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Daily Dose of Social Media: Iga Swiatek enjoys post-Wimbledon break as Roger Federer reunite with Rafael Nadal on golf course
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

In a new " Daily Dose of Social Media," the Rafa Nadal Academy welcomed some high-profile guests. Alexander Zverev praised the help of Toni Nadal and Rafa Nadal during his training week as he prepares for the US Open. Meanwhile, the 22-time Grand Slam champion himself reunited with his old rival Roger Federer on the golf course.

Federer's twin daughters were also present at a training session at the Spanish academy. On another front, recent Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek is taking a few days off after her victory and shared a series of photos enjoying the sun and beach before traveling to North America for the Canadian Open, which starts next week.

Zverev praises "fantastic" training week at Rafa Nadal Academy

Alexander Zverev recently appeared on the social media channels of the Rafa Nadal Academy after spending a few days training alongside none other than Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Rafa himself was present during one of Zverev's training sessions, closely observing his former rival. Zverev also trained with young Spanish talent Martin Landaluce.

"Oh, it's very beautiful, very good week. I mean, obviously with a lot of help from Toni, and from Rafa as well," Zverev said. "It was fantastic seeing the two of them again, and yeah, the academy is very beautiful and Mallorca is very beautiful in general, especially in summer. It's very, very hot. So I enjoyed my time and I'm ready to go to the United States now."

Zverev and Nadal faced each other 11 times on Tour, with 7 wins for the Spaniard and 4 for the German. Their last encounter was in the first round of the French Open 2024, which marked Nadal's final appearance at the tournament. Also memorable is their 2022 Roland Garros match, marked by Zverev's fall during the second-set tie-break, which led to surgery and six months off the courts.

Federer and Nadal reunite on the golf course

Stealing attention alongside Nadal was none other than 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, who joined his greatest rival on the tennis courts, though this time it was on the golf course. Both currently enjoy retirement; the Swiss maestro retired at the 2022 Laver Cup, while Nadal played his last professional tournament at the Davis Cup Finals 2024. A series of photos from the friendly golf session of the old rivals, who clashed 40 times in their careers with Nadal leading the head-to-head 24-16, appeared on social media.

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Una publicación compartida de Roger Federer (@rogerfederer)

Federer's twin daughters at Rafa Nadal Academy

The Rafa Nadal Academy saw more activity this week, hosting two special guests: none other than Roger Federer's twin daughters, Myla and Charlene, who coincidentally turn 16 this Wednesday, July 23.

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Una publicación compartida de Tennis (@underarmserve)

Swiatek enjoys post-Wimbledon break

Iga Swiatek is enjoying some well-deserved days off after securing the Wimbledon title, her 6th Grand Slam title. This adds to her four Roland Garros crowns (2020, 2022-2024) and her 2022 US Open triumph. The Pole hadn't been in her best tennis form despite several deep runs over the last year, having not won a title since the French Open 2024. However, she had an impeccable run at Wimbledon, defeating Amanda Anisimova in a historic 6-0, 6-0 final.

The Polish star decided to take a few days off before starting the American hardcourt swing. She will reappear in about a week at the Canadian Open, with a significant part of the season ahead and the US Open as her main objective. Swiatek has managed to narrow the gap with Aryna Sabalenka, and if she maintains good results, she could soon be back in contention for the world No. 1 ranking, considering she defends minimal points for the rest of the year and is currently second in the WTA Race. The US Open will be key for both, and Swiatek is in a good position for this swing, especially since Sabalenka has already announced her withdrawal from the WTA 1000 Canadian Open.

"Recharged, smiling, with some amazing memories. Let's kick off another chapter of this season.☺️☀️" the 6-time Grand Slam champion posted on Instagam.

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Una publicación compartida de Iga Świątek (@iga.swiatek)

Hurkacz takes break amid injury woes

Hubert Hurkacz is also taking some time off, enjoying a vacation after an injury forced him to withdraw from both s'Hertogenbosch and Wimbledon—two grass-court tournaments—due to knee irritation. "Over the past few weeks, you've seen me on court through both the highs and the more challenging moments," Hurkacz said. "Unfortunately, today I have to share some difficult news. After careful consideration and consultation with my team, we have made the decision to withdraw from this year's Wimbledon."

The former world No. 6 from Poland is still in the recovery process. As a result, he's also withdrawn from both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open. His participation in the upcoming US Open remains uncertain. Hurkacz reached the quarterfinals at both of these Masters 1000 events during the hardcourt swing leading up to the US Open. This means he's set for another significant drop in ranking points, potentially falling close to No. 70 before play begins at Flushing Meadows.

Despite the challenges, the Polish player is using this time away from competition to recharge, especially mentally. The rest of the year looks complicated for Hurkacz, who has been hampered by injuries for much of the season.

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Una publicación compartida de Hubert Hurkacz (@hubihurkacz)

This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.

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