Daily Dose of Social Media: Peyton Stearns shares painful picture, Zverev ranks Brazilian football legends
WTA
Peyton Stearns shared details on social media about the illness she suffered during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, after playing two matches in a single day. In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we also take a look at some of the most talked-about moments online.
Alexander Zverev ranked Brazilian football legends in a blind ranking, while Novak Djokovic tried to describe certain concepts using just one word. Meanwhile, players like Andrey Rublev and Jack Draper shared their favourite emojis. All that and more in another action-packed day on social media!
Peyton Stearns shares painful image after battling illness in Dubai
Peyton Stearns posted a photo capturing her pain as she battled an illness during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, following her round of 16 match against Mirra Andreeva. The American star delivered an impressive run, defeating Ons Jabeur and Zheng Qinwen (No. 7). However, after nearly three hours on court against Zheng, she later faced the teenager Andreeva, suffering a crushing 1-6, 1-6 defeat.
The world No. 46 was far from being in top physical condition, especially after playing two matches in one day. Stearns revealed on Twitter that she suffered from a GI illness, preventing her from performing at her best, and shared an image of her pain while receiving medical attention. "Highly don’t recommend having a GI illness & playing 2 matches in a day… not a good combo 🥲", she wrote.
Highly don’t recommend having a GI illness & playing 2 matches in a day… not a good combo 🥲 pic.twitter.com/pKKwQc9o9c
— Peyton Stearns (@peyton_stearns) February 20, 2025
ATP Stars reveal their favourite emojis at the Qatar Open
The ATP stars competing at the Qatar Open shared their favourite emojis in a fun segment for the tournament’s social media. Players including Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, and Jack Draper revealed which emojis they use most and their personal favourites, as well as attempting to describe Doha with a single emoji.
Meanwhile, the tournament has reached the semifinal stage, where Jiri Lehecka will face 8th seed Jack Draper, while the second semifinal will feature 5th seed Andrey Rublev against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Zverev ranks Brazilian football legends in "Blind ranking" challenge
Alexander Zverev took on a ‘blind ranking’ challenge featuring Brazilian football legends while competing at the Rio Open. The world No. 2 had to rank five World Cup champions from Brazil, including Pelé, Ronaldinho, and Neymar Jr. Zverev is playing the ATP 500 tournament as part of his first-ever Golden Swing tour, marking his debut in South America.
The three-time Grand Slam finalist had a surprising exit in the Argentina Open quarterfinals last week, falling to Francisco Cerúndolo. However, this week, he appears to have rediscovered his form on clay courts, securing straight-set wins over Bu Yunchaokete and Alexander Shevchenko. In the quarterfinals, he will face Argentine Francisco Comesaña, who survived a thrilling battle against Nicolás Jarry, even saving a match point along the way.
“One Word Answer” – Novak Djokovic plays fun word game in Doha
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was at the Qatar Open this week, where he made an early exit in the singles draw, losing his debut match to Matteo Berrettini (6-7, 2-6).
Despite the loss, the Serbian star remained in the spotlight. Earlier in 2024, it was announced that Djokovic would become the new ambassador for Qatari tennis, making his presence at the tournament a priority—even though he was still recovering from a thigh injury sustained at the Australian Open.
Physically, Djokovic looked in good shape and also competed in the doubles draw, teaming up with Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, who played his final professional tournament. During his media press activities, Djokovic participated in a fun word game, where he had to describe certain concepts in just one word. Watch the entertaining moment as Nole plays along in Doha!
ATP reveals behind-the-scenes of Diego Schwartzman’s final week
An ATP video takes fans behind the scenes of Diego Schwartzman’s final week as a professional tennis player. The former World No. 8 bid farewell to his home crowd at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, securing a memorable farewell victory against Nicolas Jarry (7-6[12-10], 4-6, 6-3).
The 32-year-old Argentine decided to retire after struggling with injuries that prevented him from regaining his best level, leading to a streak of consecutive losses. His last Grand Slam appearances came at the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, using the opportunity to say goodbye on the sport’s biggest stages. But there was still one final stop—the Argentina Open, where he played his last match in the second round against Pedro Martínez.
However, results didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Schwartzman, the leader of South American tennis in recent years, was all smiles throughout the week, surrounded by his loved ones, girlfriend, and family, as he enjoyed an emotional farewell in Buenos Aires.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.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
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
