MELBOURNE — In a lighthearted yet headline-grabbing moment at the Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka playfully crashed Novak Djokovic’s post-match interview, jokingly accusing the 24-time Grand Slam champion of talking "forever" during his press conferences. The incident, which quickly went viral, showcased the camaraderie between two of tennis’ biggest stars.
Sabalenka’s Surprise Interruption
The scene unfolded after Djokovic’s straight-sets victory over Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round of the 2024 Australian Open. As the Serb began his on-court interview with former player Jim Courier, Sabalenka—fresh off her own dominant win—suddenly appeared, grinning as she pretended to check her watch. "I was waiting for my interview, but Novak just talks forever!" she quipped, sending the crowd into laughter.
Djokovic, known for his lengthy and insightful press conferences, took the jab in stride. "Aryna, you know I have to answer all the questions—it’s part of the job!" he fired back, before inviting her to join him. The duo shared a warm hug, much to the delight of fans at Rod Laver Arena.
Fan and Media Reactions
The spontaneous moment became an instant social media sensation, with fans praising the pair’s chemistry. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg tweeted: "Sabalenka crashing Djokovic’s interview might be the most relatable thing ever. We’ve all been there, waiting for Novak to finish speaking!"
Other notable reactions included:
- "This is why we love tennis—top rivals can still have fun together." — ESPN Tennis
- "Aryna’s timing was perfect. Even Djokovic couldn’t resist laughing." — The Tennis Podcast
Behind the Friendship
While Sabalenka and Djokovic compete fiercely on court, their off-court rapport is well-documented. Both have spoken highly of each other in interviews, with Sabalenka once calling Djokovic "an inspiration for all athletes from smaller countries."
Shared Serbian Connections
Sabalenka, though representing Belarus, has strong ties to Serbia, where she trained early in her career. Djokovic, a national hero in Serbia, has often supported her rise. "We understand each other’s journeys," Sabalenka said in a 2023 interview.
The Bigger Picture: Tennis’ Entertaining Side
The interaction highlighted a growing trend in tennis where players showcase their personalities more freely. From Nick Kyrgios’ antics to Iga Świątek’s post-match jokes, the sport is embracing its lighter side. "Fans love these moments—it humanizes the players," said former champion Martina Navratilova.
What’s Next for Sabalenka and Djokovic?
Both players advanced to the quarterfinals in Melbourne, with Sabalenka defending her 2023 title and Djokovic chasing an 11th Australian Open crown. Whether their paths cross again this tournament remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their friendship—and playful banter—will continue to entertain.
As Djokovic later joked in his press conference: "Next time, Aryna, I’ll keep it short. Maybe." The room erupted in laughter once more, proving that even in high-stakes tennis, there’s always room for humor.