, often accompanied by fellow Real Madrid fan Rafael Nadal.
Gigi Fernandez and Maria Sakkari lead donation efforts to rebuild tennis infrastructure after LA fires
With the presence of Gigi Fernandez, Pam Shriver, and two-time Indian Wells finalist Maria Sakkari, the WTA and the WTA Foundation made a significant donation to support the rebuilding efforts for tennis infrastructure damaged by the fires in L.A. Fernandez created a GoFundMe in Los Angeles to help rebuild the Palisades Center. A symbolic check was solemnly handed to someone on court at the BNP Paribas Open.
"The WTA and the WTA Foundation are proud to support the relief for the fire devastation caused by the Palisades Fire. Tennis came together and provided compounded support with WTA Legends, staff, and players all contributing to help where and how they can."
"Amidst Gigi Fernandez getting her charity, Tennis for Hope, off the ground, she did a fiscal sponsorship with the WTA Foundation and raised $50,000 to donate to the rebuilding of the tennis community in Pacific Palisades and Altadena," the post added. "We’re honored to be a part of giving back to this impactful cause."
The representative of the current WTA stars was Greek Maria Sakkari, who, although she is far from her best moment, seems to find Indian Wells as the ideal place to regain her form. The 2022 and 2024 finalist started the tournament with a dominant victory over Viktoriya Tomova (6-0, 6-3) and will face none other than Coco Gauff in the third round. "One step at a time 💪," Sakkari posted on Instagram this Sunday. "Happy to be back @bnpparibasopen 🙌"
From foot fault to laughter: The curious moment in Shelton-Navone clash
During the second round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000, a peculiar moment occurred during the match between Ben Shelton (12th ATP) and Mariano Navone (63rd) when a technological malfunction disrupted the match.
With the score at 2-5, the Argentine was serving to stay alive in the first set. At 40-15, a strange incident took place involving the electronic system. After Navone’s serve, the stadium was filled with the sound of a "Foot Fault" called by the technology. What made it even stranger was that the same call was repeated three times consecutively.
The crowd at Stadium 2 burst into laughter at the situation, and umpire Richard Haigh joined in on the joke, saying, “I think there was a Foot Fault.” After a quick consultation with the officials, it was confirmed that Navone had indeed committed a Foot Fault. Despite the humorous moment, the match resumed without further issues.
Although the Argentine from 9 de Julio managed to hold his serve, he lost the set in the next game. Shelton went on to win 6-3, 6-2, advancing to the next round.
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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mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
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