Daily Dose of Social Media: Kyrgios fires up on court as Sabalenka brings fans backstage

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, we take a look at some of the standout moments from Miami Open's action-packed day, with all the big stars now debuting in the tournament. Novak Djokovic had a special guest at his practice session, as singer Bon Jovi was spotted courtside, closely watching the Serbian’s shots.

Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios and Paula Badosa grabbed attention on the court, each showing their frustration during their matches. The Australian launched a ball high into the sky after an unforced error, while Badosa argued with her team, comparing today’s opponent to Aryna Sabalenka.

Bon Jovi watches Djokovic’s training before

Novak Djokovic had a special guest at his pre-debut training for the Miami Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion played his first match of the tournament this Friday, easily defeating Australian Rinky Hijikata 6-0, 7-6, advancing to the third round, where he will face Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli.

The Serbian had a good luck charm during his Friday morning training before heading to the court, as none other than singer Bon Jovi – who resides in Miami – was seen closely watching Djokovic’s training at the edge of the court.

Sabalenka takes fans behind the scenes

Aryna Sabalenka shared the first images of her time in Miami, showcasing the comforts of the sports complex, part of her training, and some moments marking her arrival in Miami with her team. The world No. 1 made a strong debut with a 6-3, 6-0 win against Bulgarian Victoria Tomova, ensuring a third-round matchup against Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Sabalenka needed just 59 minutes to secure the dominant win and extend her impressive form since reaching the top of the rankings, at least against opponents with a lower ranking. In 26 tournaments played, she holds a 26-1 record against players outside the top-50, with her only loss in Toronto 2024 against Amanda Anisimova.

Kyrgios’ frustration boils over in Miami Open loss

Nick Kyrgios appeared in the third round of the Miami Open against a tough opponent, Karen Khachanov (22nd seed), but ultimately lost the match 6-7(3), 0-6, after a significant fall in the second set following a loss in the tie-break. The Australian showed his frustration throughout the match, especially after an unforced error with a dropshot, which unleashed his anger. He ended up hitting the ball into the air after losing the point, expressing his fury over the mistake.

Kyrgios had previously secured his first win in over two years and his first since returning from injury when he faced Mackenzie McDonald, eventually winning after a comeback, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. It is still unknown when Kyrgios will return to the courts, as no tournaments are confirmed during the clay swing, a surface that has always been uncomfortable for him and where he is more prone to injuries than on hard courts.

Andreeva chases Sunshine Double dream

Mirra Andreeva was asked during media day about the possibility of achieving the Sunshine Double — winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open consecutively — and the Russian shared her desire to achieve it, though she admitted she wouldn’t be disappointed if she didn’t succeed.

The 17-year-old is on an impressive 12-match winning streak, having claimed her first two WTA 1000 titles at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and then at Indian Wells. The Russian is chasing a third consecutive title, though she faces a tough road ahead. She will make her debut on Friday afternoon against her compatriot, former world No. 9 Veronika Kudermetova.

“Yeah, of course, this would be an amazing achievement for me. I know that not a lot of people did it,” she said. “I don’t know if I can do it, but of course, I’m going to try my best as always, and if it happens, then I’m gonna be super, super happy. And if it doesn’t, I’ve had a couple of great tournaments already. I have plenty of things to be proud of.”

“She plays better than Sabalenka": Badosa frustrated during tough match

Paula Badosa showed her frustration during a heated conversation with her team while facing Canadian Victoria Mboko. The 18-year-old put on an impressive performance against the 10th seed, but it wasn’t enough to defeat her, as the Spaniard clinched a hard-fought victory 7-5, 1-6, 7-6(3).

The former world No. 2 endured a gruelling match and vented to her team as they gave her instructions. Badosa even referenced her friend, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, to highlight how tough the match was: “I don’t know what I need to do. She plays better than Aryna Sabalenka,” she said about Mboko.

Badosa reveals her first impression of Tsitsipas

Paula Badosa spoke about her first impression when she met her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas. The tennis couple confirmed their relationship in June 2023, and since then, they’ve become one of the most recognised pairs on tour. Both have previously reached the top 5 and are currently fighting to climb back up the rankings.

Badosa was asked what she thought of Tsitsipas when they first met. "Very cute, attractive — that was my first impression," she said. "Then, when I got to know him, I saw amazing other stuff, but yeah, the first one was that for sure," the former world No. 2 added.

Dimitrov’s classy gesture

Grigor Dimitrov showed a heartwarming gesture towards a Miami Open staff member by gifting her a rose on her birthday. The Bulgarian, a finalist in 2024, made his tournament debut on Friday with a victory over young Italian Federico Cina, winning 6-1, 6-4.

Following his win, a video surfaced on social media capturing the 14th seed’s kind moment with a tournament employee.

"Hello, I hear it is your birthday. Is it true or not?" Dimitrov asked, to which she nodded. "You like roses?" the former world No. 3 continued before handing her a birthday rose and sharing a warm hug with the celebrant.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe