Does Sabalenka's recent success have traces of Djokovic's influence?

Women’s world number two Aryna Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, has revealed the three-time Grand Slam winner is trying hard to replicate a ‘unique trait’ of Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic. The 26-year-old is regarded as one of the best players currently playing women’s tennis, along with Poland’s Iga Swiatek.

Sabalenka is going through a bit of a lean patch as she recently lifted the US Open for the first time in her career after beating America’s Jessica Pegula in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 7-5. It was her second major title this year as she also lifted the Australian Open title after beating China’s Zheng Qinwen in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-2.

Sabalenka’s coach Dubrov has recently spoken to Championat, as quoted by Tennis 365, where he explained how the reigning world number two in women’s singles tennis is trying to replicate a ‘unique trait’ of Djokovic. He was of the opinion that one of the reasons why Sabalenka has managed to produce good results in the recent past is because now she can thrive under pressure, especially when the crowd is against her, similar to Djokovic, who, throughout his career, has managed to produce incredible results in hostile atmospheres.

“Novak experiences something similar when he plays, and the crowds will sometimes cheer against him. But he knows how to channel this energy,” he said. “This is his unique trait – to do such this in important moments. This is what Aryna has started to do better at. She’s not at the same level yet, but you can strive for it, no matter how you feel. Now she can do more at a higher level: even if she plays a Slam final against the American, where any of her points will be cheered loudly, you continue to focus on yourself.”