'Just leave him alone' - Aryna Sabalenka jumps to defence of 'fit, strong' Novak Djokovic amid doubts over form at French Open
Published 30/05/2025 at 20:46 GMT+1
With Novak Djokovic recently turning 38, there have been questions over whether he can win another Grand Slam title. Aryna Sabalenka has thrown her support behind Djokovic, saying he could still play for another few more years and everyone will be "sad" when Djokovic does retire. Sabalenka also addressed who the favourite is for the title at Roland-Garros between herself and Iga Swiatek.
'Iga is the favourite' - Sabalenka talks up Swiatek for French Open title
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Leave him alone" is Aryna Sabalenka’s message to anyone doubting whether Novak Djokovic can still compete at the very highest level.
Djokovic turned 38 last week and won his 100th career title as he triumphed in Geneva.
That was Djokovic’s first title of the season after a difficult period that had seen him lose his opening match at four out of five tournaments and split with coach Andy Murray.
His below-par form had led to questions about whether he can still win Grand Slam titles, but after back-to-back straight-set wins at the French Open he looks to be building momentum.
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Highlights: Djokovic beats home favourite Moutet in three sets
Video credit: TNT Sports
"You are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak," said world No. 1 Sabalenka after reaching the fourth round in Paris.
"Leave him alone. Look at him. He's fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he's ready to play, I don't know, another two, three years. He's doing really well. Of course there are up-and-downs, everyone has them.
"I believe the older you get, the tougher it gets to stay consistent on the level. But we see whenever he's ready, whenever he's healthy and fit, he's there, and he's playing great tennis. So just leave him alone. Let him just be. Imagine if he is going to retire tomorrow, then everyone is going to be sad, no?
"Then there is another like 10, 15 years to Jannik [Sinner] and [Carlos] Alcaraz to become one of the greatest."
Djokovic is one of the all-time greats of the game and is the last of the ‘Big Four’ still playing.
On the first day of the French Open he was in attendance, along with Roger Federer and Murray, for a tribute to Rafael Nadal, who retired at the end of 2024.
"Let him be," said Sabalenka about Djokovic.
"It was so sad to see the ceremony, the ‘Big Four’ were on the court and you understand that three of them retired, everyone missing their games.
"So let's just let Novak to be there to show and fight and show his greatness and to inspire that generation."
Sabalenka addresses who is favourite for women's title
Sabalenka is bidding to win the French Open for the first time.
She beat Olga Danilovic in straight sets in the third round and next faces the 16th seed Amanda Anisimova.
Asked whether she is the favourite for the title or if that tag sits with four-time champion Iga Swiatek, Sabalenka said: "It's tough to predict in woman's tennis, you know. Let's just leave it on Iga since she won it three times in a row.
"Let's just... I will just leave it for her!"
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