Aryna Sabalenka’s close friendship with Novak Djokovic is no secret. The pair have thrown cheeky digs at one another’s dancing ability in the past and are often seen having a laugh and a joke whenever they’re in each other’s company.
But the WTA Tour No.1 lifted the lid on a recent get-together the pair had, revealing Sabalenka and the Djokovic clan went out for dinner together while abroad. Speaking during her Wuhan Open campaign, Sabalenka said the pair were with each other at a training camp in Greece.
She explained to Tennis365: “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.”
Sabalenka shared a snap on social media showing her and her partner enjoying the time in Greece with Djokovic and his significant other.
She continued: “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 come to the defence of the all-time men’s Grand Slam champion, claiming outside noise is putting too much pressure on Djokovic.
Speaking in the summer, she said: “You guys are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. 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.”
She 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.”
