World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has shed light on the unique bond she shares with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, revealing that his invaluable mentorship and open willingness to offer advice are at the heart of their strong friendship. Sabalenka frequently consults Djokovic for guidance, particularly on mental fortitude and preparation for high-stakes matches.
The Core of Their Connection: Mentorship and Advice
Sabalenka has consistently expressed deep admiration for Djokovic, often crediting him with contributing to her own success. She describes him as a “great guy” and a “very open person” who is always ready to share his vast experience. This willingness to mentor fellow players, especially those at the top of the game, appears to be the “secret” ingredient in their close relationship.
Learning from a Legend
The Belarusian tennis star has openly spoken about seeking advice from Djokovic on various aspects of her game and mental approach. “It’s really good to have a friend like Novak Djokovic, you can always ask for advice and I really appreciate it,” Sabalenka stated. She has particularly benefited from his wisdom on how to approach major finals and maintain composure under immense pressure. Djokovic reportedly advised her on “how to stay settled and how to look at everything as you’re looking from the outside on the situation on the court, off the court.” This perspective proved instrumental, with Sabalenka recalling that his words helped her secure a Grand Slam title, particularly remembering his advice before the US Open final. Beyond mental strategies, Djokovic has also assisted Sabalenka with technical aspects, even helping improve her return game to such an extent that he playfully teases her about adopting his style.
Beyond the Court: Training and Socializing
Their friendship extends beyond mere locker-room encounters and advice sessions. Sabalenka and Djokovic have frequently trained together, with Sabalenka noting that practicing with him provides “high-intensity training” that boosts her physical and mental game. She even humorously suggested that Djokovic’s strong performance at the Shanghai Masters was partly thanks to her being a good sparring partner.
A Playful Yet Respectful Bond
The two champions also share a playful dynamic. They have been seen teasing each other about dance moves and engaging in lighthearted banter. Their connection is well-documented, with shared practice sessions at major tournaments like Wimbledon often captured and circulated, showcasing their mutual respect and camaraderie. This off-court rapport has even led to social outings, with Sabalenka recently revealing that she and her partner enjoyed a “double-date” with Djokovic and his wife, Jelena, during a training camp in Greece. The idea for the double date came from Djokovic himself when they bumped into each other while training.
Sabalenka’s Public Defense of Djokovic
Further illustrating the depth of their friendship, Sabalenka has also been a vocal defender of Djokovic against critics. She has urged the media and fans to “leave him alone” when discussions arise about his longevity and performance, emphasizing his fitness, strength, and continued ability to inspire. She believes in appreciating his presence in the sport, warning that people would regret it if he were to retire prematurely.
In essence, Aryna Sabalenka’s friendship with Novak Djokovic is characterized by a blend of serious mentorship, shared training, and genuine camaraderie, all underpinned by a deep mutual respect between two of tennis’s biggest stars.
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