Daily Dose of Social Media: Nadal hints at singles return after intense practice with Alcaraz, Swiatek recalls training with her idol

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Rafael Nadal played a practice set with Carlos Alcaraz, hinting at his probable participation in the Davis Cup singles this Tuesday as he approaches retirement.

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek recalled the first time she spoke with Nadal and the challenges of their joint training session at the French Open. On the other hand, Jannik Sinner received a tribute at an important monument in Turin.

Paula Badosa appeared in the latest episode of Los Gonzalez de Tour, where Camila and Matías, the children of Mexican doubles player Sebastián González, interview top ATP and WTA stars as they travel the world alongside their father for his commitments on tour. This time, it was the turn of the Spanish player, who had a fun conversation with the children of the former doubles world No. 7.

“Unfortunately, no, I don’t have one, but I would love to have a little dog. Let’s see if in the future I can, but traveling so much makes it complicated,” said the former world No. 2. Badosa also picked Indian Wells as her favourite tournament: “I love the place; I think it’s very relaxing, and I also like the conditions for playing. Plus, it’s a tournament I won, so it still has a special place in my heart.”

When asked about her favourite childhood gift, she said: “When MP4 players first came out, which was like a device just for music—I love listening to music, I love dancing, I’m a bit like you. And I was gifted one, and I was the happiest girl in the world.”

Iga Swiatek recalled her practice session with Rafa Nadal at the French Open. The four-time Roland Garros champion trained with her idol Nadal (14-time French Open champion), and as the Spaniard prepares for his retirement, the world No. 2 reflected on the first time she met him.

“I remember we practiced at Roland Garros once. That was actually like a gift for my birthday. So we hit for like 15 minutes,” she said. “I just realized that he’s really down to earth and humble. And that was the first time I talked to him.”

“When I was supposed to run, it was impossible. Like, the topspin made it go even further from me. It was tough for sure,” Swiatek remarked.

Swiatek was recently eliminated in the Round Robin stage of the WTA Finals after suffering two defeats. However, the Pole is competing in her final tournament of the year, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where Poland has already reached the semifinals, marking their best historical result in the competition.

The 5-time Grand Slam champion has won all three of her singles matches and also triumphed in doubles against the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. The Polish team is now aiming for a place in the final after Swiatek’s crucial singles victory over Jasmine Paolini leveled the tie at 1-1.

Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz trained together in Malaga just a day before Spain’s debut in the Davis Cup. The multi-Grand Slam champions played a practice set where Carlitos secured the win, but Nadal kept the duel tied up to 4-4, raising hopes that he might play singles on Tuesday against Botic van de Zandschulp. According to Punto de Break, ‘rumours in the corridors’ suggest this is likely.

Footage of the Spaniards’ training in Malaga surfaced, where they were seen preparing for the quarterfinals against the Netherlands alongside Captain David Ferrer. Alcaraz also shared a photo with Rafa Nadal, captioning it: “See you tomorrow in Malaga! 🙏🏻❤️🇪🇸”

If everything goes as expected, Nadal will face Van de Zandschulp in the opening match, while Carlos Alcaraz will challenge Dutch No. 1 Tallon Griekspoor. Should the tie remain level, the doubles will be the decider, with Griekspoor/Koolhof taking on Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martínez.

The players of Team Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup squad had a fun moment while waiting for Rafael Nadal to take a photo with them. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is not only celebrated by fans but also admired by his colleagues, who eagerly sought a picture with him during his farewell event.

In the video, all the team members are seen organising themselves to try to get Nadal to join them for a photo. Daria Saville guided her teammates on how to ask Rafa for the picture: “Would you like to join us?” she said to her teammates. Later, Nadal walked past Team Australia as they pretended to be taking a group photo and casually invited the Spaniard to join them. Nadal quickly agreed with a big smile before continuing on with team captain David Ferrer.

Jannik Sinner has become a sporting hero in Italy following an exceptional season, which saw him reach World No. 1. At just 23 years old, Sinner led his country to its first Davis Cup title in 47 years in 2023. Alongside his two Grand Slam titles, he recently claimed the ATP Finals trophy in Turin—his first title on home soil.

The Italian star captured the spotlight at the Finals, with overwhelming support from the local crowd, who came out in droves to cheer for Sinner in Turin. After clinching the title, Sinner was honoured in the city as his image was projected onto the Mole Antonelliana, an iconic historical building in the city centre and one of Italy’s most recognisable landmarks.

This week, Sinner will aim to defend the Davis Cup title and achieve an unprecedented back-to-back championship. Italy faces Argentina in the quarterfinals starting on 21 November, with Sinner set to face Argentinian No. 1 Sebastián Báez. The Europeans face a tough challenge against the South American team led by Francisco Cerúndolo and Báez, two consistent players who are ranked in the top 30 and have previously broken into the top 20.