Daily Dose of Social Media: Djokovic’s busy day in Brisbane– Celebrates Mirra Andreeva’s victory, fun with Grigor Dimitrov and trains with Jakub Mensik

Novak Djokovic had a busy first day upon arriving in Brisbane for his first tournament of the year. The Serbian was seen arriving at the center court to train with Jakub Mensik, although he took the time to joke around with Grigor Dimitrov, play media day games, and was outdone by none other than Mirra Andreeva.

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we take a look at the steps of the top stars from the ATP and WTA Tours who are already beginning the 2025 season in the Australian Swing. Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini, Matteo Berrettini, and Ashleigh Barty were among the stars captured on the last day.

Novak Djokovic’s eventful day at Brisbane International

Novak Djokovic is ready to kick off the 2025 season, arriving in Brisbane, Australia, for his first tournament of the year. The 24-time Grand Slam champion chose to start the season at an ATP 250 event to fine-tune his game ahead of the Australian Open and will be the first seed in a draw featuring three former champions.

A video captured Djokovic’s arrival at the Patrick Rafter Arena, where he was seen greeting world No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov at the stadium entrance. Djokovic and Dimitrov shared a few moments of conversation and a friendly hug before the tournament. The Serbian leads their head-to-head record 12-1, with their last meeting at the 2023 Paris Masters final, where Djokovic secured a straight-sets victory.

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Djokovic wasted no time and scheduled his first practice session with the 2024 Newcomer of the Year, 19-year-old Jakub Mensik (world No. 48). The Czech player was thrilled to hit the court with the former world No. 1.

“Back in Brisbane! 🇦🇺 and feeling the heat☀️... the 2025 season kicks off soon! Great to see some familiar faces and practice with @djokernole. Idemoo volino! 💪🤣,” Mensik posted.

Nole is set to debut on Monday against local player Rinky Hijikata, who received a wild card to enter the draw. Additionally, on the same Monday, he will team up with Nick Kyrgios to play in the doubles draw, an exciting partnership as both look to find their best form ahead of the Australian Open.

Djokovic also made time to participate in promotional activities ahead of the tournament, including the ‘racquet grip challenge.’ In a video, the 37-year-old was seen quickly gripping his racquet in just 9.8 seconds, although it wasn’t enough to take first place.

“In your face, Grigor,” he jokingly shouted. “I didn’t end up the last part, it’s okay. And there’s a little hole here, but it’s okay.” Later, Djokovic joked again with Dimitrov when they met in the stadium hallway. “Guys, officially it’s going under second place after (Mirra) Andreeva, and I’m gonna give it to the guy who is in the 3rd place to put this little sticker here, thank you so much.”

“No way, so she beat us all?” replied in surprise the Bulgarian who had put Djokovic's sticker in the first place, but the Serb was quick to correct him. “No, it’s not there. No, she was better. She got 7 seconds,” Nole said, returning the Russian teenager’s name to the top of the leaderboard.

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From Sabalenka to Barty: Brisbane mascot welcomes tennis stars

The ATP and WTA stars posed for photos with the official mascot ‘Bounce’ of the Brisbane International. Several players participating in the tournament took pictures with the iconic Brisbane International plush. One of them was World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, returning to the tournament where she was a finalist in 2024 (losing to Elena Rybakina).

Similarly, Paula Badosa, Ons Jabeur, and Matteo Berrettini also took photos with the mascot, as did former player and three-time Grand Slam champion Ashleigh Barty. Barty is present as a tournament ambassador and will participate in an exhibition this Sunday — alongside Jabeur, Pat Rafter, and Frances Tiafoe — as part of a campaign raising awareness for the Ash Barty Foundation. The former World No. 1 recently announced her second pregnancy.

Kyrgios and Tiafoe joke around during training session

Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe shared a fun moment joking around during a practice session ahead of the Brisbane International. In a video shared by the Australian star, both players can be seen having fun from the baseline of Pat Rafter Court. “…… what were we talking about though 🤫🤫🤫😛😛😛👀👀🗣️🗣️” posted the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, who received a response from Big-Foe: “My guy ✊🏿✊🏿” he commented.

Kyrgios will debut this Monday against World No. 31 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 21, who will be making his tournament debut. The Australian will also join Djokovic in the doubles draw. On Tiafoe’s side (No. 21), he will debut the same Monday against local wildcard Adam Walton (No. 93).

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Katie Boulter shares Sydney postals before her United Cup debut

Katie Boulter shared a series of photos from her first few days in Sydney while waiting for her debut at the United Cup. The British No. 1 will take the court on December 30 in the opening match of the tie against Argentina. The South Americans come off a surprising win over Australia and have the chance to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

Boulter will face former French Open semifinalist Nadia Podoroska in the opening match, and then Billy Harris, replacing Jack Draper as the male singles player, will face World No. 39 Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

In the photos posted by Boulter, she can be seen both playing on court and posing with several of her colleagues. First, she is with Iga Swiatek, Jasmine Paolini, and Olivia Gadecki with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. She also posed on court with her coach Biljana Veselinovic and her teammate Jodie Burrage, among other snapshots.

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Jasmine Paolini shares fun surfing moments in Sydney

Jasmine Paolini shared a fun series of photos from her days in Sydney ahead of her first match at the United Cup. The Italian was spotted surfing, in addition to participating in media day activities alongside her Italian teammates, including World No. 31 Flavio Cobolli. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up also posted a video of her attempt at surfing in the Australian city.

Paolini’s first match will be on December 29 against Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Belinda Bencic, who is returning after a year-long maternity break. The Swiss player had a brilliant win on the first day against France’s Chloe Pacquet. On Cobolli’s side, he will face Dominic Stricker, who will aim to secure Switzerland’s spot in the semifinals.

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