In a lighthearted moment that captured their off-court camaraderie, Novak Djokovic took to social media on July 31, 2025, to playfully tease Aryna Sabalenka, showcasing a stylish photoshoot from earlier this year while both stars sit out the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto and Montreal. The 38-year-old Serbian legend, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, shared five striking images from a January 2025 GQ shoot set against the picturesque Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. With a mischievous caption, Djokovic wrote, “Throwback to my @gq shoot. This is how you strike a pose, @arynasabalenka 😆,” poking fun at the world No. 1’s flair for glamorous photoshoots. The playful jab, rooted in their well-documented friendship, underscores the duo’s ability to keep tennis fun, even as they prioritize rest over competing in Canada’s premier WTA and ATP 1000 events.
Djokovic and Sabalenka, both absent from the National Bank Open, are using this time to recharge after grueling runs at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, where they reached the men’s and women’s semifinals, respectively. Djokovic, who fell to Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling Wimbledon final rematch, opted out of Toronto to focus on recovery and preparation for the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, starting August 24. “I’m really disappointed to be missing the National Bank Open in Toronto, especially as I have such fond memories of playing in Canada,” Djokovic said, echoing sentiments shared by other top players like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz, who also withdrew to manage physical demands post-Wimbledon. Sabalenka, meanwhile, cited the need to optimize her hard-court swing, stating, “I’m looking forward to kicking off the North American hard-court swing, but to give myself the best chance for success this season, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to skip Montreal.” Her decision reflects a strategic focus on defending her 3,000 ranking points at Cincinnati and the US Open, where she clinched her third Grand Slam title in 2024.
Their friendship, a fan favorite, has been a highlight of the 2025 season. The pair’s playful banter began at the French Open, where Djokovic mimicked Sabalenka’s victory dance after defeating Cameron Norrie in the fourth round. “What about that, Sabalenka!” he exclaimed, strutting off Court Philippe-Chatrier with air-guitar flair. Sabalenka fired back after her quarterfinal win over Zheng Qinwen, performing her signature “Tiger” dance and quipping, “How about that, Nole?” Their off-court chemistry, evident in a 2024 mixed doubles charity match and a surprise Wimbledon press conference cameo where Djokovic jokingly told Sabalenka to “lighten up a little bit” and add “intensity,” has endeared them to fans. “Novak is the best,” Sabalenka said during Wimbledon, praising his willingness to share advice. “He will give his honest advice. It’s amazing to hear the opinion of such a legend.”
Sabalenka’s love for photoshoots is well-known. Her 2024 US Open shoot, where she dazzled in a red gown, and her 2023 Australian Open session in a lilac Zimmermann dress, set a high bar. “I actually love doing photoshoots,” she admitted in a Vogue Australia interview, though she humorously noted needing “some classes” to perfect her posing. Djokovic’s Montenegro shoot, with its sleek suits and scenic backdrop, was a nod to his own flair, contrasting with Sabalenka’s vibrant style. Fans on social media lit up, with one declaring, “Nothing can top a Sabalenka GS trophy photoshoot,” while another praised Djokovic’s “iconic” swagger.
Djokovic’s absence from Toronto, where he holds a record four titles, and Sabalenka’s withdrawal from Montreal, where she was a 2024 quarterfinalist, open the door for players like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff in the women’s draw and Hubert Hurkacz in the men’s. Both stars are set to return at Cincinnati, a key US Open tune-up. Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, remains defiant amid questions about his longevity. “He’s fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he’s ready to play another two, three years,” Sabalenka said in Paris, defending her friend against critics. As they prepare for the hard-court season, their playful rivalry—on and off the court—promises more memorable moments, blending fierce competition with infectious camaraderie.
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