MELBOURNE — Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, launched a fiery defense of Novak Djokovic’s dominance in men’s tennis, dismissing speculation about his potential retirement and warning critics to "stop underestimating" the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
The Belarusian star, known for her powerful game and unfiltered opinions, refused to entertain discussions about Djokovic’s longevity or fading title hopes after his recent semifinal loss at the 2024 Australian Open. Sabalenka, who successfully defended her Melbourne title this year, argued that Djokovic’s setbacks are temporary and that he remains the sport’s ultimate competitor.
Sabalenka’s Blunt Response to Retirement Talk
When asked about Djokovic’s future following his defeat to Jannik Sinner, Sabalenka cut off the conversation with a passionate rebuttal: "People need to stop writing Novak off every time he loses a match. He’s 36, not 46. He’s still the best player in the world, and he’ll prove it again."
Sabalenka pointed to Djokovic’s 2023 season—where he won three Grand Slams and reached the Wimbledon final—as evidence of his enduring dominance. She emphasized that his rare losses shouldn’t spark premature retirement debates:
- "He won nearly everything last year. One bad tournament doesn’t erase that."
- "If he’s ‘declining,’ then what does that say about the rest of the tour?"
- "He’s still faster, smarter, and more clutch than 99% of players. The narrative needs to change."
Djokovic’s Legacy Under Fire
Sabalenka’s outburst comes amid growing scrutiny over Djokovic’s form, particularly after his straight-sets loss to Sinner, where he failed to create a single break point. Some analysts have suggested that younger rivals like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are ushering in a generational shift.
But Sabalenka dismissed those claims, arguing that Djokovic’s adaptability has been underestimated for years: "People said the same thing when Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal] were dominating. Novak outlasted them. Why can’t he do it again?"
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Sabalenka cited Djokovic’s staggering statistics to reinforce her point:
- Most Grand Slam titles (24)
- Most weeks at World No. 1 (400+)
- Record 7 ATP Finals wins
"You don’t just wake up one day and forget how to play tennis. Novak’s a machine. He’ll adjust, he’ll come back stronger, and he’ll shut everyone up—again."
Sabalenka’s Warning to Critics
The two-time Grand Slam champion didn’t hold back in her criticism of the media’s treatment of Djokovic, accusing them of sensationalism: "Every time he loses, it’s ‘Is this the end?’ Give him a break. He’s earned the right to have a bad day."
She also warned younger players against underestimating Djokovic’s resilience, recalling his 2021 French Open comeback from two sets down against Stefanos Tsitsipas: "They think he’s done? Good. That’s when he’s most dangerous."
Conclusion: The Fire Still Burns
Sabalenka’s impassioned defense underscores Djokovic’s enduring influence on the sport. While his 2024 Australian Open campaign ended earlier than expected, his peers—especially those like Sabalenka, who’ve faced him in high-stakes matches—refuse to count him out.
As Djokovic prepares for the clay-court season, Sabalenka’s words serve as a reminder: "Until he says he’s done, don’t assume anything. Novak’s not here to prove anything to anyone—except maybe himself."