Daily Dose of Social Media: Photo of Rybakina with Vukov raises eyebrows as Leylah Fernandez picks her favourite athletes
Tennis News
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, Elena Rybakina took the spotlight with a new photo alongside Stefano Vukov during her clay swing training — following the coach's suspension for mistreatments against her. Meanwhile, Leylah Fernandez revealed her dream sports card collection, featuring legends such as Lionel Messi, Usain Bolt and Floyd Mayweather.
Elsewhere, ATP and WTA stars once again took part in fun challenges, with Mirra Andreeva stealing the laughs and appearances by players like Tommy Paul, Learner Tien, and even the legendary Gabriela Sabatini in several new social media posts.
Fun guessing game at the Miami Open: How many tennis balls in the pool?
At the Miami Open Masters 1000, players took part in a fun activity where they had to guess how many tennis balls were inside an inflatable pool—but their answers varied wildly, making for a hilarious clip that amused fans online.
Guesses ranged from 150, as Mirra Andreeva guessed, all the way to 5,000, as suggested by Tommy Paul. Chris Eubanks was even spotted trying to calculate the exact number. The light-hearted challenge featured big names like Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Grigor Dimitrov, among others.
Serena Williams teaches 1-year-old daughter her iconic “Come on!” in two languages
Serena Williams is embracing motherhood and often shares adorable moments with her daughter on social media. In a recent Instagram video, Serena can be seen teaching her 1-year-old daughter Adira her legendary “Come on!” fist-pump celebration. The little girl adorably mimics the move, delighting fans.
What’s more, the former World No. 1 speaks to her daughter in French, showing her how to say the iconic phrase in both English and French. The 23-time Grand Slam champion retired in 2022 and has since become an even more prominent cultural icon. She recently made a surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl.
Rybakina seen with controversial coach Vukov
Steffan Duell recently shared a photo with Elena Rybakina where controversial coach Stefan Vukov was also spotted. The Croatian coach is currently suspended by the WTA for breaching the tour’s code of conduct due to mistreatment of the former Wimbledon champion.
According to The Athletic, a member of her team said that Vukov had been fired as her coach and told to leave her alone. Sources close to Rybakina revealed that Vukov wandered through hotel lobbies and hallways in Manhattan, bombarded her with text messages, and made over 100 calls trying to convince her that her tennis career couldn’t thrive without him.
Despite the suspension, Vukov is back as part of the Wimbledon champion’s team. In response to the situation, Rybakina commented: “No one has offered me any support. Honestly, it’s not necessary. I barely have a relationship with the other players. I’m only in contact with two, but to say I have friends isn’t true—we compete against each other.”
Elena Rybakina today at Dubai.
— Sebastien G. (@sebsharfam2) April 4, 2025
Going to Brisbane for BJK#Bjkcup
📸Stefan Duell/ IG stories. pic.twitter.com/pyfbD6RgXl
Swiatek blends training and relaxation at luxury Miami hotel
Iga Swiatek shared a series of photos on Instagram during her stay in Miami for the Masters 1000 event. The Polish star noted that the weather in Warsaw reminded her of Miami’s warm and pleasant climate.
The former World No. 1 posted photos of herself enjoying the beach, walking around her hotel, and having a fresh fruit breakfast. She also thanked The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour in Miami for their hospitality and support, confirming that she plans to stay at the same hotel during next year’s Miami Open.
Learner Tien joins viral challenge with influencer Matthew Shaw
Learner Tien took part in a fun activity with popular influencer Matthew Shaw on his platform BEBIDA Tailgate, where the young American was challenged to name eight tennis players whose names feature alliteration.
Tien successfully listed: Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg, Karen Khachanov, Sloane Stephens, Damir Dzumhur, Stan Smith, and Arthur Ashe. The video wrapped up with Matthew’s iconic catchphrase: “Let’s go!”
Learner Tien is one of the most exciting prospects in American tennis at just 19 years old. He recently reached the quarter-finals of an ATP 500 event, which he achieved at the Mexican Open, where he lost 6-3, 7-5 to Tomas Machac.
Leylah Fernandez reveals her dream sports card collection
Leylah Fernandez shared on Instagram the athletes she’d love to have on sports cards from different sports. For boxing, she picked Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. In football, it was Lionel Messi; for ice hockey, Sidney Crosby; and for athletics, she chose Usain Bolt, admitting he’s the only one she knows in the sport.
In women’s football, she selected Christine Sinclair, while in tennis, she named several, including Frances Tiafoe, Nick Kyrgios, and Marcelo Ríos. For basketball, her choices were Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant.
Read also
Del Potro challenges Sabatini to tough Top-5 picks
Roland Garros shared a Reels on its Instagram account featuring Juan Martín del Potro asking his fellow Argentine Gabriela Sabatini to rank five great female tennis players in a Top 5 — but with a twist.
He named them one by one, and Sabatini had to assign each a position on the spot, without knowing which names were coming next.
Check out the order she chose, including Serena Williams, Aryna Sabalenka and more.
WTA stars teach tennis at Charleston school
The Credit Charleston Open shared a Reels video on Instagram featuring tennis players Jessica Pegula, Ajla Tomljanovic, and Jennifer Brady, who surprised students at Meeting Street Schools by becoming their substitute teachers.
The three players taught the kids how to play tennis and explained how scoring and rules work. The students later made thank-you cards for their celebrity substitute teachers.
Read also
Behind the scenes: WTA shares fun Miami Open moments
The WTA’s Instagram account posted a photo dump from the Miami Open, showcasing players enjoying more relaxed moments during the tournament. The post also featured videos and images from around the Hard Rock Stadium, including both the athletes and attendees.
Among the highlights: Paula Badosa joking around before a photoshoot, Emma Navarro playing with a prize she was awarded, Donna Vekic sharing that she only removes her jewellery for DXA scans, and a glimpse of Marta Kostyuk’s puppy sitting in the stands while she played her match. The post also included stunning aerial shots of the stadium.
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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- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
