Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most important activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Serena Williams shared on social media that she was denied access to a restaurant at a luxury hotel in Paris while with her children.
Leylah Fernandez was the guest of honor at a Toronto F.C. match, entering the field with a hawk on her arm to kick off the game. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic continues his celebrations after winning the gold medal, and Roger Federer announced a new biography.
Serena Williams denied access to luxury Paris hotel
Serena Williams shared on social media her unfortunate experience at a luxury hotel in Paris. The former world No. 1 is visiting Paris while the Olympic Games are underway and has been seen several times in the audience, including during the final between Alcaraz and Djokovic on Sunday.
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The 23-time Grand Slam champion commented on social media that she tried to access the rooftop of the Peninsula hotel but said she was denied access to eat despite the restaurant being empty. The legendary ex-tennis player also lamented that the situation occurred while she was with her children.
“Yikes @peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant of nicer places … but never with my kids. Always a first,” she wrote.
Later, the hotel’s official account offered an apology to Williams and invited her to return anytime she wishes: “Dear Mrs. Williams, please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.”
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Djokovic’s Triumphant Walk with Gold Medal at Champions Park
Novak Djokovic continues to celebrate in Paris 2024 after winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games. The Serbian finally achieved the elusive gold medal that had evaded him throughout his career, completing the Career Golden Slam at 37 years old, making him the oldest tennis player to win a gold medal.
The Serbian had a special celebration with his family and close friends on Sunday night, although the tributes continued on Monday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared at Champions Park, showcasing his medal to thousands of people.
Djokovic walked through the Park with the Serbian flag draped over his back and the gold medal hanging around his neck. “Novak Djokovic greeting the crowd at Champions Park with his gold medal at the Olympics.”
Federer announces release of new visual biography
Roger Federer previewed the release of his new biographical book in a promotional video on Instagram. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is approaching two years since his retirement but remains busy with various projects around the world and with his sponsors.
The 42-year-old Swiss recently starred in the Amazon movie “12 Final Days,” which depicted the last days before ending his career at the Laver Cup. He also made a notable appearance at the Dartmouth graduation speech. Now, he has announced the launch of his ‘visual biography,’ which promises more than 300 pages of photographs, intimate moments from his childhood and with his family, as well as a review of his illustrious career.
“Tennis has been the vehicle to meeting people, travel the world, learning about cultures. Every champion has a very unique story. I want it to be a story that people feel inspired by. I will always want to be connected to the sport,” he said in a promotional video.
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Leylah Fernandez stars with Toronto F.C. hawk at latest match
Leylah Fernandez was the star at the latest Toronto Football Club match as she entered the field with the team’s traditional hawk. The former US Open runner-up is the top local favorite in the upcoming Canadian Open and has been one of the stars in the tournament’s promotional activities.
This time, she was the guest of honor at the Toronto F.C. match. The 21-year-old player was with the team’s hawk before the match against Pachuca on Sunday (Toronto won 2-1). “I like to think animals love me, they just show it in a very different way,” Leylah commented, while her sister Bianca Fernandez told the camera that animals don’t usually like the current world No. 25.
“We’re about to walk out with the hawk, oh my goodness, we’re gonna lead the players and the referees out to the field with the hawk in Toronto. Sing the national anthem and watch a great game of football,” Leylah Fernandez said before entering the field. “I’m more afraid of tripping and falling, that’s like one thing I’m afraid of doing, and I’m known to trip myself,” she said with a laugh.
Swiatek celebrates Poland’s historic volleyball team’s victory
The world No. 1 was the guest of honour for Poland’s men’s volleyball team during the Olympic Games. Iga Swiatek suffered a surprising defeat in the semi-finals against Zheng Qinwen. Although she was the favourite to win gold at Paris 2024, she ended up with a bronze medal after defeating Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in the third-place match.
Swiatek decided to skip the Canadian Open this week and take a few days off before the hardcourt swing. The Polish player stayed a few more days in Paris and supported the men’s volleyball team on Monday as they competed for a spot in the semi-finals and a chance at a medal.
Poland defeated Slovenia 3-1 and advanced to the semi-finals after 44 years. Swiatek seems to have been a lucky charm for her team and joined in the celebrations with the Polish players: “It was great! Thanks for letting me be there and celebrate with you for a moment. Do your thing!” she wrote on X
Felix Auger-Aliassime’s emotional tribute to retired Andy Murray
Felix Auger-Aliassime was one of the stars of Olympic tennis, earning a bronze medal for Canada in mixed doubles alongside the experienced Gabriela Dabrowski. The world No. 19 also had an impressive run in singles, reaching the semifinals but ultimately losing to Carlos Alcaraz. Despite having the chance to win a bronze in singles, he faced another defeat, this time against Lorenzo Musetti. Nevertheless, Auger-Aliassime expressed his pride on social media for the medals he earned.
However, what caught attention this Monday was his emotional tribute to Andy Murray, a few days after the 3-time Grand Slam champion’s retirement. With the Olympic Games now behind him, the Canadian shared a message thanking the Brit for being an inspiration throughout his career.
“I always drew a lot of inspiration seeing your resilience, determination and will to win throughout your career. Thank you for setting a great example for our generation and the ones coming in the future,” he wrote on social media.
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