Novak Djokovic recently took the practice courts at Wimbledon to set his grip amid chasing the record 25th Grand Slam title. During an engaging practice session alongside the WTA World No.1, Aryna Sabalenka, he playfully named her mid-match grunting as a possible “hindrance” on the ATP tour. This drew a mixed set of reactions from fans.
Fans react to Novak Djokovic referring Sabalenka’s grunt as ‘hindrance’
Djokovic recently landed in London with a focus to chase his eighth title on the famous grass court major. His victory in the upcoming event would also match Roger Federer’s record. Making his 20th straight appearance at the tournament, the Serb took to the practice courts on Monday. He also shared a friendly moment and laughed alongside Sabalenka.
Amid their training session, Djokovic couldn’t refrain from sparing a statement for Sabalenka’s heavy grunt mid-match.
“That would be a hindrance on the ATP tour,” he said.
As soon as the comment made way on social media, fans stepped forward to extend reactions in various tones. A fan simply honored the Belarusian player with a title to downplay Djokovic’s comment.
“He’s the queen of selective grunting and he’s talking about hindrance lol,” he wrote.
He’s the queen of selective grunting and he’s talking about hindrance lol https://t.co/xMJgqMMCcP
— TomTom 🇵🇸 (@TomToTheTom) June 25, 2025
Another fan approved Djokovic’s word, mentioning how the effect of it could also be seen on the WTA tour.
“It definitely should be a hindrance on the @WTA tour as well,” he wrote.
It definitely should be a hindrance on the @WTA tour as well!
— Just Hangin Around (@dissident9108) June 25, 2025
Another fan took a jab at the 24-time Grand Slam champion, saying:
“The second time I agree with novak in his career (1st was when he said Roger is the greatest).”
The second time I agree with novak in his career (1st was when he said Roger is the greatest) 😉
— Na12345 (@nonee1234556) June 25, 2025
Another fan dragged in Carlos Alcaraz to mention how the ATP tour has also become annoying for him because of this.
“Alcaraz’ grunt is much more annoying. He’s the current reason I don’t watch ATP,” he wrote.
Alcaraz’ grunt is much more annoying. He’s the current reason I don’t watch ATP.
— BaiTala (@bai_tala) June 26, 2025
Grunting on the WTA Tour is often seen as a positive player tool as it helps athletes synchronize breathing with effort, and even boost shot power by around 4–5 %. Many legendary players are known for their distinctive grunts, for instance, Monica Seles, who helped normalize the habit in the early ’90s; Maria Sharapova, whose grunts reached over 100 dB; and others.
When Novak Djokovic received a violation for hindrance against Jannik Sinner
Besides calling Sabalenka’s grunt as a possible ‘hindrance’ on the ATP tour, Djokovic himself has been through the same violation in 2023. During his semifinal clash against Jannik Sinner in Wimbledon, the Serb was called out by the chair umpire for the grunts he made just a second after he hit the ball.
The umpire warned Novak Djokovic for hindrance because of the noise he made.
Thoughts on the decision? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/vq1prVLxUD
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) July 14, 2023
Despite moving ahead to argue with the official, he was ruled out, ending up with an official violation. However, this wasn’t the only violation he was handed in the 2023 semifinal clash. The Serb was also called out for taking longer than expected for his serves in the final set.
Despite the endless drama, the Serb secured a three-setter win over the Italian, but lost the final to Alcaraz. He will now attempt to secure a record 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming event.
