During the 2025 French Open, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka addressed ongoing speculations about Novak Djokovic's potential retirement. In a post-match press conference following her third-round victory over Olga Danilovic, Sabalenka responded to questions regarding Djokovic's longevity in the sport.
"You guys are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone, look at him. He’s fit. He’s strong. Mentally and physically, I think he’s ready to play another two or three years," Sabalenka stated. "He’s doing really well. Of course, everyone has ups and downs. The older you get, the tougher it gets to stay consistent on the level. Just leave him alone. Let him just be."
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had recently secured his 100th ATP title at the Geneva Open, joining an elite group of players to achieve this milestone. At Roland Garros, he advanced to the third round with a straight-sets victory over Corentin Moutet.
Sabalenka also commented on the rising stars in men's tennis, noting that players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz still have progress to make to reach Djokovic's level.
Her defense of Djokovic underscores the respect and camaraderie among top tennis professionals, highlighting the challenges athletes face as they age and the importance of allowing them to compete without undue speculation.
Roland Garros 2025: Jannik Sinner Acknowledges 'Best Goalkeeper' Gianluigi Donnarumma After His First-Round Victory; Video
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner commenced his French Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over France's Arthur Rinderknech, winning 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Following the match, Sinner expressed gratitude to Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was present in the stands to support him. In his on-court interview, Sinner referred to Donnarumma as the "best goalkeeper," highlighting their close friendship.
Sinner and Donnarumma share a strong bond, often engaging in activities like playing Call of Duty together. Their mutual support was evident when Donnarumma celebrated Sinner's Australian Open victory earlier this year from the PSG training ground, sharing his excitement on social media.
The camaraderie between these two Italian sports stars underscores the unity and mutual respect among athletes across different disciplines.
