Novak Djokovic, the Serbian sportsman, is considered one of the greatest men’s tennis players of all time. With nearly two decades of playing on the court, the tennis icon has been riding a career peak for many years. Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus, on the other hand, has also established her name in the women’s tennis world and is well on her way to becoming one of the greatest.
Ferocious players on the court, Novak and Aryna have bonded over their passion for tennis. The two have been spotted joking and bantering with each other on and off the court. Apart from joint training sessions, recently the two were seen on a double date with their partners. Here’s all you need to know about their special connection.
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic share a great friendship on and off the court
Novak Djokovic, who is senior to Aryna by almost a decade, has become a close friend and a good advisor to the women’s tennis star. Aryna’s boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, also shares a professional bond with Novak. Both of them are co-investors of the French Football Club, Le Mans. Georgios, in an interview, revealed how the 24-time Grand Slam Champion has been an idol for both him and Aryna. He also talked about the two tennis players’ growing bond and shared:
“She enjoys talking to him and learning from him, from the perspective of someone who has achieved so much. They do talk, and in that relationship she’s more of a listener – and why wouldn’t she be, right? Any tennis player should be happy when talking to Novak.”
Aryna Sabalenka’s support for Novak Djokovic amid growing retirement pressure
In an interview with GQ Magazine, Novak had opened up about how people were ready to write his ‘tennis obituary’. He stated that everyone, including the media, his fans, and even his father, was urging him to retire from the sport. During this time, Aryna came forward to showcase her unwavering support for Novak. Aryna said:
“You guys are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone. He’s fit. He’s strong. Mentally and physically, I think he’s ready to play another two or three years. Imagine if he retired tomorrow, everyone is gonna be sad. Just leave Novak to be there, to fight, and to show his greatness and to inspire the next generation.”
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka’s bond deepened in a training camp in Greece
Novak and Aryna have been known to be friendly with each other. However, their friendship has become deeper after spending a month-long training camp in Greece. The two have also been training together in competitive and fun matches. Talking to Tennis365, Aryna shared:
“I love Novak; he’s always willing to give me good advice. Training with him was great. He would shout when he won points against me, but I must say I beat him quite a few times, too.”
Aryna Sabalenka also made a funny comment, saying that if Novak won the Shanghai Masters, it would be due to her. Novak has been showing a strong foot in the championship. Referring to this, Aryna stated:
“I hope I was a good sparring partner; seeing his level in Shanghai, I’d say so. If he wins the title there, it will be thanks to me.”
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka’s double date in Greece and relationship rumours
Novak and Aryna’s closeness has led to some speculations regarding their relationship. However, the two tennis icons share a platonic bond of friendship, with Novak sometimes acting as a mentor to Aryna as well. Both of them are also in committed relationships. Recently, Novak and his wife, Jelena Djokovic, and Aryna and her boyfriend, Georgios, went on a double date in Greece. Hence, their friendship has also gone beyond the game. Aryna talked about the date and said:
“We went out to dinner together in Greece. Jelena is fantastic. We all had a great time together.”
What are your thoughts on the friendship of Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka? Let us know.
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