Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic shared an amusing moment as the former’s pre-Wimbledon press conference wrapped up. Both stars were among the early arrivals at the All England Club and had already begun their preparations for the coveted grass-court Major.
While Sabalenka chases her first Wimbledon title this year, Djokovic will aim for his eighth to tie Swiss icon Roger Federer’s record.
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka Share a Light-Hearted Moment Ahead of Their Wimbledon Campaigns
Just like the previous year, Djokovic opted to skip the lead-up tournament to Wimbledon and directly started his practice at the All England Club in London. Sabalenka, meanwhile, shifted her focus to the grass-court swing following a decent run on clay. The WTA World No. 1 featured only at the Berlin Tennis Open in the lead-up, where she reached the semifinals but lost in straight sets to eventual champion Marketa Vondroušová.
Ahead of his 20th appearance at the Wimbledon Championships, Djokovic joined Sabalenka for an engaging practice session. Days later, during her pre-tournament press conference, the Belarusian was asked about that experience. As the presser neared its end, Djokovic made a surprise entrance.
“Oh, really? Seriously? Oh you see guys. Come on in here. We can talk, chat. They were asking about like what we’ve been chatting after our hit (practice session). You want to sit?” Sabalenka said.
As Sabalenka offered him her seat, Djokovic politely declined, but both insisted on each other to sit. Eventually, Sabalenka sat back down. Djokovic then asked what the question was, and Sabalenka replied:
“They asked like what we’ve been chatting after our 1 hour hit. First of all, actually, let me ask a question. What do you think about hitting with me? How do you see my level? Am I good?”
In response to Sabalenka’s question, the 24-time Grand Slam champion offered an honest revelation.
“I think you have the potential. You’re really talented player. Nice strokes, good technique, but can I be honest? You’re lacking intensity on the court. You don’t have enough intensity. It’s too flat,” he said.
The Serb also suggested that the Belarusian add more power to her shots, prompting a hilarious response from her.
“Before this guy was my favorite player, but not anymore, obviously (laughs).”
During their practice session, Djokovic and Sabalenka’s playful bond came through, where the Serb jokingly described her grunting as a ‘hindrance on tour.’
Djokovic and Sabalenka Will Soon Start Their Wimbledon Campaigns
Djokovic and Sabalenka will likely be in high spirits as they chase the coveted grass-court Major. The Belarusian will open her campaign against Canada’s Carson Branstine, who is also a professional model currently signed with two agencies. Branstine impressed in the qualifiers, defeating Loïs Boisson, Bianca Andreescu, and Raluca Georgiana to reach the main draw. Their opening-round match on June 30 will be their first-ever meeting on tour.
More: Novak Djokovic’s First Wimbledon Opponent Makes His Feelings Clear After Draw Release
Djokovic, meanwhile, enters the tournament as the sixth seed and will open his campaign against France’s Alexandre Müller on Tuesday. Müller arrives at Wimbledon on the back of a disappointing lead-up, having suffered first-round exits in both Halle and Mallorca. The Serb has done well on the grass courts of southwest London, reaching the final in the last six editions and winning four of them.
