Daily Dose of Social Media: Kyrgios calls Sinner "Cluster Bowl" in word association game, Sabalenka and Swiatek’s behind-the-scenes photos

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, Nick Kyrgios' latest reel causes controversy again, after mentioning Jannik Sinner in a Word Association game and slamming him once more by associating him with "Cluster Bowl," while sharing his thoughts on some of the biggest legends and his ATP and WTA colleagues.

Meanwhile, new photos of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open spread across social media, while Rafael Nadal made a return by calling for support for his academy’s team in the upcoming Hexagon Cup of Padel.

Kyrgios labels top players in Word Association Game: From Djokovic as "GOAT" to Sinner’s “cluster bowl”

Nick Kyrgios answered a round of questions in which he played a word association game with some of the best players in the world. In a fun video, the former Wimbledon runner-up linked ATP and WTA players to certain concepts. Kyrgios mentioned "Goat" when asked about Novak Djokovic and "Evolve" regarding Aryna Sabalenka, referencing the recent contract signed by the Belarusian with Naomi Osaka's talent agency, which also represents Kyrgios.

The Australian also spoke about Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Alex de Minaur, Ash Barty, Serena Williams, and even Jannik Sinner. In fact, Kyrgios, known for his controversial comments regarding Sinner's positive doping test, referred to him as “Cluster Bowl” (referencing the Clostebol found in Sinner's doping test back in March 2024). Watch the full video below, where Kyrgios joked about some of his most recognized colleagues.

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Italy’s Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teams honored by President Mattarella

The Italy Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teams were received by none other than the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. The Head of State hosted the men's and women's tennis teams of the country this Wednesday, who both won titles in their respective tournaments in 2024: the women in the BJK Cup and the men in the Davis Cup (reclaiming the 2023 title).

With the presence of Jasmine Paoloni, Lorenzo Musetti, Sara Errani, Matteo Berrettini, among others, they were honored and even took a selfie with the Head of State, although current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner was not present. "The year started well with Sinner's victory and (Simone) Bolelli and (Andrea) Vavassori in the men's doubles final of the Australian Open," Mattarella said. "It (2024) was a year of great successes, an extraordinary season for Italy."

"Our president is of such a high level that he understood very well what Sinner's problems are," commented the president of the Italian Tennis Federation regarding the absence of the three-time Grand Slam champion. "We chose this date precisely because we thought it was the only possible window (in the calendar), but the number 1 guest couldn't come. It is clear that I am extremely sorry but let's not forget what we saw on TV about 10 days ago."

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Sabalenka shares memorable photos from Aussie Open

Aryna Sabalenka shared a carousel of photos from her time at the Australian Open. The two-time champion reached her third consecutive final, totaling two consecutive wins at Melbourne Park, but was surprised in the final by American Madison Keys, who claimed her first major title.

The world No. 1 came close to securing her fourth major title but tried to take away positive lessons from her time in Melbourne. In her series of photos, she can be seen joking around the city, at the hotel, and during training, with her team and her usual sense of humor. The Belarusian also posted a couple of photos with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, and even a snapshot with renowned actor Jackie Chan before the final.

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Wim Fissette shares behind-the-scenes photos of Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open

Iga Świątek's coach, Wim Fissette, shared a compilation of photos from the world No. 2's time at the Australian Open, offering a close-up look at his days accompanying the 5-time Grand Slam champion at the first major of the year in Melbourne. Fissette, former coach of players like Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Simona Halep, joined Świątek at the end of 2024, as the Polish player aims to take her career to the next level and achieve more consistency throughout the season.

Świątek reached the semifinals of the Australian Open but was eventually defeated by the eventual champion, Madison Keys, after wasting match points and being two breaks up in the third set. Świątek will return to the court during the Middle East Swing, where she will defend her title at the Doha Open and then compete in the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

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Nadal calls on fans to support Rafa Nadal Academy Team at the Hexagon Cup

Rafael Nadal urged his fans to support the Rafa Nadal Academy team at the Hexagon Cup of Padel. The 22-time Grand Slam champion recalled his victory at the 2005 Madrid Open, where he won his first Masters 1000 title by coming back from two sets down against Ivan Ljubicic, with an epic finish in the 5th set tie-break.

"I want to invite you all to support the Rafa Nadal Academy team. This year marks 20 years since I won for the first time in Madrid, at the same venue, in a very emotional match. It was the first time I experienced what it’s like to have the Madrid crowd supporting me, and without them, I wouldn’t have achieved it," said Nadal.

The 38-year-old former player appeared in a recent video on social media where he spoke about his hopes for support for his academy team: "Madrid has always been a special place in my career because of the great affection I’ve received from the fans. I hope you will support the team of the @rafanadalacademy this week at the @hexagon_cup of padel in a place that brings back great memories," he posted.

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