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Aryna Sabalenka Recognises Novak Djokovic’s Efforts in Her Winning Run with a Cheeky Response

Published 02/18/2024, 9:30 AM EST

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via Imago

Aryna Sabalenka opened this year with a fantastic performance, winning her second Australian Open title, and defending her 2023 crown. Now, she will play in the Dubai Tennis Championships to continue her 2024 run. Before the tournament, Sabalenka gave an interview where she talked about how being around Novak Djokovic put her on the path to winning slams.

Djokovic and Sabalenka have developed a great bond over the years they have played on the tour. Aside from Djokovic’s mojo rubbing off on the Belarusian, fans also saw them having fun during the Australian Open.

Aryna Sabalenka finds great form by being around Novak Djokovic

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Aryna Sabalenka demolished each player who stepped up to her in Melbourne, clinching her second consecutive AO. Also, her second Grand Slam victory in total was an important win for the Belarusian beauty, who also thanked the World No. 1 in ATP for it. Speaking to the press before the match in Dubai, she was asked about Djokovic in a pre-tournament interview.

via Reuters

The reporter talked to her about the time she was hanging out with Djokovic, and both had the same team and were training together. Since then, she won two Australian Open titles, and a reporter questioned if she was influenced by Djokovic. “I guess I need to speak more often to Novak maybe. Maybe that’s why I’m winning. I need to talk about that (laughter). But, no, we didn’t joke around about the topic.”

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Sabalenka and Djokovic, the 2023 Australian Open champions, have developed a good friendship over the years. They showed the comfort they have around one another at an event earlier this year.

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Sabalenka and Djokovic always share a good laugh

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka had a good time playing earlier in January. They attempted to kick a bottle off someone’s head. While Sabalenka executed it flawlessly, Djokovic failed to hit the target. 

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While the rest of the ATP and the WTA were busy preparing for the tournament, the two players were having fun together. Sabalenka defended the title successfully, while Djokovic went out in the semifinal. They will continue to play in tournaments on tour, and their bond will develop over time as well. 

Watch This Story – ‘Why Is His Brother Taking a Video..Sweet Home Alabama?’ – Tennis Fans React Hilariously to Unearthed Novak Djokovic Underwear Photo

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Written by:

Ripunjay Gaba

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One take at a time

Ripunjay Gaba, a tennis enthusiast-turned-journalist at EssentiallySports, found his way from freelance sports journalism to the publishing house in ES. Here, his writing canvas encompasses the game specifics while finding poetic resonance in covering major sporting events. Ripunjay, a perpetual upgrader, uses avid reading to bring varied flavor to his Tennis reporting.
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Edited by:

Arunima Bhanot