Amid the intensity of the 2025 French Open, where clay-court battles captivate global audiences, a heartwarming and humorous off-court moment between Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic has taken the tennis world by storm. The world No. 1 women’s player, Sabalenka, shared a delightful exchange with the Serbian legend, centered around a throwback photo of Djokovic with her goddaughter, Nicole. The Belarusian star’s playful Instagram post, captioned, “I was just curious what did he do to my goddaughter lol,” sparked laughter and intrigue among fans, revealing a lighter side to the fiercely competitive duo at Roland Garros.
The moment unfolded after Sabalenka’s commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over Serbia’s Olga Danilović in the third round on May 30, 2025, securing her spot in the fourth round against Amanda Anisimova. Following her match, Sabalenka approached Djokovic, sharing a warm embrace before pulling out her phone to show him the photo. The image, later posted on her Instagram story, captured a young Nicole looking less than thrilled beside a smiling Djokovic, prompting Sabalenka’s cheeky caption. This lighthearted interaction came on the heels of Sabalenka’s passionate defense of Djokovic during a press conference, where she urged critics to ease the pressure on the 38-year-old icon. “You guys are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone,” she declared. “Look at him. He’s fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he’s ready to play another two, three years.”
Djokovic, chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic on May 31, 2025. His performance on Court Philippe-Chatrier was a testament to his enduring prowess, despite a challenging 2024 season marked by early exits and an injury-forced withdrawal at the Australian Open. Sabalenka’s vocal support underscored their close friendship, a bond that transcends their on-court rivalry. “He’s doing really well. Of course, everyone has ups and downs,” she said, acknowledging the difficulties of maintaining consistency at 38. “But we see whenever he’s ready, whenever he’s healthy and fit, he’s there, and he’s playing great tennis.”
The emotional weight of the tournament was palpable, with the recent retirement ceremony for Rafael Nadal—attended by Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray—serving as a poignant reminder of tennis’s shifting landscape. Sabalenka reflected on the moment, saying, “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.” Her plea to “let Novak be there to fight and to show his greatness and to inspire the next generation” resonated deeply, highlighting her admiration for Djokovic’s resilience and legacy.
Sabalenka’s goddaughter, Nicole, has become a charming fixture in her tennis journey. The young girl, who brings luck to Sabalenka’s campaigns, was present during her title-winning runs at the Miami Open and Madrid Open earlier in 2025. At the Miami Open, Nicole stole the show by crashing Sabalenka’s post-match interview with adorable antics, earning a kiss on the cheek and a “superstar” label from her godmother. This connection adds a personal layer to Sabalenka’s public persona, balancing her ferocious on-court intensity with off-court warmth. “I love it so much,” Sabalenka said of her No. 1 status and the pressure it brings. “Knowing that there is someone chasing me or I have a target on my back, I take it as a challenge.”
Djokovic’s own journey at Roland Garros has been marked by challenges, including a blister issue during his second-round match and the emotional toll of Nadal’s farewell. Yet, his 100th career title at the Geneva Open in May 2025 signaled a return to form, and his straight-sets victories in Paris have silenced doubters. As he prepares to face Cameron Norrie or Jacob Fearnley in the fourth round, the tennis world buzzes with anticipation for both his and Sabalenka’s campaigns.
This heartwarming exchange between Sabalenka and Djokovic offers a glimpse into the camaraderie that thrives amidst the sport’s intensity. As Sabalenka aims to surpass her 2023 Roland Garros semifinal run and Djokovic pursues history, their friendship—highlighted by a playful jab about a grumpy goddaughter—reminds fans of the human connections that make tennis so compelling. With Nicole’s lucky charm and their mutual support, Sabalenka and Djokovic are poised to light up the clay courts of Paris, both on and off the court.
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