Daily Dose of Social Media: Sabalenka leaves interviewer redfaced with Spanish swear word as Nick Kyrgios returns

In our Daily Dose of Social Media, we look back at some of the best entertainment from the last day (Friday 20 December) that you may have missed.

Including Aryna Sabalenka leaving an interviewer redfaced after jibing Paula Badosa about teaching her wrong Spanish, Nick Kyrgios returned, Joao Fonseca had a full circle moment and Anna Kalinskaya stunned in Harper's Bazaar.

The season is incoming and with World Tennis League and Next Gen ATP Finals in full swing, it may be beginning to look a lot like Christmas but is also looking increasingly like the ever decreasing off season is now over.

Sabalenka leaves interviewer red faced

Aryna Sabalenka played in World Tennis League today and had another iteration of the match she never wants to play against best friend Paula Badosa.

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Often it has been the match that has been played this year albeit a lot of the time during worser times in Sabalenka's life including Miami after the passing of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.

But it has also been a theme of Paula Badosa's incredible resurgence. But the only thing it seems that has rubbed off on Sabalenka is Spanish swear words.

"I was just showing off my Spanish skills. It's your fault.. You have to teach me better stuff than p**a," said Sabalenka to Badosa which left the interviewer puzzled and red faced and Badosa in stitches.

But translations from those in the know point towards someone who sleeps around. Never a dull moment between these two who continue their preparation for the 2025 season in the UAE and during a tournament that continues to grow.

Fonseca meets hero 14 years later

Rafael Nadal no doubt if he is watching this tennis this week will be marvelling at one Joao Fonseca who is seen as a real future star and one to really watch and admire.

Fonseca is into the semi-finals of the Next Gen ATP Finals and after priorly emerging as a teenager, he was perhaps given Alcaraz and Sinner tags too early.

But he was snapped up by those who saw the potential including On, Roger Federer's brand. Ironically though his idol it seems from a young age is one of Federer's main rivals.

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He shared images from 14 years apart and from then to now he is a professional tennis player. Nadal is meeting the next generation and passing on his wisdom while at the Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

He is there as an ambassador for the country and adds some star power to proceedings on Friday night.

Anna Kalinskaya stuns in Harper's Bazaar front cover

Anna Kalinskaya is gearing up for a new season and has stunned on the front cover of Harper's Bazaar in Australia. Albeit perhaps the main takeaway was her asking them not to quiz her on Jannik Sinner, her boyfriend and World No.1.

The following was from the Instagram of Harper's Bazaar who also in further post compared the 26-year-old to Anna Kournikova in producing on the court and serving looks off it.

"In 2024, Anna Kalinskaya turned setbacks into triumphs, rising from world No. 77 to just outside the top 10, with career-defining victories and a new contract with an athleticwear powerhouse. It was a year of breakthroughs—and a testament to resilience.

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Trouble in paradise or privacy move? Anna Kalinskaya moves to avoid Jannik Sinner questioning after dazzling on Harper's Bazaar cover

“For me, the biggest lesson came during my injury,” she said to BAZAAR. “I realised how much tennis gives me—how many emotions, routines, and connections it brings into my life. It made me love the game even more.”Discover how @annakalinskaya78 is closing in on tennis’ upper echelons in our new digital cover story, online now, or pick up the January 2025 issue, on newsstands December 30.

Andreeva and Sabalenka stop for dance break

Aryna Sabalenka is known for her TikTok dances with her team. But what about roping a certain Mirra Andreeva into the mix.

A video was posted of one of the presenters at the World Tennis League having a dance break with the duo as Sabalenka was getting in the spirit while Andreeva was trying to keep up.

But Andreeva for those who follow Daria Kasatkina's vlogs is a funny character and also was seen laughing on the benches today with Sabalenka during the tie. Having fun amid the practice for the new season.

Kyrgios returns

After nearly two years off the court, Nick Kyrgios is back. The Aussie ace who is a polarising figure especially given his views on doping perhaps will be an awkward addition to the World Tennis League.

Iga Swiatek who he has been pretty vocal about is there. As is Simona Halep on his own team. It's only needing Jannik Sinner now to complete the trio. But he faced Andrey Rublev today and also teamed with Jasmine Paolini.

Albeit the Russian as the clip evidenced below sent him to school with a return of what is usually an unreturnable weapon. But in Paolini, it was all smiles as he looked good on his return to action.

He will return tomorrow as the group concludes in Abu Dhabi and the semi-finals will be confirmed.