Daily Dose of Social Media: Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz enjoy a cultural day out in Beijing

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the top activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz explored the streets of Beijing together while they wait for the start of the China Open. Additionally, Aryna Sabalenka shared a compilation of photos from the warm welcome she received and her reunion with friend Paula Badosa.

Serena Williams shared a sweet video playing with her youngest daughter, while her sister Venus Williams continues with promotional activities for her new book. On the other hand, Naomi Osaka reflected on social media about her new partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou.  

Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz explored Beijing together as they wait for their debut at the China Open. Both will face French opponents in their opening matches. The 20-year-old American, the 4th seed, will debut in the second round on Thursday against Clara Burel, while the Spanish 2nd seed faces Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

In a video shared on the China Open’s social media, two of tennis' biggest current stars were seen strolling together through Beijing, dressed in traditional local attire: “Here we are with Coco Gauff in China,” said Alcaraz as he recorded himself alongside the 2023 US Open champion. “We’re here at the Forbidden City learning about the culture here. I’m here with Carlos, we have our traditional clothing on, and we’re super excited to be here,” added Gauff in the video.

Naomi Osaka reflected on her coaching change after Patrick Mouratoglou joined her team. The Japanese star recently surprised many by announcing her new partnership with the former coach of Serena Williams. The 4-time Grand Slam champion parted ways with Wim Fissette, with whom she had been working since her return to the Tour earlier this season.

Her partnership with Mouratoglou caused a stir in the tennis world. The French coach has faced criticism after being involved in Simona Halep’s doping case, which led to his departure from the Romanian’s team. Additionally, his on-and-off relationship with Holger Rune, where they broke and re-established their professional ties several times over the last two years, raised eyebrows.

"I mean, the coaching change, it wasn’t personal at all. I just feel like for me, I’d rather try everything and not have any regrets,” Osaka said in a video with Eurosport. "So, that’s kind of what that was. And Patrick (Mouratoglou), he’s very famous, and I would say he brings a lot to my game. I think in the short time we’ve worked together, I feel like I’ve learned a lot. So, I’m really excited about it," she added about her new partnership.”

Aryna Sabalenka received a warm welcome during her first days in Beijing. The Belarusian is preparing for her first match after claiming the 2024 US Open title. The 3-time Grand Slam champion is the top seed and will make her debut on Thursday against the winner of Zarina Diyas and Mananchaya Sawangkaew, both players coming from the qualifiers.

Sabalenka shared several photos of her arrival in Beijing and the warm reception she received from fans. The 26-year-old also strolled through the streets of Beijing with her boyfriend, signed autographs on the practice courts, and even posed for a photo with her friend Paula Badosa at a restaurant.

Serena Williams shared a video showing how she starts her days with her youngest daughter, Adira. The 23-time Grand Slam champion welcomed her second daughter in August 2023, alongside her husband, Alexis Ohanian. Their first daughter, Olympia, was born in September 2017. The heartwarming video features the former world No. 1 playing with her lively one-year-old daughter.

Serena retired from professional tennis back at the 2022 US Open, where she reached the third round before falling to Ajla Tomljanovic. Since then, she has been busy with new fashion collections alongside her sponsors and her own investments in the world of sports and fashion, all while balancing her life as a mother of two daughters.

Venus Williams starred in a tribute video amid the promotions for her new book, Strive. The 7-time Grand Slam champion announced a few months ago the release of her book on health and wellness, featuring advice she learned as a professional athlete and after 15 years since being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.

“Life can throw all kinds of challenges at you, but instead of rushing to react, I found that taking a moment to really understand what’s in front of me makes all the difference,” Williams mentions in the video. “We give ourselves the time to see the bigger picture, and it’s in those moments of observation that we can make better choices for ourselves, our health, and the people we care about.”

Venus is seen reading the book while images of her winning some of her major titles at Wimbledon are interspersed. “Observe. Not just what’s ahead but what’s right in front of you. Success unfolds when you focus on the here and now ✨,” she captioned her Instagram post.

Emma Navarro shared a vlog of her day in Beijing while she awaits the start of the China Open. The world No. 8 posted images of herself rushing to practice and then training and interacting with some fans in Beijing.

Navarro arrives in impeccable form for the upcoming WTA 1000, as the 6th seed. She will face 35-year-old Shuai Zhang on Thursday, who recently ended a streak of 24 consecutive losses in WTA tournaments over 20 months. The American is in a fierce battle for a spot in the WTA Finals, currently sitting 7th in the race, which would temporarily secure her the last qualifying spot.