Tennis News Roundup: Carlos Alcaraz opens up about handling social media hate; Novak Djokovic's late ATP Finals withdrawal angers ex-pro & more

Carlos Alcaraz opened up about how he really feels about dealing with online hate. Elsewhere, Novak Djokovic’s late withdrawal from the 2025 ATP Finals didn’t sit well with a former tennis pro, while Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova revealed how they’re moving on from their WTA Finals heartbreaks.

Jannik Sinner’s new girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, grabbed attention in Turin as she arrived to cheer for the Italian star. Meanwhile, Steve Johnson didn’t hold back from sharing his thoughts on the upcoming ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash between Nick Kyrgios and Sabalenka.

On that note, let's take a look at the day's biggest headlines:

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Carlos Alcaraz reveals how he deals with social media abuse

Carlos Alcaraz pictured at the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals | Image Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz is currently competing at the 2025 ATP Finals and has played one group-stage match so far against Taylor Fritz, winning 6-7(2), 7-5, 6-3. Before the tournament began, the Spaniard sat down for an interview with Spanish media where he talked about how he deals with the hate and abuse he receives on social media, something that has become quite common among tennis players today.

Alcaraz said he chooses not to pay attention to negative comments and prefers to ignore them, believing that people will always have something to say, no matter what. However, he admitted that despite trying his best to stay unaffected, there have been moments when the criticism has gotten to him.

"There are losses I honestly don’t care about the negative comments. Do things right or wrong, you'll still get negative comments, from true fans or haters," he said. "We try not to pay much attention but there have been certain losses where some negative comments do end up affecting you," he added.

The Spaniard is scheduled to face Lorenzo Musetti in his next group stage match in Turin on Thursday, November 13.

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Ex-tennis pro slams Novak Djokovic after controversial ATP Finals withdrawal

Novak Djokovic pictured at the 2025 Hellenic Championship | Image Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic has been at the center of controversy in recent days after deciding to withdraw from the ATP Finals at the very last minute. The Serb announced his decision following his 101st career title win at the Hellenic Championship in Athens, citing a shoulder injury as the reason.

Due to his decision, Djokovic faced heavy criticism from fans and journalists alike, with a few former tennis pros also weighing in. Among them was Frenchman Julien Varlet, who appeared on the Sans Filet podcast and said:

"Djokovic's walkover is a lack of respect for the other players. The final he delivers in Athens is monumental, but announcing his withdrawal right after—that's not classy toward the Masters. His greatness takes a hit."

Djokovic's withdrawal opened the door for Lorenzo Musetti to take his place in the tournament.

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Aryna Sabalenka & Amanda Anisimova heal from WTA Finals heartbreaks

Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova pictured at the 2025 WTA Finals | Image Source: Getty

Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova both endured heartbreak at the 2025 WTA Finals. Sabalenka made it all the way to the final but came up short against Elena Rybakina, while Anisimova’s run ended in the semifinals at the hands of the Belarusian.

Both players left Riyadh with a hefty paycheck and chose their own ways to move on from the disappointment. Sabalenka opted for a Maldives getaway and shared a glimpse of it on Instagram, posting a photo of herself relaxing on the beach in a tiger-print bikini.

Meanwhile, Anisimova turned to her family for comfort. She shared a few moments on her Instagram Stories, including pictures of her cuddling her nephews and laughing while relaxing on the floor, enjoying some much-needed quality time with them.

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Jannik Sinner's girlfriend Laila Hasanovic shows up to support Italian at ATP Finals

Jannik Sinner is currently competing at the 2025 ATP Finals as the No. 2 seed and began his campaign with a strong 7-5, 6-1 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime. Watching from his player’s box was his girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, who caught everyone’s attention as she cheered him on.

Watch the video below:

Hasanovic is a model and social media influencer from Copenhagen, having collaborated with top fashion brands such as Prada and Armani. While it’s unclear when the two started dating, Sinner confirmed their relationship during his victory speech at the Paris Masters earlier in November.

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Steve Johnson refuses to watch Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios' 'Battle of the Sexes'

Aryna Sabalenka pictured at the 2025 WTA Finals | Image Source: Getty

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios have found themselves surrounded by criticism for their upcoming 'Battle of the Sexes' match. Much of the backlash has been directed toward Sabalenka, with many questioning why the World No. 1 in women’s tennis would team up with one of the sport’s most polarizing figures.

One of the critics was Steve Johnson, who discussed the topic on the Nothing Major podcast. He called the concept “ridiculous” and said there was absolutely no need for such a match. Johnson also made it clear that he had no plans to watch even a second of it.

"I think it's ridiculous, to be honest," Johnson said. "If they're going to play, just play all out. If not, I'm just saying, like I think this whole thing is ridiculous. There's no need to do it. Just, you know, have it's just we're going to get nowhere with this. If you're especially going to change serves, parameters, courts, the effort from Nick is always going to be a question mark, and that's it. I don't know. Like, I'm not going to watch a second of it, to be honest."

The exhibition match is set to take place on December 28 at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. Organized by the duo’s shared management agency, Evolve, the event will mark the first Battle of the Sexes in more than three decades.

Edited by Pritha Ghosh