“I’m so sorry Mr. Legend”: Aryna Sabalenka apologises to Novak Djokovic in viral Wimbledon momento

Sunday, 28 June 2026 at 22:30

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka take to the court in an exhibition match

Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic shared a humorous moment during their preparations for Wimbledon, after the Serbian player jokingly demanded an apology from the Belarusian, triggering a light-hearted response from the women’s World No. 1.

Well known is the strong off-court relationship between Sabalenka and Djokovic, who have shared entertaining moments at recent Grand Slams, such as dance challenges during previous editions of Roland Garros, or even training together in a challenge at Wimbledon a year ago.

The reality is that Sabalenka and Djokovic share a friendship and mutual admiration and respect that they have repeatedly expressed over the past years. Djokovic himself has mentioned that his daughter Tara’s favourite player is Sabalenka, and the Serbian has even taken part in investments alongside Sabalenka’s fiancé, Georgios Frangulis. At the end of 2025, Sabalenka and Djokovic even appeared in photos in Athens together with their respective partners during a double date.

Although Djokovic has not been very active on the Tour during the last season, with only three tournaments played, every time he has coincided with Sabalenka it has once again been evident the friendship they share. This time, they joked after training sessions, with Djokovic sarcastically demanding an apology from the four-time Grand Slam champion.

Djokovic and Sabalenka’s friendship steals spotlight

Everything happened when Sabalenka was leaving the practice courts at SW19 after finishing her training session. As the World No. 1 was walking off court, she crossed paths with Djokovic, who was training on an adjacent court, and although the Serbian was not hitting at that moment, he did not miss the opportunity to joke with the 28-year-old Belarusian.

“No sorry, no nothing,” Djokovic is heard saying in a Wimbledon social media video. “I’m sorry for stepping on your court, no nothing. It’s okay,” is heard Djokovic saying in the background after Sabalenka crossed his court during her training session.

“I’m so sorry Mr. Legend,” Sabalenka replied smiling, referencing and exaggerating her apology to the 24-time Grand Slam champion. The moment quickly went viral on social media, once again showing the strong sense of humor of both multiple Grand Slam champions.

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Salenka and Djokovic begin campaigns with major stakes

Sabalenka and Djokovic both arrive at Wimbledon with major ambitions. The Belarusian is chasing her fifth Grand Slam title and first of the season, as well as looking to overcome the inconsistent results she has had outside hard courts in major tournaments.

In the last five years she has only participated three times at Wimbledon, and in each of those occasions she reached the semifinals. Her previous Wimbledon campaign ended in a straight-sets defeat against Amanda Anisimova, who went on to reach her first Grand Slam final. The title eventually went to Iga Świątek.

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On Djokovic’s side, he is chasing his 25th Grand Slam title and eighth Wimbledon crown. The Serbian has seven titles at SW19 and three additional finals. This year represents a major opportunity given the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated him in the 2024 final.

On paper, Djokovic is again one of the key contenders and could set up another clash with Jannik Sinner if the draw allows it. A year ago, Djokovic reached the semifinals but was eliminated in straight sets by the Italian.

Sabalenka will begin her campaign on Monday against Serbia’s Teodora Kostovic on Centre Court. After the women’s World No. 1 match concludes, Djokovic will take the same court shortly after for his opening match against Yibing Wu.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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