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Jannik Sinner unveils terracotta statue in Shanghai, Djokovic and Rune share high-intensity practice, Alcaraz shares Tokyo sightseeing photos

Originally posted on TennisUpToDate.com | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 7:59 PM ET

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, all eyes are on Asia with the start of the Shanghai Masters and the arrival of Jannik Sinner at the tournament—after lifting the China Open title—where he was honored by the organization with his own terracotta statue.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune stole the show on the main stadium court in a high-intensity practice session in front of hundreds of fans. Separately, Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz shared photos on social media from their final days of competition: the Pole in Beijing, and Alcaraz in Tokyo.

China's unique tribute: Sinner unveils terracotta statue

Jannik Sinner was present at the unveiling of a new terracotta statue organized by the Shanghai Open organization. Immediately upon arriving in the city to compete in the Masters 1000 event, with his debut scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, in the second round against Germany's Daniel Altmaier, the Italian player received a special and undeniably unique tribute. The organizers dedicated a terracotta statue to him, which Sinner himself unveiled in a video shared on the official tournament channels, with his reaction quickly going viral. The four-time Grand Slam champion arrives in good form and confidence, having just secured the China Open title (defeating Learner Tien in the final). He will be the main favorite for the title after the confirmed absence of Carlos Alcaraz due to rest.

The World No. 2 traveled from Beijing to Shanghai on Wednesday and was already participating in practice and promotional activities for the tournament on Thursday. In fact, Sinner was the star of a children's tennis clinic in China, where he spent time teaching some kids how to play tennis at the Shanghai Open facilities. With Sinner's debut in Shanghai just a day away, he continues his pursuit of securing the year-end World No. 1 ranking, and Alcaraz's absence in Shanghai could be key to the Italian's ambitions.

Djokovic and Rune train together in Shanghai

Another standout player in Shanghai is 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. A four-time Shanghai champion and the record holder for victories at the tournament (45), the Serb continues one of his final challenges of the season. Today, he was seen training with none other than Holger Rune ahead of their respective tournament debuts this week.

In images captured by Tennis ETv and shared on social media, the high-level practice session between Djokovic and Rune was seen at the tournament's main stadium, attracting a large crowd. Hundreds of fans gathered to get a close look at the training between the veteran Serb and the young Danish star.

Swiatek thanks Chinese fans after early exit

Iga Swiatek was the title favorite in Beijing but ended up making an early exit in the Round of 16 against 16th seed Emma Navarro in a three-set battle. Despite the surprising defeat, the Pole thanked the Chinese public for the support she received on social media. The six-time Grand Slam champion will now travel to Wuhan for the final WTA 1000 of the year, which will be her penultimate commitment of the season as she focuses on the WTA Finals.

"Thank you @chinaopen This one hurts a bit but I'll be back next year to do better. Especially thanks to the fans. I felt your support every step of the way and I appreciate it." posted the former World No. 1.

Andrej Martin breaks camera in frustration

A curious moment occurred at the M25 Santa Margherita in a match featuring Slovakia's Andrej Martin—a former Top 100 player who currently competes in Future tournaments. The 36-year-old lost his patience during his first-round match against Rahmani, and during a complicated moment in the third set, the Slovakian furiously threw his racket toward the cameras, breaking the camera that provided the official broadcast of the ITF Tour encounter.

Alcaraz shares Tokyo sightseeing photos

Carlos Alcaraz shared a series of photos of his days in Tokyo, this time showing a bit of his off-court life, with pictures and videos of him strolling and having fun in the Japanese capital. The World No. 1 had another great week on the ATP Tour, securing his 8th title of the season after defeating Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the final—also getting revenge for his loss to Fritz a week earlier at the Laver Cup. The Spaniard is now on a weeks-long break—after withdrawing from the Shanghai Masters—and is expected to return to the courts at the end of October for the Paris Masters.

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

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