Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic share a strong friendship, and the Australian Open champion recently revealed they were out for dinner together after she trained with him in Greece
Aryna Sabalenka has given fans a glimpse into her close-knit friendship with Novak Djokovic and his wife. The pair, known for their playful banter and shared love of dance, recently enjoyed a dinner together while abroad.
During the Wuhan Open, the WTA Tour No. 1 revealed that she and the all-time men’s Grand Slam champion had spent time together at a training camp in Greece. She also revealed that she spent some time with Djokovic’s wife.
Speaking to Tennis365, Sabalenka said: “I love Novak; he’s always willing to give me good advice. Training with him was great. He would shout when he won points against me, but I must say I beat him quite a few too.”‘
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Sabalenka also took to social media to share a photo of herself and her partner enjoying their time in Greece with Djokovic and his significant other. The tennis star added: “I hope I was a good sparring partner; seeing his level in Shanghai, I’d say so.
“If he wins the title there, it will be thanks to me. We went out to dinner together in Greece. Jelena is fantastic. We all had a great time together.”
Sabalenka has previously defended Djokovic, arguing that external pressures are weighing heavily on him. Speaking to reporters at a press conference during the French Open in the summer, she warned supporters to be careful about what they say.
“You guys are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak,” said Sabalenka. “Leave him alone [laughing] look at him.
“He’s fit. He’s strong. Mentally and physically, I think he’s ready to play another two or three years.
“I don’t know. He’s doing really well. Of course, everyone has ups and downs. The older you get, the tougher it gets to stay consistent on the level.
“But we see whenever he’s ready, whenever he’s healthy and fit, he’s there. He’s playing great tennis. Just leave him alone. Let him just be. Imagine if he retired tomorrow, everyone is gonna be sad.”
Sabalenka added: “Don’t you think so? Of course, there’s another 10, 15 years for Jannik and Alcaraz to become one of the greatest. But just let him be.
“It was so sad to see the ceremony. Big Four were on the court. You understand that three of them retired.
“Everyone is missing their game. Just leave Novak to be there, to fight, and to show his greatness and to inspire the next generation.”
After suffering a defeat to Coco Gauff in the French Open final, Sabalenka said she asked Djokovic for advice on things she was struggling with. The 27-year-old said: “It’s amazing to hear opinions of such a legend.
“We were just chatting about stuff that I’m struggling with a little bit. I’m really thankful for the advice he gave me.”