Daily Dose of Social Media: Aryna Sabalenka cheered Messi and gets honoured by Inter Miami
Tennis News
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, Aryna Sabalenka continues to enjoy her ‘reign’ in Miami. After attending Inter Miami’s match to support Lionel Messi, she was honoured by club owner and football legend David Beckham, receiving a personalised jersey.
Meanwhile, Ons Jabeur, Iga Swiatek, and Novak Djokovic were among the players who shared training updates ahead of their clay-court debuts. This marks the first clay swing since Rafael Nadal’s retirement, although he’s still closely following the next generation of tennis stars. From the Rafa Nadal Academy, he shared a video spending time with young players—offering advice, encouragement, and plenty of smiles.
Sabalenka enjoys football night in Florida
Aryna Sabalenka enjoys the spotlight at Inter Miami: watches Messi and gets honoured at the stadium. The 3-time Grand Slam champion is still savouring her Miami Open title—and she's doing it in style. The current WTA No. 1 attended this weekend's MLS match between Inter Miami and Toronto FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, which ended in a 1–1 draw.
The Belarusian, who hasn’t played since her triumph on 29 March, took advantage of her time in Florida to indulge in one of her other passions: football. Her visit didn’t go unnoticed. Before kick-off, Sabalenka stepped onto the pitch and was warmly welcomed by David Beckham, the club’s president and co-owner.
In a fun and light-hearted moment with fans, Aryna signed several tennis balls and threw them into the stands. She was also gifted an Inter Miami jersey with her name and the number 1 on the back—a nod to her position at the top of the WTA rankings.
Jabeur and Swiatek step into clay mode
Ons Jabeur and Iga Swiatek are among the WTA stars preparing for the first major clay-court tournament of the season. The WTA 500 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will feature seven players from the top 10 and twelve from the top 20, making it an exciting prelude to the WTA 1000 Madrid Open and a true test for the tour’s biggest names on the slow surface.
Both players shared training snaps on social media, showing their gym sessions and court practice. Last year, Jabeur entered the tournament as the 7th seed but fell in the round of 16 to Jasmine Paolini, who was beginning to showcase her clay-court talent. Swiatek, on the other hand, reached the semifinals—her only defeat in the 2024 clay swing (21–1 record), falling to Elena Rybakina.
Rafael Nadal makes surprise visit to his academy
Rafael Nadal was recently seen in a new video spending time with young players at his academy in Manacor, Mallorca. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was spotted on both hard and clay courts, taking photos, giving advice, and signing tennis balls for the next generation. T
he 22-time Grand Slam champion has been active in his visits to the Rafa Nadal Academy. Recently one of his young players stole the show on the tour: Filipina Alexandra Eala, who received congratulations from Nadal himself after reaching her first WTA 1000 semi-finals at the Mimai Open. The teenager graduated from the Academy in 2023, after having spent her entire junior tennis career in Mallorca.
“Back on court… Spending nice time with the @rafanadalacademy players ☺️,” the Academy’s official Instagram account posted. “At the academy we try to make them improve every day both in tennis, studies and personal development. Best of luck in these important months! 💪🏼”
Zheng Qinwen stuns again—graces W Magazine cover
Zheng Qinwen continues to make waves on social media after landing the cover of W Magazine in China. The world No. 8 has emerged as a global WTA superstar following her remarkable season, which included a run to the Australian Open final and titles in Tokyo and Palermo. She also reached the finals at the China Open and WTA Finals, and topped it all off with her biggest career achievement: winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 22-year-old is now turning heads off the court too, becoming a marketing sensation across Asia. She boasts major sponsorships with Gatorade, Audi, Ant Group, Dior, and Rolex. After a recent Vogue appearance, W Magazine followed up with a glamorous photo shoot and featured Zheng on the cover.
Djokovic hits the stairs in Monte Carlo ahead of Tabilo clash
Novak Djokovic is getting ready to face his Monte Carlo Masters debut this Tuesday against Alejandro Tabilo, and he had a rather unique training session—running up the long staircases of the Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will have a solid chance to get revenge for one of the most painful defeats of last season, when he was surprisingly knocked out of the Italian Open by a then-unknown Tabilo, in what became the fastest clay-court loss of his career (2-6, 3-6). The Serbian will be out for redemption on Center Court.
Novak Djokovic has arrived in Monte Carlo. 🤩pic.twitter.com/z6aGtOMwGy
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) April 4, 2025
Zverev brothers team up in powerful diiabetes awareness campaign
Alexander Zverev has spoken openly about his battle with type 1 diabetes, a condition he has faced since childhood. Now, the German tennis star has taken another step in his commitment to raising awareness by joining his brother, former world No. 25 Mischa Zverev, in a campaign for Medtronic Diabetes Europe.
In a promotional video released by the company, the Zverev brothers take on a fun “This or That” rapid-fire challenge, with Mischa trying to guess Alexander’s answers. The questions range from sports-related topics to aspects of living with diabetes—such as carb counting and energy highs and lows—offering a glimpse not only into their close bond but also the more human side of the current Grand Slam contender.
Zverev has become a role model for many living with diabetes, proving that it’s possible to compete at the highest level without letting the condition limit your dreams. This collaboration with Medtronic aims to build empathy, raise awareness, and promote dialogue around diabetes in the world of elite sport.
“Meet the Zverev brothers! Alexander Zverev —tennis star and Grand Slam contender—takes on a rapid-fire This or That challenge. But here’s the twist: his big brother, Mischa Zverev—former pro—has to guess his answers! From highs and lows to carb counting, see how well they know each other. Share in comments if you can relate to Alexander's answers”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
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