Aryna Sabalenka Reveals Novak Djokovic's Secret to Staying Calm Under Pressure

In a surprising turn of events, Aryna Sabalenka, the fiery Belarusian tennis player, has found an unlikely mentor in Novak Djokovic, the Serbian legend known for his unflappable composure on the court.

Last month, fresh off her 2025 US Open victory, Sabalenka took a training-holiday in Athens, Greece, where Djokovic now resides. During her stay, the two practiced together, and Sabalenka gained invaluable insights into Djokovic's secret to staying calm under pressure.

"How to stay settled and how to look at everything as you're looking from the outside on the situation on the court, off the court," Sabalenka explained. "Kind of like it's not you looking, it's someone else looking at your situation. I think that's the best lesson that you could take from Novak."

Djokovic's own journey to mastering his emotions has been well-documented. In his early years, he wore his heart on his sleeve, often smashing rackets and yelling at his player box. But a pivotal moment at the 2020 US Open, when he was defaulted for accidentally hitting a line judge, became a turning point for the Serbian.

Now, Sabalenka is following in Djokovic's footsteps, learning to control her own fiery temperament. She has openly admitted that her emotions have cost her matches in the past, but with Djokovic's guidance, she is finding the ability to step back, reset, and regain control.

Sabalenka's US Open triumph and her subsequent Wimbledon semifinal appearance are a testament to the progress she has made. As she continues to work with Djokovic, both on and off the court, the young Belarusian is poised to become a force to be reckoned with, armed with the mental fortitude that has long been Djokovic's trademark.