Sep 7, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in action against Jessica Pegula of the United States after beating her in the final of the women’s singles on day thirteen of the U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

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Aryna Sabalenka Reveals What Makes Her Friendship With ‘GOAT’ Novak Djokovic Truly Special

Belarusian-Serbian duo forged a great equation over the years.

Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic’s friendship isn’t hidden from anyone in the tennis world. The two of them regularly train together, have exhibitions, and share praises for each other. The WTA World No. 1 and the 24-time Grand Slam champion have immense mutual respect for one another. However, just what makes this relationship so special for Sabalenka? The 27-year-old recently revealed in an interesting interview.

Aryna Sabalenka Reveals Her Favorite Part of the Friendship With Novak Djokovic

As Aryna Sabalenka prepares to avoid ending 2025 without a Grand Slam, she recently opened up about her deep admiration for Djokovic. Sabalenka admitted that she tends to take advice from the tennis legend whenever she feels lost. “This guy is the best. He’s so fun,” Sabalenka described the Djoker. However, this was just the beginning as she explained what makes Djokovic so special.

Aryna Sabalenka discusses her friendship with Novak Djokovic 🫶 pic.twitter.com/GhYmbhKnIr
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 22, 2025

“He’s the most open person. Whenever you have a question or you’re adopting something, and you just want to have an advice from the GOAT, he’s open to talk,” Sabalenka revealed. It isn’t surprising to hear such big praise coming from Sabalenka for Djokovic. During Wimbledon, Sabalenka had revealed how the 38-year-old star had helped her solve a key problem in her game.

Sabalenka had admitted how Djokovic taught her how to mentally handle the pressure of big finals. The Djoker has always been known as a mental monster, so it’s natural that players would like to learn the secret behind that mentality. But he also helped solve Sabalenka’s technical issues.

More importantly, Djokovic has also helped Sabalenka in improving her return. In fact, she has picked up on his style to such an extent that the 38-year-old playfully taunts her for it. However, now both these friends are looking to end their Grand Slam droughts in the US Open. But can they succeed?

Sabalenka and Djokovic Face a Big Battle Ahead

Both Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic are going through an unusual year. Sabalenka played the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, but came up short each time. The Belarusian failed to go past the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

While the three-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t had a bad year by any means, she is inable to find that finishing touch. With the US Open being one of her strongest events over the years, it is the perfect opportunity for her to end her drought. While Sabalenka has time in hand, the same can’t be said about Djokovic.

🇷🇸🇺🇸 Novak Djokovic’s 2025 US Open draw:

R1 – Tien
R2 – Q/LL
R3 – Michelsen
R4 – Rune/Tiafoe
QF – Fritz/Mensik/Machac
SF – Alcaraz/Shelton/Ruud
F – Sinner/Zverev/Draper/de Minaur

📸 Matt Rourke/AP pic.twitter.com/y9YU3TGD8X
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 21, 2025

Despite being an absolute machine in his prime, age is slowly catching up to Djokovic. Though the star has reached the semi-finals in each of the Grand Slams this year, it has been difficult for him to outlast the young guard of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. In fact, Djokovic has lost twice to Sinner in Grand Slam semi-finals this year. The Serb is naturally looking for his record-setting 25th title, and hard courts seem to be his best bet to achieve the same.

Although Djokovic has been handed a reasonably good draw, one can’t deny the US Open’s penchant of dishing out surprises. Can Djokovic finally find a way to end his rough patch? Only time will tell.

Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Aryna Sabalenka

ATP

Novak Djokovic

Tennis

US Open 2025

WTA

Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.