Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 on the WTA tour, is making waves at Wimbledon 2025, storming into the quarterfinals without dropping a set. The Belarusian’s raw power and pinpoint precision have captivated the Centre Court crowd, but it’s one shot in particular—her return of serve—that’s stealing the spotlight. In a recent press conference, Sabalenka revealed she’s taken direct inspiration from Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, to refine this technique. “Novak always teases me because I copy his return,” Sabalenka said with a laugh. “I’m like, ‘Mate, it’s working. I’m copying the best.’” This Djokovic-inspired shot has become a lethal weapon in her arsenal, helping her dominate opponents on Wimbledon’s grass courts.
Sabalenka’s journey at Wimbledon has been flawless so far. After defeating Emma Raducanu in a thrilling third-round match, 7-6(6), 6-4, the Belarusian is now gearing up to face Laura Siegemund in the quarterfinals. Her victory over Raducanu was a display of power and resilience, despite a controversial call from the tournament’s new electronic line-calling system, which Sabalenka criticized: “That ball was for sure out. It’s kind of disappointing that the calls can be that wrong.” Yet, her Djokovic-modeled return of serve allowed her to stay in control during critical moments, neutralizing Raducanu’s aggressive play. “She played such incredible tennis and pushed me really hard,” Sabalenka said of Raducanu, acknowledging the quality of the match.
The connection between Sabalenka and Djokovic goes beyond technique. The two shared practice sessions at the All England Club before the tournament, an opportunity that allowed Sabalenka to tap into the wisdom of the seven-time Wimbledon champion. “Novak is the best,” she declared. “First of all, I got to practice with him, which not every guy gets to do. Then you get to chat with him. He gives you honest advice. It’s amazing to hear insights from a legend like that.” During one session, their playful rapport shone through, with Djokovic joking about Sabalenka’s infamous grunt, calling it “a hurdle for the ATP tour.” She fired back with a laugh: “I thought we were mates?” Their camaraderie was also evident when Djokovic crashed her pre-tournament press conference, playfully suggesting she add “more intensity” to her game. “This guy used to be my favorite player, but not anymore, obviously,” Sabalenka quipped, sparking laughter among the reporters.
Sabalenka’s return of serve, inspired by Djokovic, is not just about technique but also mindset. “Novak has so much knowledge of the game, and he’s helped me a lot, multiple times,” she said. “Every time I talk to him, it really helps.” This approach has equipped her to tackle Wimbledon’s challenges, a tournament where she’s yet to advance past the semifinals (reached in 2021 and 2023). With three Grand Slam titles already in her trophy cabinet—including the 2024 Australian Open—Sabalenka is determined to claim her first Venus Rosewater Dish. Her ability to turn opponents’ serves into offensive opportunities, much like Djokovic, has been pivotal. “I’m just trying to hit the ball as hard as I can and make it go in,” she joked, but her precision on returns tells a different story.
As Sabalenka progresses, her bond with Djokovic adds a touch of levity to her campaign. Their friendship, which began during a mixed doubles exhibition at the 2024 Australian Open, has grown through moments like their “dance-off” at Roland Garros, where Djokovic mimicked Sabalenka’s victory poses. “How you liking it, Nole?” she responded, dancing to her signature “Tiger” song. With Djokovic still in the draw, facing Alex de Minaur in the fourth round, fans are dreaming of a joint final that could culminate in a shared celebration. For now, Sabalenka continues to draw inspiration from “the best,” honing her game and chasing Wimbledon glory, one return at a time.
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