World no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka brought laughter to Wuhan after reaching the semi-final following a dominant victory over Elena Rybakina. The defending champion spent time with Novak Djokovic in Greece before they both headed toward China.
Sabalenka could not resist teasing her friend about his current form at a Masters 1000 event in Shanghai. Novak is through to the last four, becoming the oldest Masters 1000 semi-finalist and remaining on the title course.
With Djokovic pushing through the heat and humidity to reach the latter stages, Sabalenka joked that if he lifts the trophy, she will take all the credit following the time they spent together in Greece.
The two stars share a genuine friendship on and off the court, often training together at notable events and exchanging mutual encouragement throughout the year alongside press conference gatecrashes.
A couple of weeks, Novak and Aryna shared a double date with their partners, Jelena and Georgios Frangulis. The outing highlighted their close friendship, which is more than one-way traffic.
Djokovic and Frangulisare business partners, co-investing in the French football club Le Mans alongside motorsport stars Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen.
Sabalenka is seeking her fourth straight Wuhan title, having reigned at this event since 2018. On the other side of China, Novak is chasing his fifth Shanghai Masters crown.
The veteran has endured grueling conditions due to heat and humidity, struggling physically and even vomiting on the court a couple of times. However, his fighting spirit remains intact, guiding him into the semi-final, the tenth at this event.
Aryna's lighthearted comment added a welcome dose of humor to a demanding week. It reminds fans that even at the top level, great champions still find joy in each other's success.
"Novak will win Shanghai, and I'm gonna say it was all me," Aryna Sabalenka said.
