Daily Dose of Social Media: Novak Djokovic turns journalist at Zverev's presser, Coco Gauff takes her competitive spirit to air hockey
Tennis News
In a new edition of Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the latest player activities just hours before the start of the Australian Open. Novak Djokovic crashed Alexander Zverev’s press conference, asking the German some humorous questions.
Coco Gauff participated in a Q&A session while playing air hockey. Ons Jabeur sparked laughter as she tried to identify famous Australian faces, and Holger Rune pulled a playful prank on his physiotherapist at Melbourne Park. All this and more Entertainment from ATP and WTA stars!
Coco Gauff takes her competitive spirit to air hockey table
Coco Gauff participated in an air hockey game while answering a quick interview during the Australian Open. The World No. 3 arrived as one of the main contenders for the title, especially after finishing 2024 strong and starting the season with five consecutive wins at the United Cup.
This time, the American showed that her desire to win extends beyond the tennis court, as she took on an air hockey challenge. “Is this like competitive or...? I mean, I wanna win,” said Gauff at the beginning of the video.
The 2023 US Open champion was asked if she had set any New Year’s resolutions. "There were to be less screen time, but the tournament called me out, and they like had me behind the scenes on my phone. It’s not going well, but yeah, new year, same me," she joked.
Watch the rest of the video with Gauff's full interview at the following video.
Djokovic goes reporter mode at Zverev’s press conference
Alexander Zverev's press conference took an unexpected turn when Novak Djokovic, always ready for a joke, assumed the role of a journalist and asked the current World No. 2 a few questions.
“What do you think about…” Djokovic began off-camera before Zverev cut him off. “Yes, you're going to win your 25th Grand Slam, and we’ll all be happy. Yeah, Novak Djokovic once again!” joked the German before continuing with the session.
“I have a question related to space,” Djokovic persisted, now serious. “We know you love the universe and planetary systems. What draws you to space exploration?”
“Trying to figure out the unknown,” Zverev answered. “Is that a good answer? We think we know things, but in reality, we know very little, and we learn through the process.”
“Do you think the answer to winning a Grand Slam lies in space?” Djokovic quipped.
“I think the answer is you letting me win one,” Zverev concluded with a laugh.
Zverev enters the tournament as the second seed and will face Lucas Pouille in the opening round, while Djokovic plays wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy, who recently participated in the Next Gen ATP Finals. Both are on the same side of the draw, setting up a potential semifinal clash. Before that, Djokovic could face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
Rune pranks his physio in hilarious AO Video
Holger Rune played a prank on his physiotherapist, Louis Fresneau, for the Australian Open's social media channels. The Dane, seeded 13th, is preparing for his first-round match against China’s Zhizhen Zhang. Rune started the season with an early exit at the Brisbane International, losing in straight sets to eventual champion Jiri Lehecka. His best Australian Open run so far was in 2023, when he reached the fourth round before falling to Andrey Rublev.
In the video, the French physiotherapist is approached by an AO security guard who asks for his credential and then engages in a discussion, requesting Fresneau to leave Melbourne Park. While this unfolds, Fresneau tries to explain that he is part of Rune’s team, unaware that Rune had hidden to make things more difficult. Check out Rune’s hilarious moment with his team in Melbourne below
Jabeur’s hilarious guessing game moment in Melbourne
Ons Jabeur had a funny response during a Q&A round in Melbourne with Eurosport as she waited for her Australian Open debut. In a game where the former World No. 2 was shown photos of famous Australians to name, one of them was actor Chris Hemsworth. "Chris, I’m very bad with the last name, so Chris," she said upon recognising him in the picture.
"He’s the one who did in… how can I forget this?" Jabeur remarked as she tried to recall a movie featuring the Australian actor while mimicking a hammer motion, prompting laughter from the interviewer. "I don’t watch these kinds of movies," Jabeur explained amid shared laughter. Eventually, the producers helped her name the superhero film Thor. "I knew that, with the hammer," the three-time Grand Slam runner-up added, laughing.
Training Day at AO: Andreeva joins Raducanu, Sabalenka hitting with Muchova
Training sessions continue at Melbourne Park as players fine-tune their preparations before the tournament kicks off. On Friday, the two-time defending champion trained alongside former Roland Garros finalist Karolina Muchova, who is sure to enter the tournament with high expectations. The Czech currently leads the head-to-head against Sabalenka, including their last encounter in the quarterfinals of the China Open last October.
Later, teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva joined the 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu for another intense practice session between two players to watch at the Australian Open. Andreeva will debut on Sunday against Marie Bouzkova, while Raducanu faces the 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Muchova training with Sabakenka on Rod Laver Arena!! Stay tuned for more videos!!! #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/wtyMelLSEo
— Liviefromparis 🇫🇷🤸🏼♀️🎾 (@Livieparis2024) January 10, 2025
Emma Raducanu practicing with Mirra Andreeva...she sures love how to slice lol #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/ZcS8e3VMqM
— Liviefromparis 🇫🇷🤸🏼♀️🎾 (@Livieparis2024) January 10, 2025
Federico Coria’s humorous response to Australian Open billboard
Federico Coria shared a promotional billboard on social media featuring himself alongside Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Francisco Cerundolo for Australian Open broadcasts. The world No. 97 humorously embraced his unexpected starring role in ESPN/Disney+ coverage for Latin America, standing beside some of the tournament’s biggest stars. “It's amazing that they don't put me in the middle 🤣🤣🤣🤣,” he wrote on X
Currently ranked as the 8th Argentine and 11th Latin American player, Coria will compete in the main draw of the year’s first Grand Slam for the sixth consecutive time. However, he has yet to secure a victory in Melbourne. In fact, in 17 Grand Slam appearances, he has just five wins, with his best result being a third-round appearance at the 2020 French Open.
Es increíble que no me pongan en el medio
— fede coria (@fedeecoria) January 9, 2025
🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/YbN4PrRgWx
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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