Shapovalov hits Abu Dhabi for F1 & Post Malone; Sabalenka and Kyrgios steal the show at NBA night as De Minaur celebrates UTS semifinal spot

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, the off-season continues amidst exhibitions and time off, highlighted by the Atlanta Cup exhibition in Denver. The event features Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, Ben Shelton, and Nick Kyrgios, who spent the last day participating in pre-tournament activities, including a visit to an NBA game, photos with Santa Claus, and a kids' clinic.

Elsewhere, Alex de Minaur celebrated reaching the semifinals of the UTS Grand Final London, while Denis Shapovalov shared photos of his final days off touring Abu Dhabi with his wife. Additionally, former Rome Open finalist Nicolas Jarry announced his split from his longtime coach.

Denis Shapovalov revealed on his social media some photos from his trip to Abu Dhabi to witness the F1 Grand Prix, as well as a video from the recent concert of singer Post Malone, where he was with his wife, Swedish tennis player Mirjam Shapovalova (who recently changed her surname from Bjorklund to take her husband's).

The Canadian tennis player had a great season, closing the year as World No. 23 after winning titles at the ATP 250 Los Cabos Open and ATP 500 Dallas. He also reached semifinals in Stockholm and Acapulco, although he didn't have much luck in the biggest tournaments, as he couldn't get past the third round in any of the Masters 1000s or Grand Slams he played this season. In any case, he earned his spot as a seed at the upcoming Australian Open, which will allow him to start the year inside the Top 25 for the first time since 2022.

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Aryna Sabalenka was present at the Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks game ahead of the Atlanta Cup. The World No. 1 will play the exhibition duel in the American city against 4-time major champion Naomi Osaka, in an event that will also feature an interesting duel between local Ben Shelton and Australian talent Nick Kyrgios. All of them were present at the NBA game as special guests amidst the promotional activities for the exhibition.

Sabalenka also shared photos of her arrival in Atlanta while she prepares for her return to the courts. In addition, the four tennis players took some fun Christmas photos that were shared on social media, all wearing Christmas outfits together with a Santa Claus in Denver.

Nick Kyrgios himself also left some photos on social media of his activities prior to the exhibition, after participating in a tennis clinic with children from the city, with whom he had fun on the tennis courts, signed autographs, and posed for photos before returning to the courts on Saturday night. “it’s moments like this that remind me what the most powerful thing about my career is ❤️🙏🏽 stopping by the @southfultontennis this morning - seeing Coach Sam and all these beautiful kids ☘️ keep dreaming and believing!!! Anything is possible!!!”

Former World No. 16 Nicolas Jarry confirmed on social media the end of his professional relationship with coach Cesar Fabregas, with whom he worked during the last three seasons and who accompanied him in his notable campaign at the Rome Open 2024, where he reached his first Masters 1000 final. The Chilean is going through a difficult moment, following months of injury absence and irregular results, which made him finish the year outside the Top 100 and being forced to play the qualifying round at the upcoming Australian Open.

“After several years, a lot of work and shared time, a stage closes today. Thank you Cesar for all these years we worked together, everything achieved and for always being very good with my whole family,” posted the former World No. 16. “You were and will be very important in my professional career and as a human being. All my best wishes to you in your new projects!”

Alex De Minaur celebrated his Saturday performances at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, after accessing the semifinals as second in Group A in London. The World No. 7 began the day with a painful defeat against Andrey Rublev (No. 16), which left him on the verge of elimination from the tournament. However, he only needed the win at the close of the day to access the semifinals, and he fulfilled the task, coming from a set down to defeat Tomas Machac.

The Australian will go this Sunday for his passage to the final when he faces Ugo Humbert – leader of Group B – in search of the ticket to the final. De Minaur already knows what it is to be a UTS champion, achieving it a year ago in London – after defeating Holger Rune in the final, in addition to the trophy in Antwerp. After several appearances in the exhibition tournament created by Patrick Mouratoglou, De Minaur will seek to become the player with the most appearances in the UTS final.