Zverev gets marriage proposal, Sabalenka and Federer share epic selfie as Kostyuk laments injury

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, the Australian Open got underway with Day One, highlighted by Aryna Sabalenka’s victory — watched by Roger Federer and Rod Laver from the stands — as well as a peculiar moment following Alexander Zverev’s win, when he received a marriage proposal from someone in the crowd.

Meanwhile, Marta Kostyuk addressed on social media the ankle injury she suffered in a heartbreaking defeat after three and a half hours of play, while Coco Gauff previewed her return to the courts at the Australian Open. In addition, former world No.4 Caroline Garcia shared memories from past Australian Open appearances, marking the first time in 15 years she will not compete at the season’s opening Grand Slam following her retirement.

Aryna Sabalenka had a strong debut day on Rod Laver Arena to begin her Australian Open campaign. The world No.1 faced young French player Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah and claimed a 6-4, 6-1 victory in another solid performance in Melbourne, returning to winning ways after her disappointing loss in the 2025 final to Madison Keys.

The two-time Australian Open champion not only secured the win, but also took home a special memory. Sabalenka shared a selfie on social media alongside legends Roger Federer and Rod Laver, who were sitting courtside watching her match.

“I just wanted to impress Roger with my game. I just couldn't do tweener, but it's OK. Next time,” she said during her on-court interview.

Before asking for the photo like a fan, she added: “I'm a huge fan guys, can I take a picture with you please.”

Marta Kostyuk suffered a disappointing first-round defeat at the Australian Open, especially painful after three hours and a half of play and three tight tie-breaks. The Ukrainian was coming off a strong week in Brisbane, where she reached the semifinals and recorded three wins over top-10 players.

However, she suffered a fall during her match against Elsa Jacquemot and, although she did not retire, it ultimately affected the outcome. The 23-year-old later confirmed she sustained an ankle injury and withdrew from the doubles draw.

“Unfortunately, I injured my ankle during my match today, and after further tests, torn ligament was confirmed, which means I won’t be able to continue at the Australian Open in doubles with my amazing partner @gabrielaruse. The Australian Open has always been one of my favorite tournaments, so this isn’t how I imagined my run ending. But that’s part of the sport.”

“Despite the setback, Brisbane was a great way to start the year, and I’m thankful for that momentum. Now it’s time to focus on recovery, and I’m excited to be back on court as soon as possible.”

Roger Federer was one of the main attractions at the start of the Australian Open after taking part in the legends exhibition match, partnering first with Andre Agassi and later with Ash Barty against Australians Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to the Australian Open for the first time since his retirement and was also present in the stands on day one, watching the debut victories of world No.1s Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz.

Federer won six Australian Open titles during his career, ranking second among the most successful champions in Melbourne, only behind Novak Djokovic’s ten titles.

Coco Gauff previewed her Australian Open debut by sharing a series of photos from her first days in Melbourne, combining training sessions and media appearances. The world No.3 will make her debut on Monday, January 19, against Kamilla Rakhimova, in what will be her second tournament of the season after the United Cup.

“high on happiness :) first one tmmrw😛” posted the 21-year-old American, who hopes to improve on her 2025 campaign, when she was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Paula Badosa.

Nick Kyrgios was seen training at the Australian Open alongside his usual partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, with whom he will compete in the doubles draw. The former Wimbledon finalist is preparing to return to the Happy Slam, this time only in doubles, reuniting with Kokkinakis, his partner during their 2022 Australian Open doubles title run.

Kyrgios, who has struggled with injuries over the past three seasons, recently returned to singles in Brisbane, losing in the first round to Aleksandar Kovacevic. After that, the Australian informed Tennis Australia that he did not feel ready to compete in best-of-five-set matches and declined a wildcard, choosing instead to focus on doubles alongside Kokkinakis.

Alexander Zverev experienced a peculiar moment following his first-round victory over Gabriel Diallo at the Australian Open. The German came back from a set down to win in four sets, marking the start of his campaign after reaching the final in 2025.

During his post-match interview, a fan shouted a marriage proposal from the stands. “Marry me Sascha,” yelled a man from the crowd.

“Where’s the ring, man?” Zverev replied laughing, before adding: “I am believing myself, I still want a ring! I’m not that cheap!”

Former French player Caroline Garcia, who retired just one year ago, shared photos on social media from her previous Australian Open appearances, joking about her absence from this year’s first Grand Slam of the season.

The former world No.4 made her Australian Open debut in 2011, reaching the second round, while her best results came in 2018 and 2023, when she reached the fourth round.

Garcia also enjoyed success in doubles, reaching the semifinals at the 2017 Australian Open alongside Kristina Mladenovic, and the quarterfinals in her final appearance in 2024, again with Mladenovic.