Daily Dose of Social Media: Jannik Sinner cheers victory, honors Kobe Bryant, and consoles Alexander Zverev
WTA
In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, Jannik Sinner takes center stage after winning the Australian Open title. The World No. 1 toasted during his press conference, honoring basketball player Kobe Bryant on the anniversary of his tragic accident, and consoled an emotional Alexander Zverev after his defeat.
Meanwhile, 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka shared a series of photos from her days in New York, Hubert Hurkacz enjoyed the Rallye Monte-Carlo, and Rafael Nadal made a return, playing golf.
Sinner triumphs at the Australian Open
Jannik Sinner is the man of the moment in the tennis world after securing his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. This marks his third consecutive hard-court major, following a commanding victory over Alexander Zverev in the final. Sinner delivered an outstanding performance, winning 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3.
The Italian shared a message with fans on social media, thanking them for their support and celebrated his victory with a glass of champagne at the press conference.
"Taking this trophy home for a second time feels absolutely unreal!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ To my team and all of you who’ve cheered me on from every corner of the world – thank you! Huge respect to @AlexZverev for an incredible match 🤝🏻🤝🏻🤝🏻🇦🇺 @AustralianOpen" he posted.
Taking this trophy home for a second time feels absolutely unreal!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ To my team and all of you who’ve cheered me on from every corner of the world – thank you! Huge respect to @AlexZverev for an incredible match 🤝🏻🤝🏻🤝🏻🇦🇺 @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/uWwH0PRxxg
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) January 26, 2025
Jannik Sinner with his champagne and his Australian Open trophy in the press room:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 26, 2025
“Cheers everyone.” 🥂🦊
pic.twitter.com/VUYKxWGZ2C
The tribute to Kobe Bryant
One standout image from Sinner's celebration with the trophy featured his official photoshoot, where he wore sneakers paying tribute to the legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant. The photos were taken on the fifth anniversary of the tragic accident that claimed the NBA legend's life, along with his daughter and seven others. Sinner donned the new Nike Air Force 1 Low Retro QS Bryant, a design from one of his main sponsors.
Jannik Sinner spotted with the new Kobe Bryant x Air Force 1 Low Retro QS 'Lakers Home' during the trophy ceremony
— Philip Fama (@tweener_head) January 26, 2025
2025 marks the 5th year since the passing of Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/9csMxfZpOT
Sinner consoles an emotional Zverev
Alexander Zverev suffered heartbreak once again, losing his third Grand Slam final. Previously defeated at the 2020 US Open by Dominic Thiem and the 2024 French Open by Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev was unable to claim the elusive major title. Visibly moved during the trophy ceremony, Zverev shed tears after the defeat. Sinner showed great sportsmanship, approaching Zverev to offer him a hug and words of consolation.
Zverev decided to make a change to his schedule for this season and will travel to the Golden Swing in South America for the first time in his career. The German player chose to play the Argentina Open and Rio Open in February, after acknowledging that the indoor conditions at European tournaments are not entirely comfortable for him.
A lovely warm embrace between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev 🥰#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Ypu0J7bkDW
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 26, 2025
Stars gather for the Australian Open Final
The Australian Open final attracted several high-profile celebrities, as is customary at Grand Slam events. Australian actor Liam Hemsworth attended with his girlfriend, model Gabriella Brooks. Cricket coach Ricky Ponting, actor Jackie Chan, and K-pop stars Sana and Mark Lee also made appearances at the event.
KPop stars Sana and Mark Lee have entered the chat too at the #AusOpen 😍 https://t.co/zaGRbdFbhy pic.twitter.com/2YvIdNZfAN
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2025
Osaka shares snowy New York snapshots
Naomi Osaka shared a carousel of photos from New York, where she posed in the snow and also from her training gym as she prepares to return to the tour in a couple of weeks at the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open, where she received a wildcard from the organisers. "A collection of curated photos 🍎❄️," posted the 4-time Grand Slam champion.
The Japanese player had been performing impressively at the Australian Open, defeating strong opponents like 2022 WTA Finals' Caroline Garcia and former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova (20th seed). In the third round, she faced Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, but unfortunately, she had to retire
Read also
Nadal posts golf photos in Spain
Rafael Nadal made his return to one of his passions, playing golf with the Team at the Rafa Nadal Academy. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who retired just over two months ago, shared a series of photos having fun in the Spanish city, just hours after the Australian Open ended—the first Grand Slam since Nadal made his retirement official.
His last appearance at the Australian Open was in 2023, where he reached the second round and lost to American Mackenzie McDonald. The Spaniard won the title twice: in 2009 against Roger Federer and in 2022 against Daniil Medvedev. Despite his retirement, Nadal kept an eye on what was happening in Melbourne, sending his congratulations to Sinner after his title win with a message on his Instagram stories: “Congratulazioni Jan, Impressionante,” posted the 38-year-old former world No. 1.
Rafael Nadal via IG
— Janniksin_Updates (@JannikSinner_Up) January 26, 2025
🦊❤️🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/ftnIDYOZ2o
Hurkacz shares Rallye Monte-Carlo moments with Terczinski
Hubert Hurkacz is enjoying a few days of rest as he prepares for his return to competition in a week at the Rotterdam Open. The Polish player took time to enjoy one of his passions by attending the Rallye Monte-Carlo alongside his compatriot Mateusz Terczyński, the Polish captain in the United Cup. French driver Sébastien Ogier of Toyota claimed his 10th victory in the traditional race, which has been held since 1911.
Hurkacz hopes to regain his top form in the 2025 season after dropping out of the top 10 at the end of last year. The former world No. 6 has teamed up with Ivan Lendl and Nicolás Massú as his coaching duo and is focused on competing at the highest level. Unfortunately, for the 27-year-old, he fell in the second round of the Australian Open to Miomir Kecmanovic.
Sakkari shares training reel as she targets Linz Open return
Maria Sakkari has steadily fallen in the WTA Ranking over the past year, going from being one of the top contenders in major tournaments to barely staying within the top-30. The Greek player has struggled to make progress in major draws, failing to reach the Round of 16 in a Grand Slam since the Australian Open 2022. In fact, she has only three wins in her last eight Grand Slam appearances.
Nevertheless, Sakkari hopes to regain her confidence this year and is taking her work seriously in the hope of returning to her major-level form. The 29-year-old Greek player shared a reel of her training in the gym as she prepares for her comeback at the Linz Open this week, where she is the second seed behind Elina Svitolina. “Tag your workout buddy who is ready to crush this 👊” she posted.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 1visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
