As the 2025 French Open unfolds on the red clay of Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian legend, continues to defy time, chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Yet, with his storied career under constant scrutiny, questions about his retirement have intensified, especially after the emotional farewell ceremony for Rafael Nadal, which saw Djokovic joined by Roger Federer and Andy Murray to honor the 14-time champion. Amid this backdrop, women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered a passionate defense of Djokovic, urging critics and fans alike to ease the pressure on the tennis icon. “You are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone,” she declared after her third-round victory, a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over Serbia’s Olga Danilovic on May 30, 2025.
Sabalenka’s fiery plea came during a press conference following her dominant performance on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where she showcased the form that has made her a favorite for her first Roland Garros title. The Belarusian, who has won 37 matches in 2025, including the Madrid Open, is no stranger to the sport’s relentless demands. Her words carried the weight of someone who understands the toll of high expectations, particularly for a player like Djokovic, whose 24 Grand Slam titles and recent 100th ATP title in Geneva mark him as one of the greatest ever. “Look at him. He’s fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he’s ready to play, I don’t know, another two, three years,” Sabalenka said, emphasizing his enduring capability. “Of course, everyone has ups and downs. I believe the older you get, the tougher it gets to stay consistent on the level. But we see wheneverಸ
Djokovic’s 2025 French Open campaign has been a return to form after a challenging 2024, where early exits raised doubts about his longevity. The No. 6 seed has cruised through his first three rounds without dropping a set, defeating Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1), and Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic in the third round on Saturday, June 1. Despite a blister issue during the Moutet match, Djokovic dismissed concerns about his recovery, stating, “The recovery time is not much longer. I’m pretty fit at the moment. I don’t feel like I have any major issues.” His confidence contrasts with the media’s fixation on his age, a topic Sabalenka finds exasperating. “Imagine if he retired tomorrow, everyone would be sad, no?” she said, reflecting on the emotional void left by the retirements of Nadal, Federer, and Murray. “It was so sad to see the ceremony. The Big Four were on the court, and you understand that three of them retired, and everyone is missing their games.”
Sabalenka’s defense is rooted in her admiration for Djokovic’s resilience and ability to inspire. “So let’s just let Novak be there to show and fight and show his greatness and to inspire that generation,” she urged. Her comments resonate with fans who see Djokovic’s continued excellence—his 100th title in Geneva and a 2024 Olympic gold medal—as proof of his enduring prowess. Their friendship, forged through moments like a 2024 Australian Open charity match, adds a personal layer to her support. Sabalenka’s own stellar form, with 12 wins in her last 13 matches, mirrors Djokovic’s determination, as she faces Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round, a rival who holds a 5-2 head-to-head edge.
The retirement speculation around Djokovic was amplified by Nadal’s ceremony, where Djokovic admitted to contemplating his own career’s end. “I was thinking about my end of the road as well last night,” he said, yet his performance in Paris suggests he’s far from finished. Sabalenka’s bold stance highlights the unfair pressure on the Serbian, who remains a top-10 player despite a trophyless 2024 on the ATP Tour. “He’s doing really well,” she insisted, pointing to his ability to compete at the highest level when healthy. As Djokovic eyes a fourth Roland Garros title, and Sabalenka aims for her first, their parallel journeys underscore a shared resolve to silence doubters. With younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz rising, Sabalenka’s message is clear: let Djokovic define his legacy on his own terms, and let his greatness continue to inspire.
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