Daily Dose of Social Media: Sabalenka shares off-season routine as Sharapova and Venus Williams dazzle at Fashion Awards

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Aryna Sabalenka updated her fans on her off-season as she resumed training for the 2025 season, while Barbora Krejcikova combined charity work with one of her passions: building Legos.

Meanwhile, Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova were among the stars at the British Fashion Awards, and Liam Broady joined the debate surrounding a footballer who refused to wear the rainbow captain's armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community with a sharp remark.

Aryna Sabalenka updates fans on her off-season as she resumes training after her vacation. The World No. 1 shared an Instagram Reel showcasing her return to the courts in Dubai, where she’s already preparing for the 2025 season. The Belarusian faces a tough start to the year, defending 2,300 points in January alone, including her Australian Open title, while continuing a fierce battle with Iga Swiatek for the top ranking.

However, the three-time Grand Slam champion appears to be the favourite at the start of the year and is gearing up to prove it on the court. Sabalenka shared glimpses of her routine, both in the gym and on the tennis court, as well as moments off the court, including meals and time spent with loved ones. You can watch the Belarusian’s video via the following link.

Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams attended the British Fashion Awards on Monday, December 2nd. Both Grand Slam champions continue to make appearances in the fashion world, and this time it was at one of the most prestigious fashion events in the UK. Williams appeared in a black dress, while Sharapova chose an off-white coat and skirt look.

“British Fashion Awards ✨ In Moncler X Jill Sander. Honored to have presented Remo Ruffini the Trailbazer Award,” captioned Sharapova on her Instagram account. “Watching the Moncler team thoughtfully and creatively navigate the fashion world from the board room to the Genius experiences has been such a gift. 🙌 Congratulations on this recognition!”

Ashleigh Barty is enjoying life off the court nearly two years after her retirement, but tennis remains a part of her life. She recently shared an adorable photo of her son Hayden dressed in Wimbledon attire, the tournament where Barty claimed the title in 2021 by defeating Karolina Pliskova in the final. The former Australian tennis star retired in March 2022 at the age of 25 to prioritise her family life.

In July 2023, Barty announced the birth of her son Hayden with her husband, Garry Kissick. In a recent photo, she joyfully shared a glimpse of her son, now nearly 18 months old, walking around in an All England Club shirt. "Wimbledon outfits make me smile like that too, Mate 💚💜," the three-time Grand Slam champion wrote. The post received responses from several of her former colleagues, including former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, who commented, "Cutie 🥰."

Alexander Zverev is already looking forward to the United Cup with Germany, where he will team up with Laura Siegemund to kick off the 2025 season. Zverev will once again represent Germany in an international competition after missing the Davis Cup Finals the Davis Cup Finals, which he decided to skip to take a break after competing in the ATP Finals and the ATP Finals and finish a busy season.

“First week of the Year, obviously we’re all getting ready for Australian Open and we all want to be in Australia and play against the best players in the world. And that’s what United Cup brings. Playing for your nation is obviously extremely special and I have the best memories from this year.”

Zverev led the Europeans to the 2024 title alongside former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber, when they beat Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek's Poland in the final. “Representing your country is always quite special and we have a lot of fun with the team, and tennis unites between male and female it is a great sign for sport,” Sascha Zverev added. “We’re a fun team to support. We have great male and female players. Last year, obviously with Angie Kerber, we had an Australian Open champion as well. And I think is always fun and entertaining to watch Germany"

Barbora Krejcikova enjoys putting Legos together and participated in a recent charity event in the Czech Republic. During her run to the Wimbledon title mid-year, the 29-year-old revealed her love for Legos, which she enjoys putting together in her spare time. Shortly afterwards she received an exclusive set themed around her All England Club win, with the Wimbledon trophy and a racquet made of Lego, as a gift from the company.

In the midst of the holiday preparations, Krejcikova was featured in the gift-gathering campaign in her home country and was seen putting together Christmas Legos. “This weekend I participated in a charity event @legoczsk_official called Build To Give, where I built 5 hearts. For every heart built and shared with the hashtag #BuildToGive on social media, LEGO will donate one kit to a child who might not have gotten their hands on one,” she posted.

Liam Broady entered the fray over footballer refusing to wear rainbow jersey in support of the LGBTIQ+ community. The former Brit No. 1 criticized the Ipswich Town captain for refusing to wear the jersey on 'religious grounds'. The Premier League is conducting a campaign of inclusion against homophobia and Sam Morsy was the only captain among the 20 teams who did not wear the jersey and received support from his club.

The news has generated reactions beyond football and Liam Broady took part in the issue. For the former Wimbledon junior champion, it doesn't make much sense that someone refuses to wear the jersey for religious reasons and yet has no problem with wearing betting brand logos. “Interesting religion where you feel okay to advertise gambling but can’t wear LGBTQ+ charity band to promote equality and acceptance? What’s the reverse of virtue signalling? 😂”