“Leave him alone”: Sabalenka defends Djokovic with bold longevity claim
The Belarusian believes Djokovic has “two or three more years” left in him
Zuma/Psnewz
Aryna Sabalenka believes tennis media needs to back off Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian has won just two titles over the past two years, suffering several uncharacteristic injuries at Grand Slams and falling early on numerous occasions. This kind of form is a radical departure from what followers of the sport have come to expect from the man who has been a model of consistency over the past two decades.
With his three main rivals now thoroughly retired, naturally questions have arisen over when the 38-year-old will himself exit the game.
But Sabalenka believes Djokovic has plenty more tennis left in him, and reporters need to leave him alone.
“You are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak,” the Belarusian said after beating Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-3 to make the fourth round of Roland-Garros on Friday.
“Leave him alone.”
Sabalenka: Djokovic has more to give
Sabalenka even went so far as to make a bold claim regarding the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s longevity in the sport.
“Look at him. He’s fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he’s ready to play, I don’t know, another two, three years,” she said.
“He’s doing really well, you know. Of course up-and-downs, everyone have it. You know, I believe the older you get, the tougher it gets to, like, stay consistent on the level.
“But we see whenever he’s ready, whenever he’s, like, healthy and fit, he’s there, and he’s playing the great tennis.
“So just leave him alone. Let him just be. Imagine if he gonna retire tomorrow, then everyone going to be sad, no? Don’t you think so? Then there is another like 10, 15 years to Jannik and Alcaraz to become one of the greatest.
“But just, you know, let him be. You know, it was so sad to see the ceremony, big four were on the court and you understand that three of them retired. Everyone missing their games.
“So let’s just let Novak to be there to show and fight and show his greatness and to inspire that generation.”
