Welcome to today's edition of "Hot Shots," a USOpen.org-curated look at what you may have missed on social media over the past few days.
As the world continued to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, tennis players took to social media to support their communities, entertain their fans and share their experiences of what day-to-day life looks like without tournaments taking place.
This week, we check out Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's family band, Alex de Minaur's indoor golf game and Roger Federer's snow tweeners.
But first, Venus Williams is making sure that she's getting the right mixture of training and recovery. Monday might be a day for work, but Sunday is all about quality time to herself. The two-time US Open champ was spotted lounging by the pool, presumably taking a break from the online workouts she's been sharing with sister Serena.
We know rising tennis star Alex de Minaur can rip a forehand. But did you also know he has a pretty good short game? The 21-year-old Aussie has had plenty of time to work on his golf trick shots lately, and he's apparently put that time to good use. This week, de Minaur shared a video of himself chipping the ball out of an imaginary sand bunker in his living room into a cup of water on the other side of his sofa. Think you can top that? We'd love to see you try.
The ATP got fans talking on social media this week when they asked people to pick their dream team. Nineteen players were split into five categories: the Big 3, youngsters, legends, trick-shot specialists and Slam champs. Roger or Rafa? Sampras or Agassi? DelPo or Murray? Who makes your ultimate roster? There were too many tantilizing possibilities for us to choose.
Even in times of social distancing and quarantines, Alizé Cornet made sure she didn't skip leg day. The former world No. 11 shared how she was staying in shape at her home, bounding up stairs and making sure she's ready for when she can get back on the court. We tried doing these drills earlier, and my downstairs neighbors yelled at us to keep it down. Best to keep this one outside only.
We're not going to lie: we've watched this clip of Misaki Doi hundreds of times, and we can't quite work out how she's making the tennis ball can lid fly like that. Sure, we know it has something to do with her fingers and tiny, fast movements. But the speed and the accuracy makes us think there's something else at play. If you can figure out this witchcraft, let us know.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and his son are the latest music sensations on Tour this week, after the former Grand Slam singles finalist shared a clip of his in-home band. With Jo-Wilfried on drums and 3-year-old Sugar on guitar, we can't wait to hear an encore.
He's won on grass, clay and hard courts. Maybe next up for the Swiss Maestro is snow. Roger Federer showed off some silky-smooth trick shots this week, stringing together tweeners and behind-the-back shots in a self-rally against a wall. Even braving the elements and with a glove on one hand, nobody looks as good as our five-time champion.
Finally this week, we're keeping former U.S. Davis Cup captain and French Open doubles champion Patrick McEnroe in our thoughts. Patrick, who has been in self-quarantine at his home for 10 or 11 days, announced on Twitter on Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19. The former player, coach and commentator said he feels well, but he asked people to stay in their homes and maintain social distancing guidelines to help flatten the curve. We look forward to seeing you back on the court and in the booth soon.
Check back soon for another edition of "US Open Hot Shots."
