Aryna Sabalenka defends Novak Djokovic in opposition to critics: ‘Let Novak present his greatness’ | ATP Tour

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Sabalenka defends Djokovic in opposition to critics: ‘Let Novak present his greatness’

WTA World No. 1 was requested about Serbian’s longevity

Might 31, 2025

Novak Djokovic continues to defy the growing older curve together with his achievements. The 38-year-old is contemporary from capturing his a hundredth tour-level trophy and is that this week chasing a document twenty fifth main title at Roland Garros.

But whereas some nonetheless query Djokovic’s capability to compete on the highest stage, Hologic WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka despatched a transparent message in defence of the previous No. 1 within the PIF ATP Rankings and his eye-catching achievements.

“You are attempting to place as a lot stress as you may on Novak. Go away him alone,” Sabalenka candidly stated in a press convention in Paris when requested about Djokovic’s longevity. “Have a look at him. He is match, sturdy. Mentally, bodily, I feel he is able to play one other two, three years. He is doing rather well.

“In fact, [there are] ups and downs, everybody has [them]. I consider the older you get, the more durable it will get to remain constant on the extent. However we see every time he is prepared, every time he is wholesome and match, he is there, and he is enjoying nice tennis.”

Whereas Sabalenka acknowledged the inevitable challenges that include a chronic tennis profession, she emphasised Djokovic’s confirmed capability to rise to the event.

Referring to 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony Sunday, the place his biggest rivals Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray had been current, Sabalenka additionally pointed to the absence of the ‘Large 4’ as a poignant reminder of the game’s shifting panorama.

“Think about if he retires tomorrow, then everybody goes to be unhappy, no? Then there’s one other 10, 15 years for Jannik [Sinner] and [Carlos] Alcaraz to turn into one of many biggest,” added Sabalenka. “However simply let him be.

“It was so unhappy to see the ceremony, the ‘Large 4’ had been on the court docket and also you perceive that three of them are retired. Everyone seems to be lacking their video games. So let’s simply let Novak be there to point out and battle and present his greatness and to encourage that technology.”

Djokovic has skilled a turbulent season since reaching the semi-finals on the Australian Open, the place he was compelled to retire in opposition to Alexander Zverev. He notably fell to opening-round defeats in Doha, Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo and Madrid, however dismissed any doubts by profitable his a hundredth title in Geneva final week.

With a third-round victory over Filip Misolic at Roland Garros — their first Lexus ATP Head2Head conflict — Djokovic would document his 99th match win at Roland Garros, which might equal his finest mark at a single Grand Slam match. He owns a 98-16 document, in line with the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, heading into Saturday’s match.