Aryna Sabalenka reveals she reached out to Novak Djokovic after dropping back-to-back Grand Slam finals at first of the 12 months as she needed to listen to from the report 24-time Slam champion how he was mentally approaching the most important of the most important matches.
After profitable back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024, Sabalenka seemed to be destined for a three-peat after reaching her third consecutive ultimate at Melbourne Park. However then, the three-peat simply unexpectedly slipped away from the world No. 1 after she misplaced a really tight three-set ultimate to Madison Keys.
Just a few months later, Sabalenka bounced again by making her first French Open ultimate. Whereas she made a optimistic begin and went up early in opposition to Coco Gauff, the Belarusian failed to shut out the match because the American got here again to win 6-7 (5) 6-2 6-4.
Following her Australian Open ultimate, the 27-year-old angrily smashed her racket and cried. After the French Open ultimate loss, she additionally grew to become very emotional and cried.
Then, Sabalenka turned to Djokovic for recommendation and received the ultimate Grand Slam of the 12 months.
Sabalenka: I spoke to Djokovic – I remembered it – and it helped me win the US Open
"At Wimbledon I spoke to Novak. I simply needed to understand how he was making ready himself for these large matches — what was the main target and what was his mindset going into the match. So we talked for an hour most likely, however with Novak you at all times can spend greater than that speaking and asking for recommendation. After which in a while, going to the US Open ultimate, I remembered what he stated, what he instructed me, and I feel it helped me to get the title," the top-ranked WTA participant revealed at an occasion in Hong Kong.
Sabalenka didn't disguise that she completely didn't need to end the 2025 season with no Grand Slam title. She is now set to enter 2026 with 4 Majors beneath her belt.
