Four months ago at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic crashed Aryna Sabalenka’s news conference with playful advice: “You’re lacking intensity on the court.” Laughter erupted, a glimpse into their off-court camaraderie, echoed months before at Roland Garros when Djokovic mimicked Sabalenka’s iconic post-match stair dance, teasing, “Now what, Sabalenka?” And guess what? That banter has followed them to China, where Sabalenka now credits herself for Djokovic’s sensational Shanghai Masters run. 

Sabalenka reflected on the training that fueled both her and Djokovic’s performances. “We trained several times. I hope I’ve been a good training partner,” she said, emphasizing the value of preparation and mutual growth. She now hopes to influence the 24-time Grand Slam champion with her perspective and energy, demonstrating that even champions can benefit from collaboration and insight. 

Aryna Sabalenka made a triumphant return to the court, rallying from a set down to overcome Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in her first tournament since clinching the US Open title. Her comeback in Wuhan was a statement of dominance and intent, setting the tone for a post-match press conference filled with her signature candor and wit. With a smile, she took playful credit for Novak Djokovic’s sizzling run in Shanghai. “Well, he was really competitive, and he was screaming when he won a point against me. I scored a lot of points against him, for the record. I hope he will confirm it!”

Djokovic, seeking his first hard-court title since 2023, has been pushed to three sets twice in his three matches at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The four-time Shanghai champion is chasing another record-extending victory, and Sabalenka believes her guidance may have contributed. “So far, he is winning in Shanghai. So I think it was a good workout. I really hope that he will go all the way. If he wins the tournament, I could say it’s thanks to me!”

She shared glimpses of their time together before the China Open, recounting moments of camaraderie and bonding. “We had a great time in Greece. I love him and Elena. He is always ready to give me advice. They are so nice. We went to dinner. We had a really good time,” she said, highlighting the personal dimension of their relationship.

The duo honed their skills through a series of competitive training sessions between the US Open and their arrival in China. While vacationing in Greece with her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis, Sabalenka joined Djokovic and his partner for rigorous practice sessions and even a “dream double date,” blending competition with fun.

Their friendship has grown steadily over the past year, marked by mutual respect, shared insights, and support at the sport’s highest level. Sabalenka emphasized that this connection has not only enriched her tennis but also allowed her to inspire and challenge Djokovic in return, creating a dynamic of growth and excellence.

Back in Wuhan, Sabalenka is chasing her fourth consecutive title at the event, where she maintains a flawless 18-0 win-loss record, a streak only matched by Caroline Wozniacki’s run in New Haven. Her performance reflects not just dominance but evolution, showcasing the confidence and maturity gained from her US Open triumph.

With momentum on her side and her partnership with Djokovic sharpening her edge, Sabalenka enters the tournament with poise, hunger, and determination. 

Her combination of fierce on-court intensity, strategic growth, and playful yet inspiring off-court bonds underscores why she remains at the pinnacle of women’s tennis, poised to carve the next chapter of her remarkable legacy.

Aryna Sabalenka reflects on her victory over Rebecca Sramkova

Aryna Sabalenka returned to familiar territory in Wuhan with the rhythm that had crowned her US Open champion just weeks ago. After a brief pause following her win over Amanda Anisimova in New York, the Belarusian sought to reignite her form ahead of the WTA Finals. Yet, her return to the court did not unfold as seamlessly as expected. World No. 66 Rebecca Sramkova came out blazing, breaking Sabalenka in the opening game and launching a fearless barrage of winners that caught the top seed off guard.

That fearless opening became the tone-setter for a stunning first set. Sramkova struck 15 clean winners and fired five aces, taking charge with unrelenting precision. Sabalenka, meanwhile, labored to find her footing, managing just three winners from the baseline. The rhythm, the flow, the fire, all seemed absent early on. But champions rarely stay quiet for long. Down 15-40 midway through the second, Sabalenka summoned her trademark ferocity, hammering two clutch winners to steal a break and shift the tide.

From there, the match flipped on its head. Sabalenka’s power met its balance, aggression refined by patience. She began dictating exchanges, her heavy groundstrokes breaking down Sramkova’s resistance. Across the final two sets, Sabalenka unloaded 24 winners: 20 off her ground game, as her confidence returned with every thundering strike.

The World No. 1’s mettle was tested again, twice, under pressure. At 4-2 in the second and 4-1 in the third, she faced eight break points, and saved them all with a calmness only experience can forge. The early storms that had unsettled her in the first now became the fuel that drove her through.

“I have to say she played incredible tennis, especially in the first set,” Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. “Not much I could do. I knew that after that little break [since the US Open] it would not be easy to get back in my rhythm, but I’m really glad that in the second set I found my game, I stepped in and I think I played really great.”

Now, with her rhythm restored, Sabalenka turns her focus to a familiar foe: Liudmila Samsonova. The Belarusian leads their H2H 3-2, having defeated her in straight sets at both Cincinnati 2024 and Indian Wells 2025. 

But in the relentless heat of China, the question burns once more: can Sabalenka reign supreme yet again?