'Leave Him Alone': Sabalenka Defends Djokovic From Pressure At Roland Garros
NewsSaturday, 31 May 2025 at 17:51
Aryna Sabalenka has a very good relationship with Novak Djokovic, and she recently defended him after being asked a question about the Serbian at Roland Garros.
Sabalenka is the highest-ranked player on the WTA Tour, but she is not in the spotlight only on the tennis courts, but also away from them. The Belarusian's bubbly personality makes it easy for her to have many friends around the Tour, one of whom is Novak Djokovic.
The two are often seen together when they cross paths in the players' areas. One such moment also occurred at Roland Garros when Sabalenka showed the Serbian a picture he took with her goddaughter.
Sabalenka respects Djokovic, and the same applies the other way around as well. The WTA World No. 1 player even faced a question about the 38-year-old legend recently.
Sabalenka was asked about Djokovic during her press conference at Roland Garros, but she felt like the question about the Serbian wasn't necessary. The three-time Grand Slam champion thinks that all the questions about the 100-time ATP titlist create unnecessary pressure.
"You are trying to put all the pressure possible on Novak. Leave him alone. Look at him. He is fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he's ready to play, I don't know, another two, three years. I don't know, I don't know. He is doing very well, you know."
Sabalenka is aware of the fact that Djokovic has struggled to produce his best tennis in recent months. Still, she thinks it's normal that someone who is 38 struggles to be as consistent as he once used to be.
"Of course, everyone has ups and downs. You know, I think the older you get, the harder it is, like, to stay consistent at that level. But we see that whenever he is ready, whenever he is healthy and fit, he is there, and he is playing great tennis. So, leave him alone. Let him be."
Sabalenka also reminded everyone of Rafael Nadal's recent ceremony at Roland Garros. Many are now speculating about Djokovic's retirement, but the Belarusian player thinks that once he really chooses to retire, everyone will realize how they didn't cherish his moments on the court.
"Imagine if he retired tomorrow, everyone would be sad, right? Don't you think? So, there are another 10, 15 years for Siner and Alcaraz to become some of the greatest. But, you know, leave him alone."
"It was very sad to see Nadal's ceremony, the big four were on the court, and you understand that three of them retired. Everyone misses their matches."
For now, Sabalenka and Djokovic can both continue thinking about winning a trophy at Roland Garros this year. The women's top seed will play against Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round of the tournament, while Djokovic will play against Filip Misolic in the third round.
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