Tennis News Roundup: Alexander Zverev & Joao Fonseca's final speeches rub fans the wrong way; Eugenie Bouchard's opponent under the scanner after controversial handshake

Joao Fonseca conquered the Swiss Indoors on Sunday in a dominant victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. On the other hand, Jannik Sinner bested Alexander Zverev 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win the Vienna Open. However, the speeches made during the trophy ceremony were not received well by the fans on the internet.

On that note, let us take a look at some of the top stories of the day:

---

#1. Alexander Zverev's speech in Vienna enrages Carlos Alcaraz fans

Alexander Zverev's comments after losing to Jannik Sinner made Carlos Alcaraz fans furious, as he claimed that the Italian was 'the best player in the world' according to him. The Spaniard's fans expressed disappointment regarding the statement, as Alcaraz currently holds the World No. 1 title.

Some fans even brought up how Alcaraz is a good friend of Zverev, but he still failed to acknowledge the Spaniard. A fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter),

"Seriously Carlos have to stop this lovely doubly (sic) behaviour with everyone there are so many fake friend in the atp. He can respect his opponents without being so friendly need more of ruthless Alcaraz."

---

#2. Tennis fans slam Joao Fonseca for condescending winning speech in Basel

Joao Fonseca took an impressive 6-3, 6-4 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final of the Swiss Indoors in Basel. However, fans were quick to point out that his winning speech at the ceremony sounded demeaning towards the Spaniard

"First I need to congratulate Alejandro for this amazing week. Him and his team, we know how hard you guys work. Great family. Great team. Congrats to you. I know (losing) another final is tough but keep working. Keep the process. For sure, the future is bright for you. So keep going," he said.

One fan took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote

"I really didn’t like that; Fonseca sounded super trite and a bit condescending."

---

#3. Eugenie Bouchard's pickleball opponent called out for controversial handshake

Eugenie Bouchard competed at The Vegas Rate Cup, a pickleball tournament under the PPA tour, last week. In the semifinal, Kate Fahey, who is ranked second in the world, was displeased after losing to the world No. 11 in 11-1, 10-12, 11-4.

Fahey barely shook her hand with Bouchard, which made fans furious as they claimed her to be 'salty' over the loss. In a video posted on X, fans commented:

"Pickleball has salty handshakes too?"

Another wrote,

"Fahey was a poor sport this entire match. Glad she got beat."

Bouchard qualified for the finals but eventually lost to world No. 1, Anna Leigh Waters.

---

#4. Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek face points penalty

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek faced a points penalty for missing out on WTA 500 tournaments. They will lose 520 and 508 points, respectively, for not appearing in a minimum of six 500-level tournaments each in a season.

Even though there were 17 events of this level played this season, the pair did not partake in more than three events, leading to the penalty. Polish journalist Dominic Senkowski reported via X,

"I have received confirmation from the WTA that Sabalenka will have 9,870 points tomorrow and Iga will have 8,195. Aryna will lose 120 points for Dubai and 400 for the WTA Finals (they previously deducted 10 points for Doha). This is the result of penalty points for not playing in the WTA 500."

However, these won't affect their WTA Finals qualifications.

---

#5. Ben Shelton's girlfriend Trinity Rodman reacts to his sister Emma's trip

Ben Shelton's girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, reacted to his sister Emma's images from her Montreal trip. Shelton and Rodman made their relationship official earlier this year, and since then, the soccer star has shared a close relationship with his family as well.

Emma Shelton shared images enjoying her fall outing with leaf sheddings and yellow-orange tinted trees all around her. These images also showed her drinking lattes and spending time with her friends on what seems like a fun trip. She posted these pictures on her Instagram and wrote,

"don’t mind me just living my fall dreams"

To this, Rodman commented and wrote,

"cutesie"

Rodman has also been spotted many times with Emma during Shelton's matches.

Edited by Tushhita Barua