Swiatek channels Federer’s mindset, Fritz’s ‘too small’ gesture sparks controversy & Djokovic enjoys time in Arabia

n a new Daily Dose of Social Media, the tennis world offers a mix of motivation, controversy and behind-the-scenes moments as the 2026 season starts to take shape. Top players from both the ATP and WTA tours shared updates that quickly caught attention, ranging from intense training sessions to viral moments and off-court snapshots.

Iga Swiatek leads the way by channeling Roger Federer’s mindset ahead of the Australian Open, while Taylor Fritz found himself at the centre of controversy following a heated moment against Sebastián Báez at the United Cup. The latest edition also features Thanasi Kokkinakis’ return to the courts, Ons Jabeur embracing her signature creativity, and Novak Djokovic enjoying some family time before turning his focus back to Melbourne.

Iga Swiatek has already embraced the 2026 season with a motivational message inspired by Roger Federer. The six-time Grand Slam champion is aiming for another successful year, with the Australian Open as a key target as she looks to complete the Career Grand Slam and reclaim the world No. 1 ranking — a position she has not held for over a year.

The Polish star shared a video from an intense training session on social media, featuring a motivational quote from 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer: “The best in the world are not the best because they win every point. It's because they lose again and again and have learned how to deal. You accept it, cry it out if you need to, and then force a smile.” The quote comes from a widely discussed speech Federer delivered at Dartmouth in 2024.

Swiatek is preparing for her debut at the United Cup on Monday, January 5, where she will face Eva Lys in the tie against Germany. Poland are aiming for another strong campaign in the mixed-national teams event, having reached the final in the last two editions — both times falling to Germany, including the 2025 final.

Taylor Fritz’s defeat to Sebastián Báez at the United Cup featured a controversial moment when the American held a commanding lead early in the second set. The world No. 6 secured an early break to go up 6-4, 2-0, finishing the point with a perfectly executed lob over Báez, who was waiting at the net.

After winning the point, Fritz celebrated with a ‘too small’ gesture — a reference to Báez’s height of 5'7" (170 cm). The Argentine appeared to draw motivation from the moment, with coach Sebastián Gutiérrez reportedly pointing out the gesture from the American: “Come on, go after this guy who’s telling you that you’re small.”

The rest is history. Báez produced an impressive comeback to the delight of the Argentine fans, winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Fritz later alluded to an injury after the match, a concern that could complicate his lead-up to the Australian Open.

Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis is back on the tennis courts as he prepares for his return at the upcoming Australian Open. The 29-year-old currently sits around world No. 450 following a 2025 season once again plagued by injuries.

After competing at the Australian Open last year — where he lost in five sets to Jack Draper in the second round — Kokkinakis underwent surgery on a long-standing pectoral injury. He then began a lengthy rehabilitation process that lasted the entire year, forcing him to miss a full season on tour.

Despite the setback, the Australian will enter the first major of the year using a protected ranking and will be back competing on home soil in just a few weeks. Kokkinakis needs to secure wins or risks dropping out of the ATP rankings after the Happy Slam, although his physical condition and ability to rebuild consistency throughout the 2026 season remain the top priorities.

Ons Jabeur returned to the courts to join one of the latest social media trends, showcasing how it feels “when you hit the perfect drop shot” — the shot that has become her signature. “I had to do this trend with my favorite shot 😂🎾,” she posted alongside a video hitting a drop shot at the Ons Jabeur Academy.

The former world No. 2 is currently taking a break from her career following an inconsistent 2025 season, during which she decided to step away from the tour after suffering an injury at Wimbledon midway through the year. A few months later, Jabeur announced her pregnancy, which will keep her off the court for several more months, though she has made it clear that retirement is not on her mind.

It will likely be 2026 before the three-time Grand Slam finalist returns to the tour, as she begins a new chapter in her family life alongside her husband, Karim Kamoun.

Novak Djokovic shared several photos from his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he spent time with his wife Jelena Djokovic and their children. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is enjoying his final days off before travelling to Melbourne to prepare for the first major of the year at the Australian Open — a tournament he has won 10 times and where he will be chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

The Serbian is currently set to enter the tournament as the fourth seed, which would allow him to avoid potential clashes with Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner until at least the semifinals.

Djokovic has been eliminated in the semifinals of the Australian Open in the past two editions — including in 2025, when he was forced to retire mid-match against Alexander Zverev due to injury. This time, Djokovic returns in pursuit of history. After two years without a major title, he will once again aim to reach 25 Grand Slams and secure his 100th career win at the Australian Open, where he currently holds a 99–10 record. Achieving that milestone would make Melbourne his third major venue with 100 or more match wins, alongside Roland Garros (101) and Wimbledon (102).