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'You gave me goosebumps': Sabalenka's emotional US Open retunr, Kvitova prepares for farewell, Djokovic, Shelton and more test their reflexes

Originally posted on TennisUpToDate.com | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 9:25 PM ET

In the latest " Daily Dose of Social Media," Aryna Sabalenka returned to the court at the US Open and shared her thanks on social media, along with a fun video of her doing tennis challenges. Meanwhile, tennis legends Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova showed each other mutual respect on social media after Serena's reported introduction of Sharapova at the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Elsewhere, ATP and WTA stars tested their reflexes in a fun game, while Petra Kvitova prepared for her retirement in her last Grand Slam main draw as she enjoyed her final days in New York.

A Final Twist: Serena Williams Pays Tribute to Maria Sharapova

In a surprise appearance at the Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Maria Sharapova was honored by a special guest: her longtime rival Serena Williams. The 23-time Grand Slam champion gave a heartfelt speech in honor of Sharapova, acknowledging their fierce rivalry and celebrating the friendship that has since blossomed. The mutual appreciation was also evident on social media, where both players later shared posts expressing their respect for one another.

“Last night- I flew to Rhode Island for Maria Sharapova. Maria’s career as her dad put it yesterday- started with me and last night ended with me inducting her into the tennis hall of fame,” Serena Williams wrote.

“I’m probably the last person you expected to see standing here tonight . Honestly, a few years ago, I would’ve said the same thing. But years after getting to know her better- we now call each other friends. And when a friend calls you answer. This is women supporting each other and respecting each others greatness. Congratulations @mariasharapova it is my honor — as her former rival, her forever fan, and now, her forever friend — to welcome Maria Sharapova into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.”

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“You gave me goosebumps": Sabalenka expresses gratitude to fans after US Open win

Aryna Sabalenka successfully started her US Open campaign with a dominant 7-5, 6-1 first-round victory over Rebeka Masarova. The win kicks off her bid to defend her title in New York.

The three-time Grand Slam champion came close to a fourth major title this year, reaching the finals in Melbourne and Paris and the semifinals at Wimbledon. As the most consistent player in Grand Slams this season, she's seeking another crown.

After her win, Sabalenka took to social media to express her gratitude for the warm welcome she received upon returning to Arthur Ashe Stadium, the very court where she won the 2024 final against Jessica Pegula. "NYC, thank you for the warm welcome. I’m so happy to be back on this court, you gave me goosebumps ♥️," she posted.

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Sabalenka's fun side: World No. 1 hula hoops her way

The world No. 1 spent her afternoon having fun in a recent video with Oakley Meta as part of her preparations for the tournament debut. Sabalenka was featured in a series of games, including a tennis tube target and hula hooping, all while having fun with a tennis racket at Flushing Meadows.

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Kvitova's final bow: Czech star to play last US Open

Petra Kvitova shared a series of photos from her time in New York, which will mark her final appearance in a US Open main draw. The two-time Grand Slam champion will be playing her last major after announcing her retirement at the end of this season.

The Czech tennis star is preparing for her final run just a few months after her return to the tour. Kvitova announced a pause in her career at the end of 2023 and became a mother for the first time in July 2024. She quickly prepared for her comeback, which came in late February at the ATX Open, where she lost in three sets to Jodie Burrage. The former world No. 2 has a 1-7 record in 2025 and has dealt with a couple of injuries, leading to her decision to end her career. She will debut this Monday against Frenchwoman Diane Parry.

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US Open players test their reflexes

ATP and WTA stars participated in a couple of fun activities on the US Open's Media Day before the tournament began. One of the activities tested their quick reaction skills. Some players, like Novak Djokovic and Jasmine Paolini, showed off their speed and precision in a reaction game, while others, like Ben Shelton and Jessica Pegula, had more difficulty.