Daily Dose of Social Media: Zheng Qinwen shines in new photoshoot, wind causes chaos in Fonsecas’ match

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek received a special welcome at a defending champions' lunch, featuring Spanish and Polish cuisine. In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we revisit some of the best moments from the day as the early rounds of Indian Wells unfold.

Zheng Qinwen stole the spotlight in a new photoshoot amid the WTA's new brand launch, while the match between Joao Fonseca and Jacob Feanrley was interrupted by the wind during a peculiar moment on the Center Court at Tennis Paradise.

Champions lunch: Swiatek and Alcaraz fuel up with special menu

Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz attended the Indian Wells champions’ lunch, where they were treated to traditional dishes from their home countries. The Polish star won last year’s title by defeating Maria Sakkari in the final (6-4, 6-0), repeating her 2022 triumph. Meanwhile, Alcaraz has claimed back-to-back titles, winning both finals against Daniil Medvedev.

The menu featured a "First Course in Honor of Iga Swiatek"—Potato & Cheese Pierogies with caramelized onions, sour cream, and chives—while the "Second Course" celebrated Alcaraz with a Serrano Ham and Manchego Bocadillo, roasted piquillo peppers, arugula, and house-made potato chips.

Both players will make their 2024 Indian Wells debuts on Friday in Stadium 1—Swiatek against Caroline Garcia, and Alcaraz facing the winner of Quentin Halys vs. Pablo Carreño Busta.

Zheng Qinwen shines in new photoshoot despite tough run

Zheng Qinwen grabbed social media attention with her latest WTA photoshoot. The Paris 2024 gold medallist remains a key tournament star despite a recent slump, winning only one of her last four matches. The Chinese player has already dropped several spots in the rankings, currently sitting at world No. 9. With her top-10 status at risk, she needs a strong Sunshine Double campaign to turn things around.

Zheng was also spotted practicing on court as she prepares for her Friday debut against Victoria Azarenka, a former world No. 1 who has defeated her in both of their previous encounters. Azarenka is coming off a win over Clervie Ngounoue to become the player with the most WTA 1000 tournament main draw victories since the format was introduced in 2009, with a total of 159 wins.

Wind causes chaos in Fonseca vs. Fearnley match

A peculiar moment occurred at the start of the match between Joao Fonseca and Jacob Fearnley when the wind forced a long rally to be halted in just the second game. Indian Wells is known for its windy conditions this time of year, but on this occasion, play had to be stopped after a towel from Fonseca's bench was blown onto the court, landing right next to Fearnley following a net approach.

Beyond the unusual incident, Fonseca secured an impressive 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 victory to reach the second round in Indian Wells. The Brazilian overcame a shaky stretch in the second set and clinched his first win at Tennis Paradise. He now faces an exciting showdown against 13th seed Jack Draper in the next round of the tournament.

Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils share laughs in fun Indian Wells interview

Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils took part in a lighthearted interview upon their arrival in Indian Wells. The couple—who have played some of their best tennis while married—tied the knot in 2021 and welcomed their daughter Skai in 2022, moments that have inspired them both to greater success.

During the interview, they discussed their married life, humorously debating who takes longer to get ready in the morning. In a hilarious exchange, both joked about the challenges of getting up early.

Osorio dances her way into second round

World No. 53 Camila Osorio made history in the first round of Indian Wells by defeating former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-4, becoming the first Colombian to beat a former No. 1 in the world. The South American player delivered one of the best matches of her career to advance to the second round, where she will face 22nd seed Clara Tauson.

The South American displayed her great sense of humour on the Center Court – a stage she is not used to stepping on – and showed off her dance moves while celebrating her victory over Osaka.

When the on-court interviewer gave him the news, the tip-off, Osorio was surprised. Then, after reminding the audience of her name - he must have thought he didn't know her - he said: ‘It's crazy for me. It's a dream come true. I always wanted to play on this court. I'm so happy to see how I played against a champion like Naomi. I can't believe it. I really enjoyed it.

Shelton and Tiafoe have fun in practice courts

Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are having fun at Indian Wells while both await their debut in the tournament. The two players are among the top names hoping to make a strong local impact, and they were spotted on the practice courts, joking and smiling together.

Both players have shown to be great friends and have had exciting battles on tour. They’ve met twice at the US Open (1-1), as well as in the Houston Open final (a win for Shelton). Shelton enters as the 11th seed and awaits his opponent between Argentina’s Mariano Navone and Learner Tieb. On the Big-Foe side, Tiafoe is the 16th seed and will face Bosnian qualifier Damir Dzumhur.

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