In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, WTA stars revealed which players tend to be late for practice, while Rafael Nadal attended the launch of his new hotel in Punta Cana.
Katie Boulter was a spectator during her boyfriend Alex De Minaur's match, while models Kylie and Kendall Jenner were also spectators at Indian Wells alongside Timothée Chalamet.
Rafael Nadal and Meliá Hotels International have officially opened ZEL Punta Cana, the first hotel of this brand outside of Spain, in the popular Dominican tourist destination of Punta Cana. Additionally, they have begun the construction of the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy on the continent. The Spanish tennis star attended the hotel launch, which continues to grow its investments.
After two openings in Spain, ZEL Mallorca in 2023 and ZEL Costa Brava this summer, the brand has now arrived in the Dominican Republic, where it will be the first all-inclusive lifestyle hotel in the Caribbean. As reported by HOSTELTUR, the ZEL Punta Cana resort features 190 rooms, seven restaurants, and a beach club.
"After some very emotional days in the Dominican Republic, where we have opened ZEL Punta Cana, the third @zelhotels in the world," the 22-time Grand Slam champion posted. "After the openings in Mallorca and Costa Brava, we were very excited to bring the Mediterranean spirit to this special country."
Zheng Qinwen seems to be finding her way back on the WTA Tour following a notable victory over Lulu Sun 6-4, 7-5. It was a special match for the Chinese player, who had faced three consecutive losses before arriving at Indian Wells and was also facing an opponent with whom she had painful memories. The New Zealander had unexpectedly eliminated her in the first round of Wimbledon last year when Zheng was the 8th seed.
The win over Sun sent Zheng into the Round of 16, where she will face 18th seed Marta Kostyuk from Ukraine. After her victory on Sunday night, the gold medalist was asked in an on-court interview if there was extra motivation to face a rival who had previously beaten her or if she simply forgot past encounters, leading to a fun moment. "Well, if I have to be honest, no I don’t forgive," she said with a laugh. "I even remember four years ago the match I lost against [Angelique] Kerber, I was leading 4-1, so it’s tough for me to lose a match."
Qinwen Zheng after beating Lulu Sun at Indian Wells
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 10, 2025
“Do you forgive and forget? Or do you remember the last match you lost against Lulu?
Qinwen: “If I have to be honest, no I don’t forgive.” 😂😂😂😂
pic.twitter.com/LUIOueqUFt
Some of the WTA stars answered in a round of questions about which players they think need a new alarm for showing up late to practice. Jessica Pegula, Paula Badosa, Iga Swiatek, and Mirra Andreeva participated, and they chose their colleagues who have made them wait for practice.
"Ons Jabeur, but you know why?" Badosa said. "Because she stops to talk to everyone and to hug everyone because she is so nice, that I’m like, okay forget it, she’s always gonna be behind me and always late."
“I’m usually late everywhere, which is not a good thing to say, but that’s the truth, let’s be honest,” Iga Swiatek mentioned, while Mirra Andreeva picked her friend and compatriot Daria Kasatkina: “She was late to our practice here the first time.”
Check out the rest of the video, where it was even mention of a multi-time Grand Slam champion from the ATP.
Elina Svitolina left an inspiring message on social media after her victory in the third round against 14th seed Danielle Collins. The former World No. 3 from Ukraine has already overcome two tough local opponents: first, Ashlyn Kruyeger (6-1, 6-7, 6-3) and then Collins (6-2, 6-4), securing her spot in the Round of 16. Her next challenge will be another American, none other than World No. 4 Jessica Pegula.
Nonetheless, Svitolina has received great support from the crowd in Tennis Paradise and thanked them on social media for the warm welcome she has had in the USA. "Dear friends in the USA, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your unwavering support. Your kindness and solidarity remind me that even in the darkest times, we are not alone. Your compassion fuels our hope and inspires us to keep striving for a brighter future together," Elina Svitolina wrote on X.
https://x.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/1899002286468161769
Katie Boulter was present at her fiancé Alex de Minaur's remarkable victory at Indian Wells. The British No. 1 was eliminated in the third round by 2023 Indian Wells champion Elena Rybakina, but remains in Tennis Paradise supporting her partner in his journey through the tournament. De Minaur found inspiration from his girlfriend in the crowd, as he claimed a commanding victory over 21st seed Hubert Hurkacz, winning 6-4, 6-0.
The Australian will face Francisco Cerundolo (25th seed) in the fourth round, aiming for a spot in the quarterfinals. As for Boulter, her next challenge will be at the Miami Open, and it will be interesting to see if she appears again as a spectator for her partner or quickly travels to Miami – where De Minaur will also be competing in his next tournament.
she is so sweet pic.twitter.com/lC56yyagcN
— Lisa 🧚🏻♀️ (@lisa_talking) March 10, 2025
Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Timothée Chalamet were present on Sunday night at Indian Wells. While Danish player Holger Rune (13th in the world rankings) and Frenchman Ugo Humbert (19th) played one of the most demanding matches of the day at Tennis Paradise, cameras captured the two-time Oscar nominee and recent winner of the Best Actor award at the SAG Awards for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet.
Alongside him, models and entrepreneurs Kylie and Kendall Jenner were also spotted on the big screen at Stadium 1 enjoying the third-round match between the Europeans. After 2 hours and 35 minutes, Rune secured the win with a score of 5-7, 6-4, 7-5.
Jack Draper paid tribute to his colleague Jenson Brooksby after defeating him in the third round of Indian Wells. The British No. 1 had a tough time against the American, but managed to win 7-5, 6-4, securing his spot in the Round of 16. Brooksby made his return to the Tour after a one-year suspension for failing three anti-doping tests. Initially, it was 18 months, but it was reduced to 12 after the American's appeal.
The local player, who reached his career-high ranking of World No. 33 a couple of years ago, had a spectacular tournament, knocking out 17th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who has already won two titles this season and is currently third in the ATP Race. Draper left a message for his colleague, showing great sportsmanship and crediting his opponents. "Good to have a great player back," Draper wrote on the camera after the match.