In the vibrant heart of Roland Garros, where the clay courts echo with the legacy of tennis titans, Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s player, delivered a passionate defense of Novak Djokovic, urging the tennis world to cease its relentless speculation about his retirement. Following her commanding 6-2, 6-3 third-round victory over Serbia’s Olga Danilovic on May 30, 2025, the Belarusian star used her post-match press conference to address the persistent questions surrounding Djokovic’s future. With the 38-year-old Serbian legend still a force at No. 6 in the world and fresh off his 100th career title in Geneva, Sabalenka’s blunt message—“You are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone”—resonated as a powerful call to let the 24-time Grand Slam champion play on his own terms.
Djokovic, who turned 38 just days before the tournament, has faced a rollercoaster 2024-25 season, marked by a historic Olympic gold medal but also early exits in tournaments like Monte Carlo and Madrid. Despite these setbacks, his straight-set wins over Mackenzie McDonald (6-3, 6-3, 6-3) and Corentin Moutet (6-3, 6-2, 7-6[1]) at Roland Garros signal his enduring prowess. Yet, the shadow of retirement looms large, amplified by the emotional farewell ceremony for Rafael Nadal, Djokovic’s greatest rival, who retired after the 2024 season with 14 French Open titles. The ceremony, attended by Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray—three of the “Big Four” now retired—struck a chord with Sabalenka. “It was so sad to see the ceremony, the Big Four were on the court and you understand that three of them retired. Everyone is missing their games,” she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia for an era that defined tennis.
Sabalenka’s defense of Djokovic is rooted in their deep friendship, forged through shared moments like their time as teammates at the 2022 World Tennis League in Dubai, where she called him a “funny and nice guy.” She sees Djokovic not just as a competitor but as a mentor whose resilience inspires her own journey. “Look at him. He’s fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he’s ready to play, I don’t know, another two, three years,” she insisted, pushing back against critics who point to his recent inconsistencies. “Of course, everyone has ups and downs. I believe the older you get, the tougher it gets to stay consistent on the level,” she added, acknowledging the challenges of age but emphasizing Djokovic’s ability to shine when healthy. “Whenever he’s ready, whenever he’s healthy and fit, he’s there, and he’s playing great tennis.”
The Belarusian’s plea to “let him be” reflects a broader sentiment in the tennis community, especially after Nadal’s exit left Djokovic as the last active member of the Big Four. Fans on social media echoed her call, with one post declaring, “Absolutely love Aryna Sabalenka for this… let him play as long as he wants.” The retirement of Nadal, Federer, and Murray has left a void, and Sabalenka warned that Djokovic’s departure would deepen that loss. “Imagine if he gonna retire tomorrow, then everyone going to be sad, no?” she said, urging fans and media to cherish his presence. Her words carry weight as she chases her fourth Grand Slam title, having dominated her Roland Garros draw with wins over Kamilla Rakhimova (6-1, 6-0), Jil Teichmann (6-3, 6-1), and Danilovic, setting up a fourth-round clash with Amanda Anisimova.
Djokovic, meanwhile, faces Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic in the third round on May 31, a match that could propel him toward a potential fourth French Open title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam. His recent Geneva triumph, where he outlasted top players, proves he remains a formidable force, despite a blister issue during his Moutet match. “So let’s just let Novak to be there to show and fight and show his greatness and to inspire that generation,” Sabalenka urged, highlighting his role as a beacon for young players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have “another 10, 15 years” to chase greatness.
As Roland Garros unfolds, with the men’s final set for June 8, Sabalenka’s fierce loyalty and Djokovic’s relentless drive remind fans why tennis remains a sport of heart and legacy. Her call to “leave him alone” is a rallying cry to celebrate a champion who continues to defy time and inspire the next generation.
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