Training sessions in Greece fuel Djokovic’s strong showing
Aryna Sabalenka has playfully taken credit for Novak Djokovic’s surge at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, highlighting the competitive practice sessions they shared during her recent vacation in Greece. The WTA world No. 1 and the 24-time Grand Slam champion spent time honing their games together, with Sabalenka joking that her hitting may have been a key factor in Djokovic’s early wins.
“I hope I was a great hitting partner,” Sabalenka said during her post-match press conference at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open. “So far, he’s winning in Shanghai. I guess I was, it was a good one. I really hope he’s gonna go all the way. He’s gonna win the tournament, and I’m gonna say it was all me.”
Friends on and off the court
Sabalenka and Djokovic’s friendship goes beyond training. The pair, along with their partners, shared a “dream double date” while vacationing in Greece. Sabalenka described their sessions as intense and competitive, noting Djokovic’s energy on the court.
“He was really competitive, and he was screaming,” she said. “I did ‘Come on!’ when he was winning points against me, but I won a lot of points against him for the record. I hope he’s gonna confirm that.”
This camaraderie reflects a broader trend of mutual respect and learning between the two stars. Sabalenka emphasized that Djokovic has been generous with advice throughout her career, and she continues to draw inspiration from his approach to the game.
“I love them, like him and Jelena. He’s always open to give me advice,” Sabalenka added.
Djokovic aiming for Shanghai glory
Djokovic is chasing his first hard-court title since 2023 and his fifth Shanghai Masters crown, a tournament record. With Sabalenka’s “assistance” in their training sessions, the Serbian superstar appears poised to make another deep run.
Sabalenka’s humorous yet heartfelt comments underline not only the personal bond they share but also the ways elite players push each other to perform at their best.