Daily Dose of Social Media: Aryna Sabalenka’s polaroid mishap, rain forces Sinner and Alcaraz to train on same court
Tennis News
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we review some moments that caught attention from ATP and WTA stars. Aryna Sabalenka provided a humorous scene at the Australian Open when she tried to take a picture with her Polaroid camera but realised it had no film.
Meanwhile, ATP and WTA stars picked their favourites for the title, with Jannik Sinner and Sabalenka leading the choices. Elsewhere, Novak Djokovic enjoyed a relaxed day surfing with his children in Melbourne, while Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were forced to share a training court due to the rain.
ATP and WTA stars predict Australian Open favourites
Top ATP and WTA players in Melbourne shared their predictions for the champions of this year’s Australian Open. In a fun twist, male players selected the women’s champion, while female players made their picks for the men’s champion.
Among the male stars, Aryna Sabalenka emerged as the favourite, receiving support from Grigor Dimitrov and Daniil Medvedev. “I would say Aryna Sabalenka is playing some tremendous tennis, ended last year as a deserved No. 1, so I think she’s the biggest favourite, and she just won the Brisbane tournament,” commented the former US Open champion from Russia.
“Of course, I’m rooting for Paula (Badosa). I’m not just dating her for the looks, I’m also dating her for her tennis,” joked Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff were also named by ATP players participating in the video.
On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner was the top pick for most players. “Jannik Sinner, defending champion, and the way he was playing last year at the ATP Finals was some great tennis,” said Coco Gauff. “I would choose between Sinner and Alcaraz because they dominated all four Slams last year,” added Zheng Qinwen.
Who wins AO? 🏆
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 12, 2025
Players give their picks! 🔮😂 pic.twitter.com/kR7hXtJWjl
Sabalenka celebrates win with TikTok dance
Aryna Sabalenka shone in her Australian Open debut, defeating World No. 81 Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2, marking her 15th consecutive victory in the tournament. The World No. 1 captivated the Rod Laver Arena not only with her commanding performance but also with a fun post-match moment as she danced during the on-court interview, drawing cheers from the crowd.
When asked about her signature TikTok dances and encouraged to show her latest dance moves alongside her team, Sabalenka responded playfully: “I’m trying my best. As you see, I’m not the best dancer, but I’m trying my best.” She then recreated the video, shared on the stadium screens, much to the delight of the audience. “Now I have proof that I’m the worst dancer,” she joked with a smile.
There is a first for everything 🤣
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 12, 2025
Aryna Sabalenka and the Rod Laver Crowd do an on court TikTok 💃
#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/kNtQSVyFLU
After the match, the Belarusian star brought out her Polaroid camera to snap a picture of the crowd, but there was one small problem – she hadn't loaded the film. After hilariously attempting to take the shot, Sabalenka quickly realised the issue and couldn't get the camera to work. "I didn’t come prepared," she admitted with a smile, putting the camera away as the fans laughed along.
Aryna Sabalenka trying to figure out how to use a Polaroid 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/DAgyTHuhyX
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 12, 2025
Sinner and Alcaraz share court in rain-soaked Melbourne training
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz trained side by side, not on adjacent courts this time, but sharing the same one. Due to Sunday's rain in Melbourne, players were unable to use the outside courts, forcing some to share courts for their training sessions — including two of the strongest contenders in the men's draw.
Both players debut on Monday: defending champion Sinner will take to Rod Laver Arena for the morning session against Chile’s Nicolas Jarry, while Alcaraz will feature in the night session on Margaret Court Arena facing Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko. The two are on opposite sides of the draw and could only meet in a potential final.
Djokovic enjoys surfing day with his children
Novak Djokovic enjoyed a day surfing with his children in Melbourne. The 7-time Grand Slam champion is preparing for his Australian Open debut on Monday against Nishesh Basavareddy. Unlike previous years, Djokovic travelled to Melbourne with his wife Jelena and their two children, making the most of his free time to enjoy family moments before the tournament begins.
Nole will aim for his 25th Grand Slam trophy in Australia after a 2024 season without major titles. Last year, he fell to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, ending a streak of 33 consecutive wins in Australia — the longest in the tournament's history.
— frani2312media 📂media account (@frani2312media) January 12, 2025
Elena Rybakina's fitness work at Melbourne
A video on social media shows Elena Ybakina's fitness work ahead of her debut at the Australian Open. The 2022 Wimbledon champion faced physical struggles last season, forcing her to withdraw from several tournaments and play just one event after the US Open. A few weeks ago, Rybakina showcased strong form at the United Cup, leading Kazakhstan to the semifinals before falling to Iga Swiatek and being eliminated.
World No. 6 aims to stay healthy throughout the season and contend for major titles, with an opportunity to prove her resolve starting Tuesday at the Australian Open. She will face 18-year-old rising local star Emerson Jones, who recently secured her first top-40 victory against Xinyu Wang while making her initial strides on the WTA Tour.
Elena Rybakina fitness work through this week with his fitness coach.#AusOpen
— Sebastien G. (@sebsharfam2) January 12, 2025
📸Azuz Simcich/ Instagram pic.twitter.com/gUM3YZVr3r
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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