Shadow King

Inside The Fun-Filled Practice Session Between Djokovic and Sabalenka Pre Wimbledon

Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon

As the lush green courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club come alive on June 30, two of tennis’s brightest stars, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, have been stealing the spotlight on the practice courts.

Just days before the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, the Serbian legend and the Belarusian powerhouse teamed up for a training session that was as entertaining as it was intense.

On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Aorangi Park practice courts at Wimbledon became the stage for an unexpected partnership.

Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, and Aryna Sabalenka, the WTA world No. 1, traded volleys, banter, and laughs in a session that showcased their chemistry both on and off the court.

Djokovic, 38, arrived at Wimbledon fresh off a semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros. With seven Wimbledon titles and a career record of 97-12 at SW19, the Serbian is chasing history: an eighth crown to tie Roger Federer’s Open Era record and a 25th Grand Slam to further cement his legacy.

Sabalenka, 27, is equally driven but for different reasons. After missing last year’s Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, she’s back aiming to capture her first grass-court Grand Slam title. With three Major titles already under her belt—two Australian Opens and a US Open—Sabalenka’s powerful game, including a serve that can clock 124 mph, seems tailor-made for the slick grass courts. Her 2025 season has been stellar, with wins in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, and runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and French Open. Yet, Wimbledon remains the missing piece in her trophy cabinet.

The practice session was anything but ordinary. As the two stars worked on their volleys, Djokovic couldn’t resist a playful jab at Sabalenka’s signature grunt, a thunderous roar that has become a hallmark of her game. “That would be a hindrance on the ATP tour,” he quipped mid-rally, referencing a controversial moment from his 2023 Wimbledon semifinal against Sinner, where he was called for a hindrance due to an extended grunt.

Sabalenka, feigning betrayal, shot back, “I thought we were friends?” The exchange had fans in stitches and highlighted the easy rapport between the two.

The fun didn’t stop there. The session escalated into a lighthearted challenge, with Djokovic and Sabalenka betting $100 on who could knock over a can with a targeted shot.

Djokovic struck first, celebrating with characteristic flair, but Sabalenka demanded a rematch.

Adding to the levity, Sabalenka’s boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, joined the banter via Instagram Stories, poking fun at Djokovic’s antics. The playful back-and-forth echoed their history of entertaining exchanges, like their dance-off challenges during Roland Garros, where they mimicked each other’s victory celebrations to the delight of fans.

While the session was filled with laughter, it also had a serious undertone. After their practice, Djokovic and Sabalenka spent over 30 minutes courtside, engaged in a deep discussion.

According to journalist Tumaini Carayol, Djokovic took a genuine interest in Sabalenka’s career, asking questions and offering advice and encouragement. This mentorship moment reflects the respect Djokovic has for Sabalenka, who has long admired his mental toughness and achievements. In 2023, after reaching the Wimbledon semifinals, Sabalenka spoke candidly about their bond: “It’s really good to have someone like Novak, a friend-like someone like Novak. You can always ask for advice.”

Their shared practice wasn’t just a one-off. Sabalenka also trained with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner earlier in the week, engaging in a similar can-knocking challenge, while Djokovic is set to hit with Alcaraz, his recent Wimbledon nemesis, on Thursday.

These sessions highlight the collaborative spirit among tennis’s elite, even as they prepare to become rivals once the tournament begins.

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