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Behind the scenes of Leylah Fernandez, Kalinskaya returns to Sinner’s box for semi-final run

Behind the scenes of Leylah Fernandez, Kalinskaya returns to Sinner’s box for semi-final run

In today’s Social Media Daily Dose, we look at the most important activities and pastimes of ATP and WTA players. In the US Open night session, Anna Kalinskaya was on Jannik Sinner’s box despite her early third-round exit.
As the semi-finalists were announced, Iga Swiatek’s quarter-final defeat was the biggest surprise, with cameras capturing her heartbreaking post-match recovery after losing to Jessica Pegula. Plus, Carlos Alcaraz returned to training, Leylah Fernandez shared a video blog and more!

World No. 1 Swiatek in tears as Pegula stuns her at US Open

Iga Swiatek was left in tears after being knocked out of the US Open. The world No. 1 was unrecognisable in her quarter-final match against Jessica Pegula, making more than 40 unforced errors. The American secured a convincing 6-2, 6-4 victory to advance to her first Grand Slam semi-final.

After the defeat, the five-time Grand Slam champion stated in a press conference that she tries to reduce the pressure on herself by keeping expectations low when going into a tournament: “I always try to lower my expectations because I know we can all win this tournament and it’s not going to be easy,” she said. “Also, I feel like I never perform well when my expectations are high, so I try to lower them.”

In a video shared on social media, US Open cameras captured the moment Swiatek broke down in tears during her post-match recovery with her physiotherapist.

Despite extending her lead as world No. 1 and still winning five Grand Slams, Iga Swiatek was devastated with tears in her eyes after her tough straight-set defeat to Jessica Pegula in 2024 #usopen quarter finals. @sluggahjells

Kalinskaya returns to Sinner’s box for semi-final run

At the French Open last May, Jannik Sinner confirmed his relationship with Anna Kalinskaya amid growing rumours of a romance between them. The WTA World No. 15 had not been seen in the Italian’s box in previous matches, but this time she was there to support him in his match against Daniil Medvedev.

Both actors have decided to keep details of their relationship private when asked. They were recently photographed on holiday on the beaches of Sardinia following their time at Wimbledon. However, a few weeks later, rumours of a breakup began on social media when the Russian unfollowed Sinner on Instagram.

However, it seems clear that Sinner and Kalinskaya’s relationship is peaceful. They have also had some moments together since Sinner’s victory, which allowed her to reach the semifinals and become only the fourth player to reach at least one semifinal at all four Grand Slams in a single season.

Anna Kalinskaya we don’t deserve you

Jannik with his team and Anna after the match #USAOpen

Jabeur congratulates Alex Morgan on his incredible football career

Ons Jabeur congratulated American footballer Alex Morgan on his career after he announced his retirement. The Tunisian three-time Grand Slam champion recently missed the Cincinnati Open and US Open due to physical complications and is set to drop out of the top 20 for the first time in three years.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old announced the end of her career this Sunday, playing her last match in the NWSL with the San Diego Wave. Morgan leaves a lasting legacy as a two-time World Cup champion and an important figure in the golden generation of American women’s soccer. Jabeur left her congratulations to the historic soccer player on social networks.

Alcaraz trains for Davis Cup after US Open setback

The four-time Grand Slam champion has already begun training for his upcoming fights. Alcaraz suffered a surprise second-round exit at the US Open, losing in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp.

The X account of the Ferrero Tennis Academy shared a series of photos from the training of the world number 3 under the guidance of his coach and French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Starting September 15, Alcaraz will represent his country once again by leading the Spanish team in the Davis Cup. Spain has been drawn into Group B alongside Australia, the Czech Republic and France, and the series will be played in Valencia, Spain.

Fernandez shares behind the scenes

Leylah Fernandez has shared a video blog reflecting on her day at the US Open, where the 23rd seed suffered a painful 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 first-round defeat to Anastasia Potapova, falling far short of the former runner-up’s expectations.

Despite her early elimination, Fernandez recently shared a video showing some of her routine in the days leading up to the tournament, including practice sessions, meals and even how she analyzes her stats to improve certain aspects of her game. “I’m excited to show you behind the scenes of how I bring out the best in me,” the former US Open runner-up said. The video also shows Fernandez’s journey from her hotel to the practice center.

“I’m just warming up, getting ready to be on court for the last Grand Slam of the season,” she said. “I normally warm up for 45 minutes to an hour,” the former world number 13 added.

“As the last Grand Slam of the year comes to an end, a little throwback to a day when I was preparing to do my best at the tournament ,” she wrote on Instagram.

Simone Biles Supports Iga Swiatek at US Open

Simone Biles attended the quarterfinal match between Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula. The 11-time Olympic medalist was a special guest in the match that saw Pegula advance to the US Open semifinals for the first time.

The gymnast arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, and said she was there to support world No. 1 Iga Swiatek: “Oh my gosh! So far, it’s been electric. It’s been a lot quieter than I expected, but it’s definitely a great atmosphere,” Biles said. “My wife and I are huge fans of Iga, so it’s just a blessing and an honor to come here and watch her work.”

The match ended with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory for Pegula, knocking out the 2022 champion. Despite Swiatek’s disappointing performance, marked by numerous unforced errors, Simone Biles was pleased with an exciting day of tennis at Flushing Meadows: “Tennis is such a classy sport,” she wrote on social media after the match.

Sabine Lisicki enjoys beach days ahead of baby’s birth

Sabine Lisicki has shared beach photos during her pregnancy. The former Wimbledon runner-up and 34-year-old German announced in March this year that she was expecting her first child and is currently in the final stages of her pregnancy.

Meanwhile, the former world number four has been enjoying some time on the beach, sharing photos on his social media. Despite being away from the Tour for the year, he expressed his excitement: “Life is full of unexpected surprises. My fiancée and I are looking forward to this exciting journey. And… I guess I’ll have to go back one more time,” he announced in March.