Daily Dose of Social Media: Raducanu and Zheng shine at Nike event, Wawrinka unveils perfect player

Friday, 13 September 2024 at 12:19

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. On social media, exclusive photos from Nike’s latest event surfaced, featuring stars like Emma Raducanu, Jack Draper, Zheng Qinwen, and Lorenzo Musetti, among others.

While some players enjoy a week off from competition following the US Open, Stan Wawrinka built his perfect player, Holger Rune visited Denmark for the launch of his new book, and Donna Vekic received a spectacular welcome from fans in her home country after winning the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Donna Vekic receives hero's welcome in Croatia

Donna Vekic receives an incredible welcome upon her return to Croatia, celebrating her Olympic silver medal. World No. 21 Donna Vekic had a surprising run at the Olympic Games, reaching the final after defeating strong opponents like Bianca Andreescu, Coco Gauff, and Marta Kostyuk.

In the final, she was unable to overcome 6th seed Zheng Qinwen, losing decisively 2-6, 3-6. Despite the loss, the Croatian had an impressive tournament and returned home with the silver medal. Vekic was welcomed as a champion in Croatia, with fans gathering to chant her name in celebration.

After winning the silver medal, Vekic explained that it came after a challenging period marked by injuries and last-minute setbacks: "I had pain in my arm, pain in my ankle. I was sick. Everything was happening all at once, and when we came here, first our flight was canceled. We arrived late. Everything was going wrong. When we had our first practice, I told my coach I was coughing so bad I couldn't hit two shots in a row," she said.

The Tennis Letter

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Olympic Silver Medalist Donna Vekic getting a champion’s welcome back home in Croatia 🥹 Very deserved. ❤️

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Holger Rune explores new paths after launching his book

The Danish player made a major breakthrough in 2022 when he won the Paris Masters title, defeating none other than Novak Djokovic in the final. Although he reached world No. 4 in 2023, his most recent season has been less convincing, as he currently holds the world No. 14 ranking.

Rune experienced a disappointing first-round exit at the US Open, losing decisively to Brandon Nakashima 2-6, 1-6, 4-6. While preparing for his next challenge during the Asian Swing, where he will debut at the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open, Rune took advantage of his time in Denmark to launch his book.

"This book gives a picture of my world since I was a junior. It’s not really an autobiography; I’ll wait until I’ve won a Grand Slam," Rune commented.

“Another fantastic day ✍🏼📖 great to meet so many dear fans 🫶🏼 how lucky I am. Tomorrow, back on the training track 🦾”

Holger Rune

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Endnu en fantastisk dag ✍🏼📖fedt at møde så mange kære fans 🫶🏼hvor er jeg heldig . I morgen, tilbage på træningsbanen 🦾

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Wawrinka reveals his perfect tennis player

Stan Wawrinka built his perfect player in an interesting video shared on social media. The 3-time Grand Slam champion highlighted who he considers the best players in different aspects of the game, including members of the Big-3, Nick Kyrgios, and Milos Raonic.

The Swiss player made his last appearance at the recent US Open, where he suffered a straight-set first-round defeat to Mattia Bellucci. Wawrinka is set to play his next tournament at the Challenger 125 in Saint-Tropez starting on 16th September.

Wawrinka chose Canadian Milos Raonic for the best serve, while he praised Novak Djokovic for his return, tactics, and backhand. On the other hand, for Wawrinka, the best forehand belongs to Roger Federer, as well as the slice and volley of his fellow 20-time Grand Slam champion. He also selected Rafael Nadal for his mentality, while Nick Kyrgios was chosen for his trashtalk.

We Are Tennis

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The PERFECT PLAYER according Stan Wawrinka 🤖 ▪️ Serve: Raonic ▪️ Return: Djokovic ▪️ Tactics: Djokovic ▪️ Mentality: Nadal ▪️ Forehand: Federer ▪️ Backhand: Djokovic ▪️ Slice: Federer ▪️ Volley: Federer ▪️ Trashtalk: Kyrgios Can we do better, honestly?

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Tomas Machac pulls out after just seven points in Davis Cup

Tomas Machac stole the spotlight in a new Davis Cup day after retiring just seven points into the match. The Czech player withdrew after only the second game, with the score at 1-0, 15-30 in favour of Alexei Popyrin.

The Czech No. 1 had already retired the day before in the series against Spain, following a good performance against Carlos Alcaraz. Machac lost the first set but his level declined significantly before retiring with the score at 7-6(3), 1-6, 0-0.

Jiri Lehecka was expected to play for the Czech team today, but a feverish condition forced captain Jaroslav Navratil to use Machac as the singles player. However, Machac again could not finish the match, leaving doubts about who will play on the final day, considering the Czech team only has four players, including doubles specialist Adam Pavlasek, who does not have a singles ranking.

edgeAI

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Medical time out after 1 game played for Tomas Machac against Alexei Popyrin. Issue with the left calf/leg. Machac to serve next at 0-1 down in set 1.

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As Más Deporte

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🤕La dura imagen de Tomas Machac después de tener que retirarse de su duelo frente a Carlos Alcaraz en Valencia 📹 @ConradoValle

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Raducanu, Zheng, Draper, and more at Nike Athlete Hospitality

Some ATP and WTA stars enjoyed a Nike Athlete hospitality event during their latest appearance at the US Open. Several top representatives of the sports brand shared a relaxed moment while previewing some new outfits.

The event featured Emma Raducanu, Lorenzo Musetti, Jack Draper, Zheng Qinwen, Katie Boulter, Holger Rune, among others. Tennis Sports Marketing's Mia King shared some photos on Instagram showcasing details from the unique event with the world's top tennis stars: “That NY energy! Our last Nike Athlete hospitality of the year. What a way to end slam season 🏆✨”

Emma Raducanu Fans

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Nike 👟 📸 IG miasking12 #Raducanu | #EmmaRaducanu

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ATP stars guess outcomes in new 'What happens next' clip

ATP stars had a blast participating in a new entertaining video from the ATP Tour, where they tried their hand at guessing "What Happens Next." The video features Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Matteo Berrettini, Ben Shelton, and others.

The players watched clips of their peers from previous US hardcourt matches and attempted to predict the outcome of each play. Highlights include a fun segment featuring Daniil Medvedev and Frances Tiafoe, a match-up between Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and a hilarious moment with Nick Kyrgios.

Osorio overcomes injury and 0-5 deficit for stunning comeback against Kudermetova

Camila Osorio pulled off an incredible comeback in her match against Veronika Kudermetova at the WTA 500 Guadalajara Open. The Colombian prevailed in a tight contest against the Russian, coming back from 0-5 down in the third set. The 22-year-old also suffered a right shoulder injury during the match but managed to recover and deliver one of the most epic victories of her career, winning 7-6(5), 6-7, 7-5.

The former World No. 33 advanced to the quarterfinals of a WTA 500 for the first time in her career and now has a great opportunity in her next match against Kamila Rakhimova (No. 89), whom she has defeated in their two previous encounters. Osorio’s comeback was widely praised on social media.