‘No One Expected This From Djokovic’: His Explosive Remark About Sabalenka’s Grunting Shakes Wimbledon

The pristine lawns of Wimbledon are no strangers to controversy, but this year, an unexpected storm has erupted—not from the weather, but from the lips of one of the tournament’s most celebrated champions. Novak Djokovic, a name synonymous with Grand Slam dominance and stoic composure, stunned fans and pundits alike when he made a blunt and unfiltered remark about Aryna Sabalenka’s grunting during her matches. In a world where every syllable from top players is scrutinized, Djokovic’s words echoed far beyond Centre Court, creating a rift in the tennis community and igniting a heated debate about gender, etiquette, and performance.

The Remark Heard Around the World

It all began during a post-match press conference following Djokovic’s fourth-round victory. The Serbian, visibly relaxed but animated, was asked a range of questions, from his fitness regimen to his thoughts on the younger generation of players. But then came the unexpected moment: a journalist, perhaps fishing for a viral soundbite, inquired about the rising volume of grunts in the women’s game, referencing Sabalenka’s recent match that was criticized online for being “audibly distracting.”

Without missing a beat, Djokovic chuckled, then delivered the comment that would become front-page news: “I thought the umpire was going to issue a noise violation—not for the crowd, but for Sabalenka.”

The room erupted in laughter, but the reaction outside was far less amused. Social media exploded, with fans and commentators both defending and denouncing the comment. Many were left asking: was it just a joke, or a disrespectful jab disguised as humor?

Sabalenka’s Sonic Signature

To understand the uproar, one must first grasp who Aryna Sabalenka is, both as a player and as a persona. The Belarusian powerhouse is known for her aggressive baseline play, emotional on-court presence, and yes—her unmistakable grunting. For some, it’s a symbol of intensity and raw effort. For others, it’s become a point of contention, viewed as excessive or even disruptive.

Grunting in tennis is hardly a new phenomenon. From Monica Seles to Maria Sharapova, many female champions have faced criticism for their vocal expressions during rallies. What makes Sabalenka’s case particularly sensitive is the context in which it is being discussed. Unlike her predecessors, Sabalenka is competing in a time when athletes—especially female athletes—are fighting for equal respect, not just equal pay.

So when Djokovic, a male legend, commented on her grunting in a way that could be interpreted as mocking, it struck a chord. The reaction wasn’t merely about noise—it was about perception, power dynamics, and the lines between humor and condescension.

Djokovic: No Stranger to Controversy

This isn’t the first time Novak Djokovic has found himself in the eye of a media storm. While his greatness on the court is beyond question—holding more Grand Slam titles than any male player in history—his off-court persona has often invited criticism. From his stance on vaccinations to his disqualification from the 2020 US Open for hitting a line judge with a ball, Djokovic has a complicated relationship with public perception.

However, this incident differs in one key way: it pits him not against rules or regulations, but against another player, and indirectly against the broader conversation about gender sensitivity in sports. For many, it felt like a moment where one of the sport’s most respected voices undermined the legitimacy of a woman’s playing style, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

And yet, for others, it was simply a throwaway joke—no different than the banter seen in locker rooms or late-night talk shows. The divide in interpretation reveals just how polarized the world of modern tennis has become.

The Media Frenzy and Public Backlash

Within hours, headlines around the world carried variations of the same story: “Djokovic Mocks Sabalenka’s Grunting”, “Wimbledon Roars After Djokovic Jab”, and “Is Novak Out of Line?”. Sports anchors, talk show hosts, and even former players weighed in.

Martina Navratilova, a vocal advocate for equality in tennis, tweeted, “We’ve heard these kinds of comments for decades. Time to move on and focus on the actual game, not the sound effects.” On the other hand, former men’s player Pat Cash remarked, “Everyone’s got a mic now and everything’s offensive. It was clearly a joke. Let’s not get carried away.”

Social media added fuel to the fire. Hashtags like #DjokovicGruntGate, #RespectSabalenka, and #LetThemPlay began trending. Fans of both players passionately defended their heroes, while others called for an apology or at least clarification.

Interestingly, Wimbledon officials remained tight-lipped. The All England Club is known for its stiff-upper-lip approach to drama, and issued only a short statement reminding players to “maintain professionalism on and off the court.”

Sabalenka’s Response: Silence Speaks Volumes

In the days following Djokovic’s remark, Sabalenka chose not to directly address the comment. When asked about it during a post-match interview, she smiled and simply said, “I’m here to play tennis. I’ll let my racquet do the talking.”

Her restraint was widely praised, though some fans wished for a more assertive response. But perhaps her silence was its own kind of statement—a refusal to engage in a narrative that sought to reduce her power to mere decibels.

What Sabalenka did do was win. She advanced through her matches with fierce determination, her grunting as present as ever. And with each swing of her racquet, she seemed to be saying: “I’m not here to apologize.”

The Bigger Picture: Gender, Expression, and Power in Tennis

This controversy has peeled back the polite exterior of professional tennis to reveal something more raw: the ongoing struggle over who gets to define what is acceptable, expressive, and worthy in sport. Women’s tennis has long battled double standards. Whether it’s about what they wear, how they celebrate, or how loudly they express themselves, female players are often judged more harshly than their male counterparts.

What Djokovic’s comment unintentionally did was remind the world that those biases still exist, even among the elite. It raised uncomfortable questions: Would such a joke have been made if a male player grunted that loudly? Are female athletes still expected to fit into a mold of restrained, “ladylike” behavior?

Tennis, like all sports, is evolving. The new generation—both men and women—is more expressive, more individualistic, and more unapologetic. And perhaps that’s exactly what the sport needs: less policing of style, more celebration of substance.

Djokovic’s Clarification: Damage Control or Genuine Reflection?

Three days after the remark went viral, Djokovic addressed the issue again—this time with noticeably more caution. In a written statement released through his publicist, he said:

“My comment about Aryna was made in jest and not meant to offend. I have tremendous respect for her game and her accomplishments. If it came across as anything other than lighthearted, I sincerely apologize.”

While some accepted the apology, others questioned its sincerity, pointing to the media pressure and mounting backlash as the likely motive. Still, it signaled that even someone of Djokovic’s stature recognizes the power of his words—and the need for accountability.

The Court of Public Opinion

In the end, the real verdict won’t be delivered by Wimbledon’s officials, nor by Djokovic or Sabalenka, but by fans, sponsors, and the broader tennis community. What began as a flippant remark has evolved into a referendum on how tennis treats its women, how stars wield their influence, and how much space is allowed for personal expression in a centuries-old sport.

While Djokovic may have intended to provoke a laugh, he ended up provoking a global conversation. And perhaps, unintentionally, he did the sport a service. Because in forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truths about bias, sound, and respect, we are reminded that the battle for equality in tennis is far from over.

As the grass gets worn and the finals approach, one thing is clear: the echoes of Djokovic’s comment—and Sabalenka’s unwavering play—will linger far longer than any match point.