Aryna Sabalenka responded to Novak Djokovic’s revived “battle dance” challenge after opening her 2026 Roland Garros campaign with a straight-sets win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The World No. 1 used her post-match celebration on Court Philippe-Chatrier to continue a viral exchange that has now stretched across multiple editions of the French Open.
The Belarusian delivered a controlled performance in her first-round match, managing tempo and depth from the baseline to avoid any sustained pressure. While the result itself was routine, the context surrounding her victory carried additional attention due to the ongoing social media interaction with Djokovic.
Djokovic had reignited the storyline a day earlier after his own first-round win, repeating the staircase dance that first went viral in Paris. The Serbian directly challenged Sabalenka online, adding new momentum to a celebration trend that has followed both players since 2025.
Sabalenka’s response came immediately after her win, as she stepped off court and acknowledged the challenge with a brief on-court message and gesture, continuing what has become a recurring pattern of mirrored celebrations between two of the sport’s most high-profile figures.
Djokovic triggers the latest exchange in Paris
The latest episode began when Djokovic, after defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets, revived his signature staircase celebration at Roland Garros. The 24-time Grand Slam champion referenced Sabalenka directly while performing the dance, turning a post-match moment into a public challenge.
“Check this out!! You can’t beat that Aryna, I challenge you,” Djokovic said while repeating the gesture on the stadium stairs. The message immediately framed the narrative heading into Sabalenka’s opening match, effectively setting up her response before she even stepped on court.
The Serbian’s victory itself was hard-fought, with a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 scoreline against the French player. However, attention quickly shifted away from the match and toward the continuation of his off-court exchange with Sabalenka.
Sabalenka answers on Chatrier after opening win
Sabalenka responded after defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, using her walk-off moment at Philippe-Chatrier to engage with the ongoing challenge. The World No. 1 briefly addressed the crowd before delivering her version of the dance associated with the Djokovic exchange.
“Okay now, how about that,” Sabalenka said while beginning the celebration. The gesture mirrored the established pattern between the two players, who have repeatedly used post-match moments as part of an informal back-and-forth across tournaments. “I think I’m doing much better. Well, let’s see.”
The response was immediately shared across social platforms, continuing the visibility of a storyline that has become one of the more unusual recurring narratives at Roland Garros.
Challenge accepted 👀#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/NAJo0U0Uzt
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 26, 2026
Origin of the “battle dance” and player relationship
The exchange originated at Roland Garros 2025, when Djokovic first imitated Sabalenka’s celebration following a fourth-round victory. From that point, both players began responding to each other after wins, creating a repeated cycle of gestures across the tournament.
Djokovic eventually reached the semifinals that year, losing to Jannik Sinner, while Sabalenka finished runner-up to Coco Gauff. Despite different outcomes, the dance exchange became one of the defining off-court themes of the event.
The relationship between both players remains friendly and extends beyond competition. They have been seen together off court on multiple occasions, including dinners with their respective partners and shared training environments, reflecting a mutual respect and light-hearted rapport that underpins the viral interaction.
The challenge is expected to continue as long as both progress in the draw at Roland Garros. Djokovic will face local player Valentin Royer in the second round on Wednesday, while Sabalenka returns to action on Thursday against fellow French player Elsa Jacquemot.
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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