MONTE CARLO — In the high-stakes, often solitary world of professional tennis, genuine friendships can be rare. Yet, a surprising and solid connection has formed between two of the sport's most dominant figures: Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion from Serbia, and Aryna Sabalenka, the powerful two-time Australian Open winner from Belarus.
The bond between the World No. 1s was recently highlighted when Sabalenka opened up about their relationship, revealing that Djokovic took her out for a supportive dinner following her emotionally taxing semifinal loss at the 2023 Roland Garros. This gesture, she explained, is just one example of a mentorship and friendship that has become a cornerstone of her mental resilience on tour.
A Gesture of Support in Paris
The dinner took place in the wake of one of Sabalenka's most challenging matches. She had just fallen to Karolína Muchova in a dramatic three-set semifinal, a match where the pressure of potentially reaching her first French Open final seemed to weigh heavily. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow, and Sabalenka was visibly distraught. It was in this moment of vulnerability that Djokovic, a veteran of countless such battles, reached out.
Sabalenka recounted the story with clear appreciation, stating, "After Paris, I lost my semifinal, I was destroyed. Novak saw me and said, 'Let's go for a dinner. I need to talk to you.'" She admitted she initially thought he was going to criticize her performance, but the reality was far more supportive.
Over dinner, Djokovic did not focus on technical flaws or tactical errors. Instead, he offered perspective drawn from his own immense experience. "He told me, 'Listen, you have to understand something. You are such a great player, you are in the semifinals, you are so close. You have to remember that you are a great player and you have to start believing in yourself and remembering who you are.'"
The Foundation of a Cross-Generational Bond
This was not an isolated incident. The friendship between Sabalenka and Djokovic has been brewing for some time, built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared experience of navigating the pinnacle of the sport. Both hail from Slavic backgrounds, a cultural commonality that Sabalenka has pointed to as a key factor in their easy rapport.
She elaborated on their dynamic, noting, "We have a really good relationship. I call him 'my big brother.' We always talk, we always message each other. He's always there for me if I have any questions or if I need any advice. I'm just so grateful to have someone like him in my life."
This "big brother" role is one Djokovic seems to embrace. As one of the oldest and most accomplished players on tour, he has increasingly taken on a mentorship role for the next generation. For Sabalenka, who has been open about her past struggles with self-belief and on-court mentality, having access to Djokovic's wisdom has been invaluable. Their conversations often revolve around:
- Managing pressure and expectations
- The mental side of big matches
- Maintaining longevity in the sport
- Balancing personal life with a demanding career
This guidance has clearly paid dividends. Since solidifying her mental approach, Sabalenka has transformed from a talented but inconsistent player into a dominant force, reaching the finals of the last three Australian Opens and winning two of them, while also consistently challenging for the World No. 1 ranking.
More Than Just Words: A Shared Competitive Fire
While the emotional support is a significant component, their relationship is also rooted in a deep, mutual understanding of what it takes to be the best. They are two of the most physically imposing and aggressive players in the game, and they share a relentless drive to win. This common ground allows Djokovic to offer advice that is both empathetic and strategically astute.
Sabalenka has often spoken about how Djokovic emphasizes the importance of process over outcome—a hallmark of his own career. "He always tells me to focus on the process, to trust the work I've put in, and not to get too high or too low based on one result," she shared.
A United Front Off the Court
Their camaraderie extends beyond private dinners and text messages. They are often seen practicing together at tournaments, pushing each other to improve. During the recent "Netflix Slam" exhibition in Las Vegas, their friendly banter was on full display, with Djokovic joking about her powerful game and Sabalenka laughing along. This public friendship presents a united front, showcasing a supportive side of the sport that fans don't always see.
This is particularly poignant given the ongoing political tensions in the region. Both Serbia and Belarus have complex relationships with the West, and their top athletes often compete under intense scrutiny. In this context, their cross-border friendship serves as a powerful reminder of sport's ability to transcend politics and foster human connection.
The Impact on Sabalenka's Meteoric Rise
There is little doubt that Djokovic's influence has been a factor in Sabalenka's ascent. Her game has always been built on a foundation of raw power, but the mental fortitude required to consistently win majors was the final piece of the puzzle. By learning from the greatest men's player of all time, she has accelerated her own development.
She credits him with helping her reframe failure. "Before, a loss would destroy me for weeks. Now, I understand it's part of the journey. Novak helped me see that every champion has lost more times than they've won. It's about what you learn."
This shift in perspective was evident in her triumphant 2024 Australian Open campaign, where she navigated a difficult draw with unwavering focus and confidence, avenging her 2023 final loss and solidifying her status as the tour's most formidable hard-court player.
A Testament to Sportsmanship and Community
The story of Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka is more than a simple tale of two tennis stars being friendly. It is a testament to the importance of community and mentorship within the individualistic world of professional sports. In an environment often characterized by intense rivalry, their relationship stands out as a beacon of support and shared growth.
Djokovic, by extending his hand, has helped cultivate the confidence of a fellow champion. Sabalenka, by being open to guidance, has gained not just a mentor but a trusted friend. As Sabalenka herself perfectly summarized, "It's really amazing to have such a strong relationship with one of the greatest athletes in the world."
This unique bond between the Serbian legend and the Belarusian powerhouse underscores a profound truth: even at the very top, where the pressure is immense and the spotlight is blinding, a simple act of kindness—like a dinner and a conversation—can make all the difference in the world.