Daily Dose of Social Media: Carlos Alcaraz joins Ruud for a pickleball duel, Aryna Sabalenka smashes car in solo Nike ad

Aryna Sabalenka was the star in Nike's new ad, her first solo commercial, which we featured in a new Daily Dose of Social Media. Additionally, Carlos Alcaraz stole the spotlight playing pickleball in Melbourne with Casper Ruud, while Novak Djokovic showcased his polyglot skills in a new promotional video for the Australian Open.

On another note, the iconic Agnieszka Radwanska was back on the courts of Melbourne Park, this time as coach to Magda Linette, with whom she was hitting, proving that her talent remains intact.

Nike features Sabalenka's strength in latest ad ahead of Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka starred in the latest Nike ad, marking her first solo appearance in a commercial for the sports brand. The world No. 1 has been one of the faces of the American sportswear company for a few years, but until now had never appeared as the sole focus of a campaign.

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Ahead of the Australian Open, the 2-time defending champion featured in a commercial released this Saturday, set to Nancy Sinatra’s song Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down). The video shows Sabalenka delivering powerful serves and forehands aimed at a car, which gradually breaks apart from the force of her shots.

"Warning, the following is a test, do not attempt to recreate the power of Aryna Sabalenka at home," the video warns. The 40-second spot ends with the message, "Good luck returning that," as it highlights Sabalenka’s determined expression.

Sabalenka is set to debut this Sunday against former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. The Belarusian must defend her title to maintain her No. 1 ranking, with Iga Swiatek close behind. Only a tournament victory will secure her spot at the top; otherwise, she will have to watch how Swiatek performs. Sabalenka also aims to become the first player to win the Australian Open three consecutive times since Martina Hingis, who achieved the feat from 1997 to 1999.

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Alcaraz hits the pickleball Court in Melbourne before Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz participated in a pickleball match today in Melbourne, just a day before his debut at the Australian Open. The world No. 3 swapped his tennis racket for a pickleball paddle, joining Casper Ruud at the Crown Melbourne. The Spaniard previously played a pickleball match during the 2024 US Open against American Taylor Fritz. “Loved playing on the Pickleball court at @crownmelbourne today! ❤️ Counting down to the @australianopen! 🔥 @crownhotels,” he posted.

The 21-year-old player will debut on Monday against Kazakh Alexander Shevchenko. Alcaraz faces a challenging draw if he hopes to go far, with a potential quarterfinal clash against Novak Djokovic. The 4-time Grand Slam champion is aiming for his first title at Melbourne Park to complete his Career Grand Slam, adding it to his victories at the US Open (2022), Wimbledon (2023, 2024), and French Open (2024).

On the other hand, several videos showcasing Alcaraz's kind attitude towards everyone at Melbourne Park have caught attention on social media. In fact, a video from today shows the 4-time Grand Slam champion, carrying multiple rackets and bags, holding the door open for an Australian Open staff member pushing a cart to the men's locker room.

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Monfils honoured with taiaha in unique ASB Classic award ceremony

Gael Monfils receives winner's taiaha in a special ASB Classic award ceremony after securing the 13th title of his career. The former World No. 6 defeated Zizou Bergs in straight sets on Saturday, kicking off the season in top form. The 38-year and 4-month-old Frenchman became the oldest ATP champion in 48 years, surpassing Ken Rosewall’s 1977 record and Roger Federer’s 2019 Basel victory at 38 years and 2 months.

Monfils was honoured with a taiaha and a magnum of champagne before being awarded a carved winner's trophy, a pounamu, and the official champion's prize, in a ceremony that embodies New Zealand's rich cultural traditions. The new World No. 41 also expressed his gratitude on social media following the emotional tournament.

"What a special week this has been. Big thanks to my team for their incredible work, and to all of you for the amazing support—whether in the stands or from afar. ❤️ 13 titles in my career… It’s huge. Let’s keep going together! 💪🏾"

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Djokovic speaks seven languages in Australian Open promo

Novak Djokovic once again dazzled with his language skills in a social media video for the Australian Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has frequently demonstrated his ability to speak multiple languages throughout his career, and this time he did so in seven languages during media day.

“We’re doing fun facts about the players,” the production team told Djokovic as he entered the set.

“You want me to say something in seven different languages?” Djokovic asked. “Yeah, for sure I can, if you want. No worries ‘mate,’” he said with a smile. “Seven is a good number. Seven is my ranking now, so it’s good, it’s matching,” he added before showcasing his polyglot skills.

The video shows the Serbian speaking in Mandarin, Japanese, French, and other languages. Djokovic is set to debut on Monday in the first round against young star Nishesh Basavareddy, who recently competed at the Next Gen ATP Finals and reached the semifinals of the ASB Classic this week.

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Radwanska hits the court again, guiding Linette at Australian Open

Agnieszka Radwanska returned to the court during the last days at the Australian Open, though this time not preparing for the main draw but coaching her new protégé, Magda Linette. The former world No. 2 reached semifinals in Melbourne in 2014 and 2016, along with four other quarterfinal appearances, finishing her career with a solid 35-12 record at the tournament (74%).

This time, she will be in the box supporting her compatriot, Polish world No. 38 Magda Linette, with whom she was seen hitting during a training session. Linette had a surprising run to the 2023 Australian Open semifinals, where she was eliminated by Elena Rybakina. It was the only time Linette advanced beyond the third round of a major in 37 career appearances. Now with Radwanska by her side, Linette hopes to gain a competitive edge with the guidance of an experienced mentor familiar with the tournament. The 32-year-old player debuts on Monday against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima.

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