World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka has claimed that Novak Djokovic helped her win the US Open following a detailed chat with the Serbian legend. Sabalenka, 27, clinched the title in New York, United States, after beating Amanda Anisimova in a thrilling final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It marked her fourth Grand Slam title, having won the Australian Open twice and now the US Open twice following her latest major success. Ahead of the 2025 6 Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sabalenka opened up on her US Open triumph and explained how 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic helped her en route to winning the tournament. Indeed, she revealed that the tennis duo first spoke at Wimbledon during the summer.
“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.”
It showed Djokovic’s class to go out of his way and support the world No 1, and sums up his attitude to his fellow pros.
Salabenka then expanded on her admiration for Djokovic and outlined that she has been practicing with the tennis veteran – something that has and is going to benefit her in the long run.
“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 formed a close bond off the court, too. Indeed, the pair were pictured on holiday together alongside their partners in Greece earlier this month.
In an Instagram post, Sabalenka revealed that she, along with her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis, enjoyed a double date with Djokovic and her wife Jelena, with the Belarus star sharing a couple of pictures.
Frangulis and Djokovic have also bonded over business, as they are co-investors in the French Ligue 2 football club Le Mans.
Former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen are among the others that have purchased a stake in the team.
Speaking after Djokovic’s investment was made public, Massa said 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.”