The Wimbledon Championships of 2025 have yet to hit a single ball in anger, but the All England Club is already buzzing with the kind of lighthearted camaraderie that makes tennis as much about personality as precision. On June 28, 2025, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, brought laughter to the press room when he playfully interrupted Aryna Sabalenka’s pre-tournament media session, delivering a cheeky critique that left reporters and fans in stitches. The world No. 1 on the WTA Tour, Sabalenka, was wrapping up her thoughts on their recent practice session when Djokovic, ever the showman, turned the moment into a viral highlight of Wimbledon’s lead-up.
The two tennis titans had spent time earlier that week trading shots on the practice courts of Aorangi Park, a session that included a playful $100 bet to hit a ball can placed in no-man’s-land. Djokovic struck first, but Sabalenka, known for her thunderous groundstrokes, got her revenge with a pinpoint backhand slice. “Give me my money!” she teased, showcasing the easy rapport that has developed between the two. Their practice, which also saw Djokovic jokingly call Sabalenka’s iconic grunt a “hindrance on the ATP Tour,” set the stage for their press conference antics. As Sabalenka fielded questions about their hit, Djokovic strolled in, feigning impatience. “Come on. Let’s go, please. I’ve been waiting for you,” he quipped, prompting Sabalenka to invite him to join her at the podium.
Taking on the role of interviewer, Sabalenka asked, “What did you think about hitting with me? How do you see my level? Am I good?” Djokovic, with a grin, leaned into the moment. “I think you have the potential. You’re a really talented player,” he said, before adding with mock seriousness, “Can I be honest? You’re lacking intensity on the court. You don’t have enough intensity. It’s too flat. You’ve got to lighten up a little bit and put some power into it.” The room erupted in laughter, as Sabalenka, one of the WTA’s most ferocious hitters with a serve topping 124 mph, feigned offense. “Really? That’s what you’re going to say right now?” she replied, before joking, “Before, this guy was my favourite player—but not anymore, obviously.” As she handed over the mic, she added, “Have fun, guys. Please be hard on him,” leaving the stage with a playful jab.
The exchange wasn’t just a moment of levity; it underscored the mutual respect between two players chasing history. Sabalenka, who missed Wimbledon 2024 due to a shoulder injury, is back as the world No. 1, fresh off a strong clay season with finals at the Australian Open and French Open. She opens her campaign on June 30 against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine, a first-time opponent who also models professionally. Djokovic, meanwhile, is gunning for an eighth Wimbledon title to match Roger Federer’s record, starting against France’s Alexandre Muller on July 1. “Wimbledon could be the best chance because of the results I had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon,” Djokovic said, acknowledging the challenge posed by younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have beaten him in recent Grand Slam encounters.
This isn’t Djokovic’s first press conference hijinks—back in 2011, he was the one interrupted by then-No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, only to go on and win his first Wimbledon title. Sabalenka, too, has been in the spotlight, not just for her power but for her growth off the court. After facing backlash for comments following her French Open final loss to Coco Gauff, she’s shown maturity, apologizing privately and publicly, and even dancing with Gauff for a TikTok at Wimbledon. “Novak is the best,” Sabalenka said earlier. “He’ll give you honest advice. It’s incredible to hear the opinion of a legend like him.” As Wimbledon 2025 kicks off, this moment of banter between Djokovic and Sabalenka reminds fans that even amid the pursuit of glory, tennis thrives on the connections forged off the court.
Novak Djokovic crashes Aryna Sabalenka’s press conference and gives some feedback after their practice session 🙊
Novak didn’t hold back 😂 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/zkf6QTCtQ8
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 28, 2025
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