In a moving display of sportsmanship and friendship, Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has revealed her heartfelt connection with Novak Djokovic's wife Jelena, following her devastating withdrawal from Wimbledon.
Emotional Wimbledon Exit
The world number three was forced to abandon her Wimbledon campaign just hours before her scheduled fourth-round match against Emina Bektas, citing a severe shoulder injury that left her unable to serve effectively. The 26-year-old broke down in tears during an emotional press conference, describing the decision as "the most painful of her career."
Special Bond With Djokovic Family
What followed revealed a touching side of the tennis world rarely seen by spectators. Sabalenka disclosed her close relationship with Jelena Djokovic, wife of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
"Jelena reached out to me immediately after the announcement," Sabalenka shared. "She's been incredibly supportive throughout this difficult time. We've developed a genuine friendship that extends beyond the tennis court."
Mutual Respect Among Champions
The connection between Sabalenka and the Djokovic family highlights the strong bonds that form among tennis elites. Novak Djokovic himself has previously praised Sabalenka's powerful game and mental toughness, while Jelena has become a trusted confidante for several players on tour.
"It's moments like these that remind you there's more to tennis than just competition," Sabalenka reflected. "The support system within our community is incredible, especially during challenging times."
Road to Recovery
Despite the Wimbledon disappointment, Sabalenka remains optimistic about her recovery and future prospects. The two-time Australian Open champion has her sights set on returning stronger for the hardcourt season and defending her US Open finalist position from last year.
"This injury is a setback, but it's not the end of my journey," she affirmed. "I'll be working tirelessly with my medical team to come back even stronger."
