Daily Dose of Social Media: Hurkacz honored with Terracotta Warrior, Tsitispas picks his ‘Spirit Animal’
In today’s Daily Dose of Social Media, we highlight some exciting updates from ATP and WTA players. Hubert Hurkacz was honored with his terracotta warrior in Shanghai, even though he couldn’t defend his title. Stefanos Tsitsipas shared his ‘Spirit Animal’ and received a humorous reply from Nicolas Jarry. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz charmed fans once again by speaking Chinese, showcasing their growing global appeal. It’s been an entertaining day in the tennis world!
Hubert Hurkacz received a traditional champion’s tribute at the Shanghai Masters in the form of a terracotta warrior. Since its inception in 2009, the tournament has celebrated only six champions over its twelve editions, with each winner receiving a unique sculpture. Hurkacz joins an elite group that includes Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Nikolay Davydenko, and Daniil Medvedev. This honor highlights the prestige of the event and its champions.
The 27-year-old Hubert Hurkacz last competed in the round of 16 at the ATP 500 Japan Open, where he was defeated by British player Jack Draper. Unfortunately, his early exit in Tokyo was compounded by an injury that will prevent him from defending his title at the Shanghai Masters. While disappointing, Hurkacz’s focus now shifts to recovery and future tournaments.
As the 2023 champion, Hubert Hurkacz faces the loss of 1,000 ranking points due to his inability to compete at the Shanghai Masters. This will likely see him drop out of the top 10, potentially falling to at least world No. 12. His ranking could further decline depending on the performances of nearby competitors like Tommy Paul, Holger Rune, and Frances Tiafoe as the season wraps up.
