Aryna Sabalenka defends Novak Djokovic against critics: 'Let Novak show his greatness'

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Sabalenka defends Djokovic against critics: 'Let Novak show his greatness'

WTA World No. 1 was asked about Serbian's longevity

Getty Images Aryna Sabalenka recently addressed Novak Djokovic's longevity. By ATP Staff

Novak Djokovic continues to defy the aging curve with his achievements. The 38-year-old is fresh from capturing his 100th tour-level trophy and is this week chasing a record 25th major title at Roland Garros.

Yet while some still question Djokovic’s ability to compete at the highest level, Hologic WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka sent a clear message in defence of the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings and his eye-catching achievements.

“You are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone,” Sabalenka candidly said in a press conference in Paris when asked about Djokovic’s longevity. “Look at him. He's fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he's ready to play another two, three years. He's doing really well.

“Of course, [there are] ups 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.”

While Sabalenka acknowledged the inevitable challenges that come with a prolonged tennis career, she emphasised Djokovic’s proven ability to rise to the occasion.

Referring to 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony Sunday, where his greatest rivals Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray were present, Sabalenka also pointed to the absence of the ‘Big Four’ as a poignant reminder of the sport’s shifting landscape.

“Imagine if he retires tomorrow, then everyone is going to be sad, no? Then there is another 10, 15 years for Jannik [Sinner] and [Carlos] Alcaraz to become one of the greatest,” added Sabalenka. “But just let him be.

“It was so sad to see the ceremony, the ‘Big Four’ were on the court and you understand that three of them are retired. Everyone is missing their games. So let's just let Novak be there to show and fight and show his greatness and to inspire that generation.”

Djokovic has experienced a turbulent season since reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open, where was forced to retire against Alexander Zverev. He notably fell to opening-round defeats in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo and Madrid, but dismissed any doubts by winning his 100th title in Geneva last week.

With a third-round victory over Filip Misolic in their first Lexus ATP Head2Head clash on Saturday, Djokovic would record his 99th match win at Roland Garros, which would equal his best mark at a single Grand Slam tournament. He owns a 98-16 record, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, heading into the match.

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