Social Buzz: Nadal jokes with Khachanov at French Open; Thiem gets into swing of practice
On Social Buzz today, we take a look at Rafael Nadal’s in preparation for his 13th French Open title defence, while Dominic Thiem and Serena Williams find their feet on the clay in Paris.
Rafael Nadal hit the clay on Court Phillipe Chatrier for the nth time to practise with Russian Karen Khachanov.
In contrast, Khachanov commented to Nadal that today was his first time practising in the hallowed arena, sharing a laugh together about the whole thing.
Look who’s back 👑
13-time champ @RafaelNadal practices on Chatrier for the first time with @karenkhachanov. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/1yWaGxAuFi
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2021
Another threat to Nadal’s dominance on clay is Dominic Thiem who took to Court Suzanne Lenglen for hitting practise with teenage Italian and next-gen rising star Jannik Sinner.
The two shared a picture on-court which Sinner then tweeted to his followers.
Thanks for the practice @ThiemDomi, always great to hit with you 💪🏼 Good luck for the tournament 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/r87ai2I6Eo
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) May 27, 2021
Three-time French Open champion Serena Williams was also spotted on-court with coach Patrick Mouratgolou, preparing for her 19th appearance at the tournament.
Meanwhile, Elina Svitolina kicked back to watch French Open qualifying, posting as such on her Instagram story.
View this post on Instagram
Finally, on a more reflective note, ATP journeyman Sergiy Stakhovsky lost in French Open qualifying, tweeting a farewell to Roland Garros, apparently this year is his final appearance in Paris.
I am not sad that it passed… I am happy that it happened❤️✊🏻. 15 years was a blast 💥. Thank you @rolandgarros for all the memories.
I bleed on clay every year, but I cherish every victory🙏🏻. pic.twitter.com/pwgmiT6oWv— Sergiy Stakhovsky (@Stako_tennis) May 26, 2021
He even had a friendly interaction in another thread which you can read below.
My phone is still the same my friend! Will be happy to see you while I am in UK
— Sergiy Stakhovsky (@Stako_tennis) May 26, 2021
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