Aryna Sabalenka Claims Role in Novak Djokovic’s Shanghai Surge: “If He Wins the Tournament”
Aryna Sabalenka isn’t just dominating the WTA tour; she’s also playfully taking credit for Novak Djokovic’s stunning form at the Shanghai Masters.
The Belarusian superstar returned to action in Wuhan after her US Open triumph and brought more than just her powerful game, she brought a unique energy that she believes has rubbed off on the four-time Shanghai champion.
Four months ago, at Wimbledon, Djokovic jokingly interrupted Sabalenka’s press conference, remarking, “You’re lacking intensity on the court.” Laughter filled the room, hinting at the off-court camaraderie that has only grown since.
At Roland Garros, he even mimicked her post-match stair dance, teasing, “Now what, Sabalenka?” That playful banter has followed them across continents.
Defending champion Sabalenka offered a remarkable comeback against Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova in her Wuhan nature, recovering from a set down to seal a 4- 6, 6- 3, 6- 1 win.
Aryna Sabalenka completes the comeback to extend her perfect record in China by defeating Rebecca Sramkova (4-6, 6-3, 6-1)
She is now 18-0 at the Wuhan Open in her career pic.twitter.com/6LUnvCnoKp
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) October 8, 2025
The palm marked her first event since lifting the US Open jewel and incontinently transferred a statement that the World No. 1 is in full flow.
With her trademark smile, she credited herself for Djokovic’s performance in Shanghai. “Well, he was really competitive, and he was screaming when he won a point against me. I scored a lot of points against him, for the record. I hope he will confirm it!”
Sabalenka reflected on the pair’s shared training sessions. “We trained several times. I hope I’ve been a good training partner,” she said. Her presence, she suggests, has given Djokovic an added edge.
“So far, he is winning in Shanghai. So I think it was a good workout. I really hope that he will go all the way. If he wins the tournament, I could say it’s thanks to me!”
Their bond goes beyond tennis. Sabalenka recounted moments in Greece, where she and Djokovic, alongside their partners, blended rigorous training with relaxed downtime.
“We had a great time in Greece. I love him and Elena. He is always ready to give me advice. They are so nice. We went to dinner. We had a really good time.”
Back on the Wuhan court, Sabalenka demonstrated why she remains a force in women’s tennis. Sramkova stormed out of the blocks, taking the first set with 15 winners and five aces, while Sabalenka plodded to settle.
But the Belarusian soon set up her meter. By the alternate set, she was decreeing play, her fierce groundstrokes cracking Sramkova’s resistance.
Across the final two sets, she unleashed 24 winners, 20 from the birth, and held her whim-whams under pressure, saving eight break points at pivotal moments.
“I have to say she played incredible tennis, especially in the first set,” Sabalenka admitted. “Not much I could do.
I knew that after that little break [since the US Open] it would not be easy to get back in my rhythm, but I’m really glad that in the second set I found my game, I stepped in and I think I played really great.”
Djokovic has also been making headlines recently, advancing to the US Open semi-final, proving his consistency at the highest level of the sport.
Next over for Sabalenka is Liudmila Samsonova. The Belarusian leads their head- to- head 3- 2, having defeated Samsonova in straight sets in Cincinnati 2024 and Indian Wells 2025.
With an 18- 0 record at Wuhan and instigation on her side, Aryna Sabalenka is n’t only chasing a fourth successive title but also stropping her edge with an doubtful supporter in Djokovic.
The combination of raw power, strategic growth, and sportful off- court bonds positions her for further caption- making performances, both on the court and in the global tennis discussion.
