Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic unexpectedly dropped in on Aryna Sabalenka`s pre-Wimbledon press conference, providing the women`s world No. 1 with some unsolicited, albeit humorous, constructive criticism.
Sabalenka was wrapping up her session with reporters at SW19 when Djokovic surprisingly entered the room before his own scheduled media time.
Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, was told Sabalenka was finishing her final answer but playfully informed the press officer that he intended to interrupt his friend`s conference.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was heard jokingly whispering, “Come on, let`s go, please” with a grin as he surprised Sabalenka with his appearance on Saturday.
Sabalenka smiled and said her goodbyes to the media present. She then took on the role of interviewer, asking Djokovic about their recent practice session at the All-England Club.
The pair had been filmed practicing together earlier in the week as Sabalenka prepares for her bid to win a first Wimbledon title, while Djokovic is aiming for a record-equalling eighth title, matching Roger Federer.
Sabalenka, 27, invited him to “come in here then” before offering him her seat, which he declined.
The US Open champion then posed her question to Djokovic: “First of all, let me ask a question. What do you think about hitting with me? How do you see my level? Am I good?”
Djokovic responded playfully, acknowledging her potential and technique. He said, “I think you have the potential. You’re, like, a really talented player. You have nice strokes, good technique.” However, he quickly followed up with some pointed advice: “Can I be honest? You’re lacking intensity on the court. You don’t have enough intensity. It’s too flat. You’ve got to lighten up a little bit, put some power in it.”
Sabalenka, trying to hold back laughter, retorted, “Really! That’s what you are going to say right now? Before this guy was my favourite player, but not anymore obviously!”
There might be some truth to Djokovic`s `constructive` feedback, given Sabalenka`s performance in the French Open final last month, where she lost to Coco Gauff.
The Belarusian player admitted it “hurt to show such terrible tennis,” describing it as “the worst final I ever played” after her three-set defeat to Gauff.
In her runner-up speech, the three-time Grand Slam champion stated, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic is aiming for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title. However, at 38 years old, he is aware that his dominance may be challenged by the rise of younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
The legendary Serbian expressed his long-standing affection for Wimbledon: “It’s great to be back. I love Wimbledon. I’ve always loved it. I think in the last six editions, I had six finals. I’ve been playing very well here, maybe it’s been the most consistent Grand Slam for me in the last 10 years.”
He also touched upon the topic of his potential retirement, stating, “Whether it could be my ‘last dance’, I’m not sure. My wish is to play for several more years. I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep on playing at the highest level. That’s the goal, but you never know at this stage.”
