Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenko. Two tennis giants, two people whose names are known worldwide. They have met on the court in the mixed doubles, and many things unite them, although they are different. Serbian left-hander and Belarusian tennis player. Both are the number one ranked players in the world, both hit the ball with ferocity, both break stereotypes. Let's find out who they are, what their strengths are, and what they have in common.

Novak Djokovic: the king of endurance

Novak Djokovic was born in 1987 in Belgrade (Serbia). He started playing tennis at the age of 4. In 2011, he burst into the elite, winning three Grand Slam tournaments in a row. By 2026, he has 24 Grand Slam titles (more than Nadal and Federer). He is one of the best in history. Playing style — defensive play from the back line, incredible flexibility (the signature "split"), psychological resilience. He brings back dead balls.

Novak is known for his diet (gluten-free, dairy-free) and mental preparation. He has collaborated with Goran Ivanisevic (coach) and Imad (physio). His signature shot is the backhand down the line.

Off the court: he doesn't like to lose even in table tennis. His family (wife Elena, children Stefan and Tara) often sit in the stands. Novak is a fighter for tennis players' rights (created PTPA). In 2026, he is still in the top 10, but already planning to end his career (said he would play until 40 years old, like Federer).

Scandals: his refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2022, his deportation from Australia. In 2026, he was forgiven, but the stigma remained.

Aryna Sabalenko: strength and emotions

Aryna Sabalenko was born in 1998 in Minsk (Belarus). She was the number one ranked player in the world among women in 2025-2026. Her motto: "Hit harder, shout louder." Style — a powerful first serve (up to 190 km/h), aggressive forehand. She doesn't know how to "wait," only to pressure.

Aryna had a hard time dealing with psychology: double faults on match points, tantrums. But in 2023, she won the Australian Open, in 2024 — the US Open, in 2025 — Roland Garros (only Wimbledon was missing). In 2026, she is at the top.

Off the court: she loves tattoos (a tiger on her shoulder), interacts with fans, dances in the locker room. After victories, she shouts into the camera and can cry. She has a tragedy in her life: her father died in 2019 (Sergey Sobolenko). Aryna says she plays for him.

In 2026, she is a role model for girls. She shows that you can be strong and emotional at the same time.

What do Djokovic and Sabalenko have in common

Both are leaders in the number of tournaments won in the 2020s. Both are not afraid to express emotions: Novak sometimes rips his shirt, Aryna roars. Both love playing at Grand Slam tournaments and hate giving points away.

They were both undervalued at the beginning of their careers. Novak was considered the eternal third after Federer and Nadal; Aryna was a "powerful server without a head." They have proven the opposite.

They both promote tennis in countries that were not considered tennis countries. Serbia and Belarus are small countries, but thanks to them, they have become famous.

They both use sports psychologists. Novak uses the famous Igor Chichuashvili, Aryna uses her own (names not disclosed). Both practice meditation and visualization.

Are they friends? No, but they respect each other. Novak said about Aryna: "She is fire, I love watching her play." Aryna said about Novak: "He is a legend, I take an example from his discipline."

Differences: style and character

Novak is a tactician. He can play 30 shots in a rally, tire his opponent. Aryna is a storm. She either wins with a shot on the second serve or loses with a mistake. Novak rarely loses his temper (except for arguments with referees). Aryna can break her racket. Novak is composed, Aryna is expressive. Novak is a family man with two children, living in Monte Carlo. Aryna is not married, dating a hockey player (rumors). Novak loves show business (singing, dancing). Aryna is a sports addict (only tennis and the gym).

Novak dominates on all surfaces, Aryna is strong on hard and clay (grass is weaker).

Their relationship with fans and the press

Novak is beloved in Serbia, not very much in England (where they cheer for Federer). His "In My Head" (2015) is a meme. Aryna is loved everywhere, especially in Australia. She signs autographs, dances with fans.

The press often criticizes Novak for "political statements" (about Kosovo, about his attitude to vaccines). Aryna is criticized for "male style of play." Both do not read the press.

Their achievements by 2026

For Novak: 24 Grand Slams (10 Australian Open, 3 Roland Garros, 7 Wimbledon, 4 US Open). In 2024, he won the Olympic gold (finally!). In 2026, he is on the verge of breaking the record of Corretja (he already has 24, the next one is 25).

For Aryna: 6 Grand Slams (3 Australian Open, 1 Roland Garros, 1 US Open, 1 Wimbledon in 2025?). In 2025, did she win the Olympics? No, she won in Paris-2024 against Iga Swiatek. But in 2026, Aryna is the number one ranked player in the world, won the Finals tournament.

Both are holders of the Davis Cup (exhibition tournament), but in different teams.

Their influence on tennis

Novak changed the perception of physical preparation: now all players work with physios, do yoga. He popularized stretching and gluten-free diet. Aryna changed women's tennis: showed that you can win with power, not just cunning. Many girls have increased their muscles after her.

Both are mentors for young players: Novak helped Mijomir Kecmanovic, Aryna is a partner in doubles (her partner in 2026 is Mei Hua).

Conclusion

Djokovic and Sabalenko are different, but similar. What unites them is their love for tennis, workaholism, and the ability to overcome difficulties. They are not gods, but ordinary people who give 200% in every training session. For us, the audience, they are an example that even a small country (Serbia) or an unknown (Belarus) can give the world great champions.

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