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With the Wimbledon Championships starting in a couple days, the world’s top players have descended to the grass courts in the United Kingdom. While some are striving hard on the practice courts, some have mixed practice and fun together to freshen up for the big tournament. Can you guess where the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic are up to? Well, no prizes for guessing as the two are having quite some fun out there while preparing for the tournament. Earlier today, the duo was involved in one such fun moment, which is sure to make your day.

After hitting out on the grass courts at Wimbledon, Sabalenka was involved in a pre-tournament press conference, as she described her preparations going into the tournament. While the interview was going on, Novak Djokovic surprised one and all by walking into the room. Sabalenka then turned toward Djokovic and questioned him, “What do you think about hitting with me? How do you see my level? Am I good?” Those who are aware of the playful dynamic between Sabalenka and Djokovic could probably see his lighthearted rib coming from a mile away: “I think you have the potential. You’re like really talented player. Nice strokes, good technique. Can I be honest? You’re lacking intensity on the court. You don’t have enough intensity,” jested Djokovic.

To which Sabalenka questioned, “Really?” with a wry smile. “That’s what you’re gonna say right now?” But Djokovic wasn’t done with his “advice” for the World No. 1. “It’s too flat. You gotta lighten up a little bit. Put some power into it,” he concluded his assessment.

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Meanwhile, such cheeky interactions between Djokovic and Sabalenka aren’t unfamiliar to the fans. Back during the recently-concluded French Open, Sabalenka showed off her dance moves, shaking her legs to Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk’ while descending down to the dressing room. However, soon after, Djokovic mimicked Sabalenka, dancing at the same location. “What about that, Sabalenka,” Djokovic even questioned the World Number 1 in a hilarious moment at the French Open.

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Furthermore, Djokovic and Sabalenka even shared an adorable moment with the latter’s goddaughter once. In a throwback photo that went viral recently, Djokovic could be seen smiling while Sabalenka’s goddaughter caught a grumpy look. “I was just curious what did he do to my goddaughter lol,” Sabalenka wrote in the caption, as the adorable moment went viral. It is no secret that Djokovic and Sabalenka indeed share a very close friendship. During an interview, Sabalenka once described their strong relationship.

Aryna Sabalenka can’t stop praising Novak Djokovic

On many occasions, the two have spoken highly about each other. Even when Djokovic’s retirement rumors were afloat, Sabalenka asked the reporters to leave Djokovic alone and quickly trashed such talks. Further, in an interview once, Sabalenka opened up about the friendship with the Serb and the impact he had in her career.

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What’s your perspective on:

Is Djokovic's playful critique of Sabalenka's intensity a sign of respect or just friendly banter?

Have an interesting take?

She revealed, “He’s a great guy, a very nice guy. I can easily ask him for advice and he would give it to me. It’s really good to have someone like Novak, a friend like someone like Novak, you can always ask for advice. I mean, I really appreciate for his help to me.”

Last year, when Sabalenka won her maiden US Open title, Djokovic was among the first ones to congratulate her. Sharing a picture of her with the US Open trophy on his Instagram story, Djokovic wrote, “Congratulations, Tigress.” Indeed, both of them are very supportive of each other’s careers and fans can’t hold back of what more is to come from them at the upcoming Wimbledon Championships.

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  Debate

Is Djokovic's playful critique of Sabalenka's intensity a sign of respect or just friendly banter?

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