'Hindrance': Djokovic Brutally Honest About Sabalenka's Controversial Grunt

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka trained together ahead of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, and a journalist reported a humorous moment from the session.

Djokovic and Sabalenka are known to get along well off the court. The pair have practiced together before, and the WTA world No. 1 has looked up to the Serbian for his incredible achievements and mentality for many years.

Both players have huge motivation to win this year's Wimbledon, but for different reasons. Djokovic hopes to secure an eighth title at SW19, which would put him level with Roger Federer for the most men's singles titles.

By contrast, Sabalenka seeks both her first Wimbledon crown and first Grand Slam title outside of hard courts. She will also want to make up for missing last year's tournament because of an injury.

Players want to get high-quality practice before the most significant events, and Djokovic and Sabalenka ensured that happened by training together on Wednesday. The session included a funny moment.

According to journalist Tumaini Carayol, who watched the practice, Djokovic joked about Sabalenka's infamous loud grunt after she hit the ball by telling her, "That would be a hindrance on the ATP Tour."

Sabalenka took no offense and replied, "I thought we were friends." The duo then continued to train in good spirits in an environment that sounded relaxed and conducive to building momentum ahead of Wimbledon.

Djokovic was probably referring to when he was controversially called for a hindrance in his 2023 Wimbledon semifinal against Jannik Sinner. The tennis legend grunted loudly after hitting a powerful shot during one of the rallies.

He could not believe it when the umpire swiftly called a hindrance, arguing that Sinner's next move was impacted by Djokovic's unexpectedly loud and lengthy grunt. The decision caused considerable controversy and division among fans.

Carayol also reported that Djokovic and Sabalenka spoke on the court for about 30 minutes, or possibly even a little longer on the court afterward, and that the 24-time Grand Slam champion made a genuine effort to help her.

Djokovic asked about Sabalenka's career and gave her many tips and kind words. Receiving that positivity from the person whom many consider to be the greatest player in tennis history could be very helpful for her moving forward.

In a recent interview, Djokovic recounted how Rafael Nadal and especially Roger Federer were cold to him when he first emerged onto the ATP Tour. Although his relationship with Nadal was never perfect, he has always gotten along better with him than with Federer.

Some of the current Top 20 players have praised Djokovic for how he treated them as young players. The former ATP world No. 1 has spoken about liking the respectful relationships he enjoys with the younger generations and remembers not receiving that.

Djokovic's encouragement of Sabalenka might have helped to lift the two-time Australian Open winner and shake off any lingering disappointment from her 2025 Roland Garros loss to Coco Gauff. The Belarusian fell despite winning the opening set after a superb defensive display from her opponent.