Aryna Sabalenka Jokes Novak Djokovic ‘Begged’ Her to Pair Up for US Open Mixed Doubles

The Cincinnati Open is underway. Novak Djokovic crashed out following his three-set defeat to Thiago Agustin Tirante in the opening round. He will next be seen in action at the US Open, the main draw rounds in singles of which are set to start on August 30.

But before playing in singles, Djokovic will participate in the revamped mixed doubles event, and his partner will be none other than Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian ace, who couldn’t compete last year due to Grigor Dimitrov‘s withdrawal, has warned other pairs that she and Djokovic have set their eyes on the title.

Djokovic played in the event last year alongside compatriot Olga Danilovic, but they suffered an opening-round defeat to Russian pair Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev. For this year’s event, Djokovic “begged” Sabalenka to join forces with him.

Well, you know, he was begging me to play with him, and I said, ‘You know what…of course, legend, I’ll help you out. And let’s try to have fun and go for the title.’ So, I guess it’s true. We are playing. It’s gonna be so much fun. I’m super excited.

Aryna Sabalenka said during her on-court interview after her opening-round win in Cincinnati

Sabalenka defeated Talia Gibson in the opening round to set up a third-round clash with Wang Xinyu. The World No.1 is a one-time champion in Cincinnati, winning in 2024. But she lost in the quarterfinals last year.

The four-time Grand Slam singles champion has not yet played a final since winning the Miami Open by beating Coco Gauff. Since that win, she has played just one semifinal, in Berlin. Before arriving in the Ohio city, Sabalenka played at the Canadian Open, where her run ended in the fourth round.

Thiago Agustin Tirante shares the key to beating Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic faced Argentine ace Thiago Agustin Tirante for the first time in his career. The 39-year-old easily won the first set, and it seemed he would comfortably win the match. But toward the end of the match, he struggled to perform and even threw up into the towel.

Tirante called his win over the 24-time Grand Slam champion the best match of his career. The 25-year-old, in fact, competed in Cincinnati for the second time in his career after making his debut last year.

I was very nervous. I think the people saw it in the first set. I think I don’t do very well, you know. It was my first meeting with him. I don’t even practice with him, never. So it was all new for me to play in the central court here against him. You say Novak, and you think tennis, you know? So yeah, I was very nervous, but I think I do very good job after with my team to give that off.

Thiago Agustin Tirante told Tennis Channel

Tirante scheduled his third-round match against Martin Landaluce, who defeated Matteo Arnaldi. So far in his career, he has made the fourth round of Masters 1000 events twice, both in this year’s Italian Open and the Canadian Open.

I spoke with my team before the match, [they said] ‘Never give up’. I think that’s was the key, keep believing in me and in my team, because it was very, very tough, but I think that helped me because I don’t have more nerves after that game because I very tired.

Thiago Agustin Tirante added

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz pulled out as he is nursing a wrist injury. Last year’s runner-up Jannik Sinner is also not competing due to a knee injury. Their participation at the US Open is now uncertain.

Also read: Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Demands Tennis Rule Overhaul After Novak Djokovic’s Loss at Cincinnati