LONDON — Aryna Sabalenka's commanding victory over Emma Raducanu in the third round of Wimbledon was not just a display of her raw power—it was also aided by an unexpected source: 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. The Belarusian world No. 3 revealed after her 6-3, 7-5 win that she had sought advice from Djokovic ahead of the high-profile clash.
Sabalenka, who has struggled with consistency on grass in the past, credited Djokovic’s tactical insights for helping her dismantle Raducanu’s game. "I spoke with Novak a few days ago about how to approach playing on grass, especially against someone like Emma who moves so well," Sabalenka admitted in her post-match press conference. "His advice was invaluable."
Djokovic’s Grass-Court Wisdom
Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, is renowned for his adaptability and strategic brilliance on grass. Sabalenka shared that their conversation focused on:
- Adjusting footwork to handle the low bounce of grass courts
- Using slice backhands to disrupt Raducanu’s rhythm
- Maintaining patience in rallies despite Raducanu’s defensive skills
The Belarusian executed these tactics flawlessly, overpowering Raducanu with her serve and dictating play from the baseline. "Novak told me to stay calm and trust my game, even if Emma made some great shots," Sabalenka said. "That mental edge made a huge difference."
Raducanu’s Valiant Effort
Despite the loss, Raducanu showed flashes of the form that propelled her to the 2021 US Open title. The British star fought back from 1-4 down in the second set, thrilling the Centre Court crowd with her trademark counterpunching. However, Sabalenka’s relentless aggression proved too much.
"Aryna was just too good today," Raducanu conceded. "She served incredibly and didn’t give me many opportunities. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger."
Key Match Statistics
Sabalenka dominated with:
- 78% first-serve points won
- 32 winners to Raducanu’s 14
- Breaking Raducanu’s serve three times
Sabalenka’s Path Forward
With the win, Sabalenka advances to the fourth round, where she will face either Jelena Ostapenko or Barbora Krejcikova. The Belarusian is now a strong contender for the title, having previously reached the semifinals in 2021.
"I feel like I’m playing my best tennis on grass now," Sabalenka said. "Novak’s advice gave me that extra confidence. I’m just going to keep trusting my game."
Djokovic’s Influence on Rivals
This isn’t the first time Djokovic has shared his expertise with fellow players. Known for his sportsmanship, he has previously mentored younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. His willingness to help Sabalenka underscores his role as an ambassador for the sport.
"Novak is always generous with his knowledge," Sabalenka added. "It’s amazing to have someone like him in tennis."
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Sabalenka?
Sabalenka’s victory over Raducanu, fueled by Djokovic’s guidance, could mark a turning point in her grass-court career. If she maintains this level, she’ll be a formidable threat for the Wimbledon title. Meanwhile, Raducanu’s performance, though ending in defeat, signals promising progress as she rebuilds her game after injury setbacks.
"This is just the beginning," Sabalenka declared. "I’m here to win."