Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic are two of the biggest names in tennis and have grown close over the years.
They are often seen exchanging jokes at Grand Slam events like the French Open and Wimbledon.
But there is more to their relationship than dance battles and press conference antics.
Pick a sport you want Novak Djokovic to play when he retires from tennis!
Could you imagine him doing any of these? 😂
Sabalenka has now revealed the key piece of tactical advice Djokovic gave her.
Aryna Sabalenka received technical advice from Novak Djokovic on how to improve her return
During an interview posted on the ‘First&Red‘ YouTube channel, Sabalenka explained how Djokovic helped improve her return.
“We were talking once, and I really like his return game,” she said (translated from Russian).
“We were chatting, so I asked, ‘Listen, what do you focus on when you’re standing there waiting to return? Because, well, your return is better.’
“He said, well, first of all, he has a specific stance; I tried it, and it really made it easier for me to react.
“Plus, he said, ‘I focus on myself; I just try to do a split-step and then react.’ Also, you can often see where the opponent is serving, or you get a feel for it.
“So, that was the advice!
“Ever since then, he’s been like, ‘You’re copying me.’ Well, it’s sort of like copying the best.
“His technique helped me. I changed things up a bit. I feel like, well, it’s somewhat similar. Not exactly the same, actually, but the technique is a little like his.”
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Sabalenka has developed into one of the best returners in the women’s game, although the numbers tell a slightly different story.
In 2026, the Belarusian is actually down in three of the five key return metrics from where she was five years ago.
Aryna Sabalenka’s returning stats – 2026
- 1st Serve return points % – 36.3% (107th on WTA Tour)
- 2nd Serve return points % – 56.8% (62nd on WTA Tour)
- Return games won % – 36.5% (79th on WTA Tour)
- Break point conversion % – 43.1% (145th on WTA Tour)
- Return points won % – 44.7% (69th on WTA Tour)
Aryna Sabalenka’s returning stats – 2021
- 1st Serve return points % – 37.8% (86th on WTA Tour)
- 2nd Serve return points % – 55.4% (11th on WTA Tour)
- Return games won % – 38.2% (64th on WTA Tour)
- Break point conversion % – 49.1% (65th on WTA Tour)
- Return points won % – 44.6% (75th on WTA Tour)
So perhaps Djokovic’s advice didn’t work after all…
But it wasn’t just tactics that the Serb helped Sabalenka with, as she also sought guidance on how to deal with her emotions on the court.
“I actually asked him for advice more on the emotional side about how you get into the right mindset for big finals,” she said.
“And he said, ‘Well, for me, it’s really important… to have some form of meditation.’
“Going for a walk in nature is a kind of meditation, or just taking a moment during the match.
“Obviously, he shouts too; it helps him let out his emotions, and I’m the same way. Sometimes I need to shout to get it all out.
“It lets me refocus.”
Aryna Sabalenka’s record in Grand Slam finals (4-4)
| Major final | Opponent | Result | Score |
| 2023 Australian Open | Elena Rybakina | WIN | 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2023 US Open | Coco Gauff | LOSS | 6-2, 3-6, 2-6 |
| 2024 Australian Open | Qinwen Zheng | WIN | 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2024 US Open | Jessica Pegula | WIN | 7-5, 7-5 |
| 2025 Australian Open | Madison Keys | LOSS | 3-6, 6-2, 5-7 |
| 2025 French Open | Coco Gauff | LOSS | 7-6, 2-6, 4-6 |
| 2025 US Open | Amanda Anisimova | WIN | 6-3, 7-6 |
| 2026 Australian Open | Elena Rybakina | LOSS | 4-6, 6-4, 4-6 |
Sabalenka has a solid yet unremarkable record in Grand Slam finals, winning four of the eight she’s played.
Still, despite the numbers working against Djokovic, Sabalenka clearly appreciates the 24-time major champion’s help!
Can Aryna Sabalenka win the US Open later this year?
Sabalenka has been ranked number one in the world since October 2024, but has ‘only’ won one of the seven Grand Slams she’s played since returning to the top of women’s tennis.
The Belarusian won’t want to end the year as number one without winning a Slam, so has work to do in New York.
She will head to Flushing Meadows as a two-time defending champion, and may take some confidence from what happened 12 months ago.
Then, she hadn’t won any of the first three Grand Slams of the year either, but came through to win the US Open in style.
Sabalenka will certainly enter the tournament as one of the favourites, but in an era of parity at the four majors, only time will tell if she will be the one to lift the trophy.
The 2026 US Open begins on Sunday, August 30.
