Daily Dose of Social Media: Rune sings in Chinese, Nick Kyrgios on broadcasting role for NBL

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the top activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players.  Pre-tournament activities at the China Open have been led by Holger Rune, who sang in Chinese alongside local Zhang Zhizhen and has been the main star of the lead-up events. Naomi Osaka is also ready in Asia, with new photos of her arrival with her new coach Patrick Mouratoglou recently published.

Outside of tennis, Jannik Sinner has been announced as the new ambassador for the Winter Games, while Nick Kyrgios surprises as a broadcaster for the NBL basketball. Also, Roger Federer and Ana Ivanovic reunited at the Laver Cup gala in Berlin.

Roger Federer catches up with Ana Ivanovic and Bastian Schweinsteiger ahead of the Laver Cup. On Wednesday night, the gala preceding the tournament took place in Berlin, featuring special guests, including former World No. 1 Ivanovic and her husband, World Cup champion Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Serbian ex-tennis player is a contemporary of Federer, and both were leaders of the ATP and WTA rankings simultaneously in 2008. Eight years after her retirement, the former French Open champion shared a few moments with the host, Roger Federer, in a moment captured by the tournament's cameras.

Naomi Osaka is preparing to kick off the Asian swing and has already arrived in China to compete in the Beijing Open starting next week. The World No. 71 received a wildcard to enter the main draw and will play her first tournament since making changes to her team.

Following her elimination at the US Open, the 4-time Grand Slam champion announced the end of her 10-month partnership with coach Wim Fissette (with whom she had already worked for a couple of years before her maternity break). Just a few days later, Osaka surprised by bringing on the renowned Patrick Mouratoglou, former coach of Serena Williams, Simona Halep, and Holger Rune, among other stars. The Frenchman was seen with Osaka at the airport upon her arrival in China.

Everything is pure joy for Sabalenka after winning her third Grand Slam title a couple of weeks ago at the US Open. The Belarusian defeated home favourite Jessica Pegula in straight sets in the final, securing her second major of the year, which returned her to World No. 2 as she closely chases Iga Swiatek, aiming to take the top ranking in the final stretch of the season.

Following her success at Flushing Meadows, Sabalenka has shared photos and videos of her downtime on social media, spending days at the beach with her boyfriend and friends. The 26-year-old has often been seen dancing, and this time she herself uploaded her latest dance video on TikTok.

Holger Rune has been one of the standout stars upon his arrival at the China Open. With the Laver Cup kicking off this weekend and most of the top stars absent from the Tour, Rune has taken the spotlight in the lead-up to the next Masters 1000 event.

The Danish player has enjoyed learning more about Chinese culture and appeared in a recent video singing in Chinese alongside local player Zhang Zhizhen. The 21-year-old will be the 14th seed at the China Open, as he looks for a strong result to break back into the top 10 before the season's end.

Judy Murray congratulated her son Andy Murray after his participation in the Celebrity Pro-Am at Wentworth. The former world No. 1 has found golf to be his main hobby after retirement, admitting that he still carries the competitive spirit he displayed throughout his tennis career.

The Scot swapped his tennis racket for a golf club and teamed up with professional golfer Rory McIlroy, even asking for tips to improve his shots. The tournament featured other famous sports figures, including former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and English cricketers James Anderson and Ollie Pope.

After Murray's participation in the star-studded event, his mother Judy shared a congratulatory message on social media: "Different sport but some things never change. 💪 @BMWPGA @atptour"

Nick Kyrgios attended a National Basketball League (NBL) game in Australia. The 2024/25 NBL season by Hungry Jack's kicks off in Perth with the HoopsFest, bringing together 10 teams: “It’s going to be a great event with all ten NBL teams in one place for the opening round, and I can’t wait to experience it,” Kyrgios stated.

“I love seeing the Phoenix in person any chance I get, and it will be my first time seeing the team’s new additions Nathan Sobey, Jordy Hunter, Derrick Walton Jr., and Angus Glover playing together," the former world No. 13 added. “It’s a new era for basketball for the Phoenix in the Heartland, and HoopsFest is going to be a great way for us to start our season."

The former Wimbledon runner-up is a co-owner of the South East Melbourne Phoenix and has often expressed his love for basketball. Kyrgios will join former NBA superstars Carmelo Anthony and Luc Longley in broadcasting duties.

Jannik Sinner has become the official ambassador for “Milano Cortina 2026,” the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games that will be held in Italy in two years. The world No. 1 traveled to Milan to lead the Volunteers Program. Sinner began his sports career as a skier, standing out in Italy between the ages of 8 and 12, after winning the National Slalom Championship.

"Winter sports have always been a fundamental part of my life," Jannik Sinner commented. "December 25th is one of the most special days of the year for me: we go skiing with my family and friends. The next Winter Olympic Games will take place in very special locations for me: I grew up in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy, our mountains are a marvel. Skiing for me is like walking. It will be an honor to be part of these Games."