NOVAK DJOKOVIC gatecrashed Aryna Sabalenka’s pre-Wimbledon press conference before offering some constructive criticism.
Women’s world No.1 Sabalenka was coming towards the end of her chat when Djokovic surprisingly entered before it was his turn to face reporters in SW19.
Novak Djokovic hilariously gatecrashed Aryna Sabalenka’s pre-Wimbledon press conference on Saturday
Sabalenka, who was in good spirits, asked Djokovic for his opinion on her abilities
Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, was told Sabalenka was in the middle of her final response but cheekily informed the press officer that he was going to interrupt his friend’s conference.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner could be heard whispering: “Come on, let’s go, please” with a grin as he shocked Sabalenka with his entrance on Saturday.
Sabalenka smiled and said goodbye to the media, but then assumed the role of moderator and asked Djokovic about their recent hit at the All-England club.
The pair were filmed during a practice session earlier in the week as Sabalenka looks to win her first Wimbledon and Djokovic goes for an a record-equalling eighth title, alongside Roger Federer.
Sabalenka, 27, said: “You see guys, come in here then” before asking Djokovic to sit down in her seat, which he refused.
The US Open champion then asked Djokovic: “First of all, let me ask a question. What do you think about hitting with me? How do you see my level? Am I good?’
Djokovic jokingly responded: “I think you have the potential. You’re, like, a really talented player. You have nice strokes, good technique.
“Can I be honest? You’re lacking intensity on the court. You don’t have enough intensity.
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“It’s too flat. You’ve got to lighten up a little bit, put some power in it.”
Sabalenka, holding in laughter, then said: “Really! That’s what you are going to say right now?
“Before this guy was my favourite player, but not anymore obviously!”
There could be some truth in Djokovic’s words of wisdom, as Sabalenka lost the French Open final to Coco Gauff last month.
The Belarusian said it “hurt to show such terrible tennis” in what she described as “the worst final I ever played” after losing in three sets to Gauff.
In her runners-up speech, the three-time Slam winner added: “‘I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic is seeking a record-extending 25 Grand Slam titles, but at 38 years old knows his time is running out amid the rise of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Shutterstock EditorialSabalenka is trying to right her French Open wrongs over the next few weeks[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialDjokovic warmed up with Sabalenka and Carlo Alcaraz[/caption]
The legendary Serbian said: “‘It’s great to be back. I love Wimbledon. I’ve always loved it. I think in the last six editions, I had six finals.
“I’ve been playing very well here, maybe it’s been the most consistent Grand Slam for me in the last 10 years.
“When I come here, I feel extra inspired to deliver the best tennis. Whether it could be my ‘last dance’, I’m not sure. My wish is to play for several more years.
“I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep on playing at the highest level. That’s the goal, but you never know at this stage.”
Men’s singles draw in full
Sinner v Nardi
Tseng v Vukic
Martinez v Loffhagen
Navone v Shapovalov
Dimitrov v Nishioka
Comesana v Moutet
Ofner v Medjedovic
Monday v Paul
Shelton v Bolt
Hijikata v Goffin
Kovacevic v Fucsovics
Monfils v Hubert
Nakashima v Ba
Schevchenko v Opelka
Faria v Sonego
Basilashvili v Musetti
Draper v Baez
Collingnon v Cilic
McCabe v Marozsan
Munar v Bublik
Cobolli v Zhukayev
Etcheverry v Pinnington Jones
Giron v Ugo Carabelli
Gaston v Mesnik
De Minaur v Carballes Baena
Cazaux v Walton
Halys v Holmgren
Dzumhur v Machac
Michelsen v Kecmanovic
De Jong v Eubanks
Evans v Clarke
Muller v Djokovic
Fritz v Mpetshi Perricard
Diallo v Altmaier
Arnaldi v Van de Zanschulp
Holt v Davidovich Fokina
Popyrin v Fery
Darderi v Safiullin
Kopriva v Thompson
Bonzi v Medvedev
Cerundolo v Borges
Harris v Hurkacz
Mochizuki v Zeppieri
McDonald v Khachanov
Berrettini v Majchrzak
Quinn v Searle
Carreno Busta v Rodesch
Rinderknech v Zverev
Rune v Jarry
Tien v Basavareddy
Fearnley v Fonseca
Brooksby v Griekspoor
Lehecka v Dellien
Bellucci v Crawford
Norrie v Bautista Agut
Moller v Tiafoe
Rublev v Djere
Bergs v Harris
Mannarino v O’Connell
Royer v Tsitsipas
Auger-Aliassime v Duckworth
Struff v Misolic
Tarvet v Riedi
Fognini v Alcaraz
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