Aryna Sabalenka Seeks Credit From Novak Djokovic for his Heroic Performances in Shanghai

Aryna Sabalenka has been great friends with Novak Djokovic for quite a while.

Aryna Sabalenka Seeks Credit From Novak Djokovic for his Heroic Performances in Shanghai

Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Francesca)

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Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have both faced early tests in their first tournaments since the US Open. Sabalenka battled back from a set down to defeat Rebecca Sramkova at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, while Djokovic has been taken to three sets in two of his three matches at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Yet, according to the women’s world No. 1, their real preparation happened weeks earlier—away from official courts.

Before traveling to Asia, Sabalenka and her partner Georgios Frangulis spent time in Greece, where Djokovic now resides part-time. During their stay, Sabalenka and Djokovic shared several intense practice sessions that pushed both players physically and mentally.

Off the court, they also enjoyed a relaxed “double date” with their partners, adding a lighter touch to their competitive training routine. The Belarusian said in the post-match press conference:

Well, he was really competitive, and he would shout when he won a point against me. I scored a lot of points against him, FYI. I hope he confirms that! We practiced a few times. I hope I was a good practice partner. So far, he’s winning in Shanghai. So I think it was good practice. I really hope he goes all the way. If he wins the tournament, I could say it’s thanks to me! We had a great time in Greece. I love him and Elena (Djokovic’s wife). He’s always willing to give me advice. They’re so nice. We went to dinner. We had a really good time.

Their growing friendship has become a talking point on tour. Both champions have praised each other’s professionalism and competitive mindset, often exchanging advice during practice weeks. Sabalenka has credited Djokovic for his mental toughness, while she hopes her own attacking energy and mindset might rub off on him.

Djokovic, a four-time Shanghai Masters winner, is chasing his first hard-court title since 2023. As he aims to extend his record at the event, Sabalenka joked that he might owe part of his success to their joint preparation sessions. The two Grand Slam champions continue to inspire each other as they navigate the final stretch of the tennis season.

Aryna Sabalenka secures difficult win in Wuhan

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made a winning return to action at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, securing a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Rebecca Sramkova. It was her first match since lifting her fourth Grand Slam title at the US Open. After a slow start, Sabalenka found her rhythm in the second set and dominated from that point to wrap up the win in just under two hours.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (via US Open)

Wuhan has long been a special tournament for Sabalenka. The Belarusian won her first WTA 1000 title there in 2018 and has remained unbeaten at the event ever since. Her latest win improved her record in Wuhan to 18-0, marking the longest active streak at a single tournament since Caroline Wozniacki’s 20-match run in New Haven between 2008 and 2012.

Sramkova entered the match confident after her first-round win over Anna Kalinskaya, which had extended her own brief unbeaten run at the tournament. The Slovak, who reached the Top 50 last year after a breakthrough season that included her first WTA title in Hua Hin, showed flashes of her powerful game but could not keep pace once Sabalenka raised her level.

Next, Sabalenka will face Liudmila Samsonova in the third round. The 16th seed came from a set down to defeat Sofia Kenin 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, earning her first victory over the American in three meetings. Sabalenka leads Samsonova 3-2 in their head-to-head, including straight-sets wins in Cincinnati 2024 and Indian Wells 2025, setting up another intriguing battle between two heavy hitters.

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek to compete in renewed Dubai stadium

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will return next February with major upgrades to its venue. Scheduled for February 15-28 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the event will welcome the world’s top female players. Tickets are already on sale for what promises to be one of the biggest editions yet.

Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek
Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek (Image via X/#AusOpen, The Tennis Letter)

The WTA 1000 line-up will feature World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, and American sensation Coco Gauff. They will all be aiming to dethrone reigning champion Mirra Andreeva, who captured the title last year. The event will take place at the recently renovated stadium in Al Garhoud, adding to the anticipation.

Fans attending the 26th edition of the tournament can look forward to enhanced facilities, including a new 2,000-seat Court 1. Organizers also plan to expand Centre Court capacity by 50 percent ahead of the 2027 event. The improvements aim to elevate both player and fan experiences at the long-running competition.

Tickets for the 2026 tournament officially went on sale on October 8, with early bird discounts of 20 percent for the first three days. Prices start at just Dh52 per day, making it accessible for a wide range of spectators. Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free, said the upgrades will attract larger crowds, boost television coverage, and reinforce Dubai’s status as a world-class tennis destination.

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