Women's world no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is a fan favorite for her powerhouse performances, but her recent comments involving Novak Djokovic sparked a bigger wave of excitement among fans.

In a post-match interview on January 25, following her straight-set win over Canada’s Victoria Mboko at the Australian Open, Sabalenka presented a stipulation about teaming up with Djokovic.

Initially, the Belarusian presented a real possibility of when fans can witness her and Djokovic as a team. However, she also desired some pampering from the Serbian to become his on-court partner.

She said, "Maybe at the U.S. Open this year. He just barely asked me at the U.S. Open last year. I’m still waiting for that long message from him... how he’d like to play with me… how I’m his dream partner. So I’m still waiting for the message. Never got it, so I don’t know, maybe we’re not playing."

Sabalenka is no stranger to mixed doubles matches. As a former world No. 1 in doubles, she has won multiple Grand Slam titles with Elise Mertens. Previously, she has also teamed up with 'best friend' Paula Badosa for the 2026 Brisbane International, where the duo made a notable return to the court after a brief hiatus.

However, a Sabalenka-Djokovic team can be formidable. Fans have already seen the two team up for a charity event ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, but the pair has yet to have a professional match.

But regardless of Sabalenka's hilarious stipulation for the partnership, the amicable relationship between them says that the two might team up soon.

The rapport between Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic goes beyond the court

The dynamic between Sabalenka and Djokovic includes playful banter and professional respect. The Belarusian star has often credited Djokovic for offering her guidance, both personally and professionally. After facing setbacks in 2024, she reached out to the veteran player for advice.

Speaking about their conversation before the 2025 U.S. Open, Sabalenka shared, "We talked for an hour probably, but with Novak, you always can spend more than that talking and asking for advice." She also appreciated his advice for helping her secure the 2025 U.S. Open title with a win over Amanda Anisimova, emphasizing the positive influence the Serbian has had on her career.

In 2025, Sabalenka made headlines by breaking a long-standing Djokovic record. In Melbourne, she extended her streak of consecutive tie-break wins to 20, surpassing Djokovic's previous record. The Serb quickly responded on social media with a post, joking, "I’m upset right now," along with an angry emoji and a tiger, a reference to Sabalenka's fierce persona and tattoo on her arm.

As both players progress to the quarterfinals in the 2026 Australian Open, fans will be hoping Novak’s 'message' finds its way to Sabalenka soon!

But do you think we will actually witness the two in action as a team at the US Open this year?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Souvik Roy