Aryna Sabalenka has won four Grand Slam titles and the world No 1 has opened up about how Novak Djokovic helped her win the US Open earlier this year with a lengthy chat
World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka has revealed that Novak Djokovic played a crucial role in her US Open triumph after the pair had an in-depth conversation about mental preparation.
The 27-year-old secured her second US Open crown after defeating Amanda Anisimova in a captivating final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory marked her fourth Grand Slam triumph, adding to her pair of Australian Open titles and her previous US Open success.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 6 Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – which Djokovic will feature in – Sabalenka disclosed how the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s wisdom proved instrumental in her latest major breakthrough. The Belarusian revealed their initial discussion took place during the summer grass-court season at Wimbledon.
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“At Wimbledon I spoke to Novak (Djokovic),” Sabalenka said. “I just wanted to know how he was preparing himself for those big matches – what was the focus and what was his mindset going into the match.
“So we talked for an hour probably, but with Novak you always can spend more than that talking and asking for advice. And then later on, going to the US Open final, I remembered what he said, what he told me, and I think it helped me to get the title.”
The gesture demonstrated Djokovic’s generous nature in taking time to mentor the world No 1, perfectly encapsulating his approach towards fellow professionals on the tour.
Sabalenka then elaborated on her respect for the Serbian icon and revealed she has been training alongside the tennis legend – an arrangement that continues to prove invaluable for her development. “He’s a great guy and he’s very open,” Sabalenka added, via TennisONE.
“You can ask anything and he can give you advice. I love practicing with him because for me it’s such high-intensity training.
“It just helps me physically and even mentally to get better. And then when I play against girls, I’m not getting tired physically because I practice with Novak (Djokovic).”
Sabalenka and Djokovic have developed a strong friendship away from the tennis courts as well. The duo were snapped enjoying a sunshine break together with their respective partners in Greece earlier this month.
Through an Instagram post, Sabalenka disclosed that she and her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis had enjoyed a romantic foursome with Djokovic and his wife Jelena, with the Belarusian sensation posting several snaps.
Frangulis and Djokovic have also struck up a partnership in the business world, joining forces as co-investors in French Ligue 2 football side Le Mans.
Ex-Formula 1 racers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen are among the other high-profile figures who have bought shares in the club.
Following the announcement of Djokovic’s investment, Massa declared in a statement: “I think everyone knows my passion for football, which is leading me to take this step today.
“Le Mans FC has a strong connection with motorsport, and when my good friend and partner at Oakberry, Georgios Frangulis, presented the project to me, I wanted to be a part of it – especially alongside people I deeply respect, like Djokovic, who needs no introduction, and Magnussen, with whom I shared many years in Formula 1.
“It’s undeniably a great opportunity, taking advantage of the momentum of French football, the reigning Champions League champion, which is currently attracting significant investment.”