“How could they refuse me?”: Aryna Sabalenka opens up on making viral TikToks with Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic
WTAWednesday, 22 July 2026 at 00:30
Aryna Sabalenka has become one of the biggest personalities in tennis, both because of her dominant game and her unique presence away from the court. The world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion has built unexpected friendships across the Tour, with her viral interactions alongside Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Karen Khachanov becoming some of the most memorable social media moments in recent seasons.
The Belarusian recently opened up about those relationships in an interview with First & Red, explaining how her connection with some of the biggest names in tennis developed naturally. From Djokovic's famous dance challenges to her TikTok with Alcaraz after his US Open 2025 triumph, Sabalenka revealed that those moments were never planned but simply came from genuine friendships.
Sabalenka enters the final stretch of the 2026 season searching for another major breakthrough. The 28-year-old has not won a Grand Slam title in nearly a year and suffered another disappointing result at Wimbledon, where she was eliminated by Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. With the US Open approaching, the tournament where she has enjoyed some of her greatest success, the Belarusian will have one final opportunity to add another major trophy to her career.
Despite the pressure of chasing another Grand Slam title, Sabalenka continues to show a different side away from competition. The Belarusian explained that her relationships with players such as Djokovic, Alcaraz and Khachanov are based on openness, humour and mutual respect rather than forced friendships.
Sabalenka reveals the story behind her viral moments with Djokovic, Alcaraz and Khachanov
Sabalenka's friendship with Novak Djokovic has become one of the most entertaining dynamics in tennis. The pair have repeatedly gone viral for their playful interactions on social media, including their famous dance challenges during Grand Slam tournaments.
However, Sabalenka explained that the relationship developed naturally over time rather than through any deliberate attempt to create content. "I don't know, it happened naturally because I'm not shy about things," Sabalenka said. "We joked a bit with Novak here and there, talked, I asked him for advice, and gradually we started communicating."
The Belarusian revealed that her famous TikTok exchanges with Djokovic started after she decided to create a spontaneous moment herself during Roland Garros. "Last year I started it — they were filming me on the stairs, and I couldn't just walk down boringly, I had to do something silly. I danced a bit, and he said, 'I'm challenging you'," she explained.
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The moment eventually turned into a recurring joke between the two champions, with Djokovic copying her celebration after his own victories.
Sabalenka also recalled one of her most viral interactions with Carlos Alcaraz, when she convinced the Spaniard to record a TikTok shortly after he won the 2025 US Open. "At the US Open, Carlos had eyes like... because I had a day off, but he had just won and celebrated with his team, slept maybe three or four hours," Sabalenka said. "He came in completely exhausted, and I said, 'Carlos, we need to make a TikTok.'"
@aryna.sabalenka Birthday twin and @US Open ♬ original sound - worshipwithjeremiah
The Belarusian admitted that Alcaraz looked completely lost during the recording, but she managed to convince him because they share the same birthday. "It was very funny, Carlos looked so clumsy and sweet. My birthday is on the same day as his, so I used that to convince him."
Sabalenka also mentioned her friendship with Karen Khachanov, explaining that their social media collaborations came from the same type of spontaneous connection. "Karen is always like, 'Let's do a TikTok!' We recorded a shaking hands trend where he was jumping, and I said, 'Karen, just shake hands, why are you jumping?'"
@aryna.sabalenka Had to recruit a fellow quarterfinalist for this trend 😂
♬ Illegal - PinkPantheress
Djokovic's advice helped Sabalenka improve her return
Beyond the viral moments, Sabalenka has also benefited from Djokovic's experience as one of the greatest players in tennis history. The Belarusian revealed that she has regularly asked the Serbian for advice, particularly about returning serve.
"He has the best return, so I asked him what he focuses on during the return," Sabalenka explained. "He showed me his stance; I tried it, and reacting really became easier."
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka played together during an exhibition back in 2024 Australian Open
According to Sabalenka, Djokovic also helped her simplify her approach during important moments by focusing more on herself rather than the opponent. "He says he focuses on himself, makes a split-step and reacts based on feeling where the opponent serves."
The Belarusian added that Djokovic also gave her advice about handling the pressure of major finals and managing emotions during difficult matches. "He said meditation is important — taking a walk in nature, or taking time during a match," Sabalenka revealed. "He shouts to release emotions, and I'm the same. I need to shout sometimes to release it and refocus."
Why Sabalenka values genuine relationships on Tour
While Sabalenka is known for her outgoing personality, the world No. 1 admitted that building trust with new people is not always easy. She explained that her closest relationships come from people who understand her background and treat her normally.
The Belarusian said that this is one reason why she has remained close with her own team and why friendships with players like Djokovic, Alcaraz and Khachanov have developed naturally. "Everything was organic; there was no 'let's be friends' moment," the 4-time major champion said. "It was just gradual interaction leading to jokes, communication and practicing together."
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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