Daily Dose of Social Media: Sabalenka hilariously calls out her coach in viral trend, family time for Rafael Nadal

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the best moments of the day from ATP and WTA stars. Aryna Sabalenka is just hours away from her debut at the Brisbane International and shared a fun video with her coach Anton Dubrov responding to the ‘we listen and we don’t judge’ trend.

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal posted pictures from his family vacation. Ash Barty received a notable ovation from the crowd in Brisbane on her return to the courts alongside remarkable figures. At the same time, Team Canada and Team Poland answered fun interviews at the United Cup.

Sabalenka shares hilarious “We listen and we don’t judge” video

Aryna Sabalenka recorded a hilarious video titled “We listen and we don’t judge” with her coach Anton Dubrov. Dubrov served as the world No. 1’s hitting partner for several years before becoming her primary coach in 2020. The 3-time Grand Slam champion is set to debut on Monday at the Brisbane International but found time to join the entertaining trend, where both share "truths" the other shouldn’t get upset about.

“Ok guys, I’m trying to stay in shape and, you know, like eating healthy, and meanwhile my team is getting bigger and bigger and bigger,” Sabalenka said laughing, while patting her coach’s stomach. “And it really annoys me,” she added.

“When you’re on court and screaming at us in the box, we want to tell you something—really good words—back. But we don’t. We listen, but we don’t judge,” Dubrov responded, smiling as Sabalenka laughed. “One week when we were practicing and you were so frustrated on the court, I said I was sick and skipped one practice. We listen and we don’t judge,” Dubrov quipped with a faint smile.

You can watch the funny exchange and their full responses below.

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Nadal enjoys family time in Mallorca

Rafael Nadal is enjoying family time a month after his retirement. The 22-time Grand Slam champion spent the holiday season in Mallorca, Spain, taking a dip in the sea, as shared in photos on Instagram. He was accompanied by his wife Maria Francisca Perelló, his son Rafael, his parents, sister, uncles, and cousins. “Time to be with family,” wrote the former world no. 1.

The Spaniard recently attended the ATP Finals as a tennis ambassador in Saudi Arabia. “Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress, and I’m excited to be part of that,” said the 14-time Roland Garros champion. “I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing, I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world, and in Saudi, there is real potential.”

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Team Canada agrees: Leylah Fernandez brings the spirit

Leylah Fernandez and Felix Auger-Aliassime were the stars of Team Canada’s Q&A session at the United Cup. The WTA world No. 31 and ATP world No. 29 are leading their nation in the mixed-team tournament, still awaiting confirmation of their qualification after defeating Croatia [2-1] and losing to the United States [1-2].

The team shared a fun moment the day before their debut, posted on the tournament’s social media. They were asked, “Who is the happiest person on the team?” prompting a unanimous response from the group. “I know my answer,” Felix Auger-Aliassime said quickly, as teammate Benjamin Sigouin pointed to Leylah Fernandez.

“I think we all agreed; I think it’s unanimous,” added Auger-Aliassime. “I think we all agree she’s been such a good spirit in any team competition.”

“You are making me cry right now, don’t do that,” Fernandez replied.

In the video the players had to answer from 'how they ideal party look like' to their “celebrity crush”. Check out the answers that got the Canadian team laughing.

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Ash Barty delights Australian fans in charity match

Ashleigh Barty, undoubtedly one of the most celebrated figures in Australian tennis, continues to captivate fans in her public appearances following her 2022 retirement. This time, she returned to the court at the Brisbane International's fun day, delighting the home crowd.

The 3-time Grand Slam champion, who recently announced her second pregnancy, teamed up with Pat Rafter, Frances Tiafoe, and Ons Jabeur for an exhibition match at the Pat Rafter Arena. The event aimed to raise funds for the Ash Barty Foundation. Later, the former world no. 1 shared highlights from the event on social media, where she could also be seen signing autographs and taking photos with fans.

“Do what you love with great people 🎾 Amazing to be back out on PRA with Pat, Ons and Frances. Can’t thank them enough for an awesome morning bringing awareness to the @ashbartyfoundation 🩷,” she posted. “We are so grateful for any and all donations! We can’t wait to have fun and create more opportunities for young Aussies in 2025!”

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Hubert Hurkacz laughs at himself: "I have no skills"

Hubert Hurkacz responded to an interview during the United Cup, where he was asked about his skills off the court. However, the Polish player shyly admitted he didn’t excel in any of the suggested categories. “Are you a good singer in the shower? Good dancer?” he was asked during the Q&A session.

“Mmm… no, no,” Hurkacz replied to each question. “I have no skills,” he added with a smile.

Team Poland is gearing up for its debut this Monday, with world no. 2 Iga Swiatek set to face Norway's Malene Helgo (ranked no. X) in the opening match. Hubert Hurkacz will follow, taking on Casper Ruud (no. 6). This debut is highly anticipated for Hurkacz, who looks to regain form after a drop in the rankings in 2024 and his recent partnership with the coaching duo of Ivan Lendl and Nicolas Massu.

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Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova train together ahead of ASB Classic

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka trained today alongside former No. 21 Amanda Anisimova. Both players are in Auckland, preparing for their debut at the ASB Classic after a 2024 season in which they both made comebacks following long breaks. Osaka missed a significant part of 2022 and all of 2023 due to maternity, while Anisimova took a break in 2023 due to mental health issues.

In 2024, both players returned with low rankings but have managed to regain ground, with Osaka climbing back to No. 58 and Anisimova reaching No. 36. Brisbane will be a great start to assess the level of two talented players who certainly have more potential to climb much higher in the rankings. In the video shared on social media, the two are seen hitting balls, with Osaka's coach, Patrick Mouratoglou observing.

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