The tennis world loves a good social media exchange, and Novak Djokovic just delivered one with perfect timing. Seven months after his GQ magazine photoshoot, the Serbian champion decided to show off his modeling skills while playfully challenging Aryna Sabalenka to step up her posing game. What followed was exactly the kind of lighthearted banter that makes these superstars more relatable to fans worldwide.
How Did Aryna Sabalenka React to Novak Djokovic’s Playful Challenge?
Djokovic recently shared several striking images from his GQ magazine cover photoshoot, which took place earlier this year before the 2025 Australian Open. The former World No. 1 sat down for an interview with GQ and participated in a photoshoot for the February 2025 issue, which included both the cover and an extensive spread within the magazine.
The photos showcased Djokovic in stylish Lacoste ensembles, the luxury sports fashion brand he has represented as an ambassador since 2017. He complemented his look with a Hublot watch while striking poses on a yacht, creating a sophisticated aesthetic that perfectly captured his off-court personality.
However, it was Djokovic’s caption that really caught attention. Rather than simply sharing the throwback images, he decided to have some fun with fellow tennis star Sabalenka.
“Throwback to my @gq shoot. This is how you strike a pose, @arynasabalenka 😆,” Djokovic wrote on his Instagram post.
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Sabalenka proved she’s just as good at friendly competition off the court as she is on it. The Belarusian didn’t miss a beat in her response, gracefully acknowledging Djokovic’s modeling prowess while adding her own touch of humor.
“I have to admit, you did well 😂,” Sabalenka replied.
This playful exchange comes as both players are taking some time away from competition. Djokovic and Sabalenka last competed at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, reaching the semifinals before falling to eventual runner-up Amanda Anisimova and champion Jannik Sinner, respectively.
When Will Djokovic and Sabalenka Return to Competition?
After withdrawing from the 2025 Canadian Open, both tennis stars are expected to make their return at the 2025 Cincinnati Open. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 18, 2025, at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
For Djokovic, Cincinnati holds special significance. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has claimed the ATP Masters 1000 hard court title three times, capturing victories in 2018, 2020, and 2023. He’s also finished as runner-up five times, making this tournament one of his most successful regular tour stops.
His most recent triumph in 2023 showcased vintage Djokovic form. Entering as the second seed, he began his campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. His path to the title included victories over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (6-4, 0-0 retd.), Gaël Monfils (6-3, 6-2), ninth seed Taylor Fritz (6-0, 6-4), and 16th seed Alexander Zverev (7-6(5), 7-5).
The championship match proved to be a classic encounter against top seed Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic triumphed with a scoreline of 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4), claiming his third Cincinnati Masters title and his 39th ATP Tour Masters 1000 title overall.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka arrives in Cincinnati with even more pressure, as she’ll be defending her title from 2024. The World No. 1 put together a dominant run last year, starting as the third seed and receiving a first-round bye before showcasing her championship form.
Her title defense began with solid victories over Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-3, 6-4 and Elina Svitolina 7-5, 6-2Â in the second and third rounds, respectively.
In the tournament’s later stages, Sabalenka elevated her game further, defeating Liudmila Samsonova 6-3, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.
The semifinal presented her biggest test when she faced Iga ÅšwiÄ…tek, but Sabalenka rose to the occasion with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory. In the championship match, she completed her Cincinnati conquest by defeating Jessica Pegula with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-5, claiming her sixth and 15th titles of her career on the WTA Tour.
Both players will use Cincinnati as crucial preparation for the 2025 US Open, where the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sabalenka will defend her US Open title after defeating Pegula in the 2024 final, while Djokovic continues his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title and his fifth US Open championship.
