Shockwaves in Tennis: After Novak Djokovic’s Support, Aryna Sabalenka Snubs Him From Her Top 5 — Fans Can’t Believe It

The world of professional tennis thrives on rivalries, mutual respect, and moments of solidarity between players. When Novak Djokovic, one of the most dominant champions in history, openly offers his support to another star, it often resonates far beyond the court. That is why the recent revelation involving Aryna Sabalenka has caused such a stir. Despite Djokovic’s long-standing praise and encouragement toward her, Sabalenka omitted his name when asked about her personal Top 5 tennis inspirations. What followed was a wave of disbelief, debate, and speculation across the tennis community.

The Context of Novak Djokovic’s Support

Throughout his career, Novak Djokovic has been vocal about supporting not just his peers in the men’s game, but also leading women’s players. On several occasions, he has gone out of his way to highlight the achievements of figures like Serena Williams, Ashleigh Barty, and Aryna Sabalenka herself. Djokovic has consistently emphasized the importance of women’s tennis in elevating the sport globally, noting that players like Sabalenka bring intensity, passion, and raw power to every tournament they enter.

For Sabalenka, this recognition was especially meaningful. Emerging from Belarus to establish herself as one of the fiercest competitors on tour, she has navigated immense pressure and political challenges while climbing to the No.1 ranking. That Djokovic acknowledged her as a major force in modern tennis added weight to her reputation. When he praised her aggressive baseline play, mental toughness, and ability to dominate hard-court matches, fans assumed Sabalenka would reciprocate the admiration. Yet her recent comments suggested otherwise.

Aryna Sabalenka’s Surprising Top 5

When asked to name her Top 5 inspirations in tennis, Sabalenka delivered answers that reflected her unique journey, but one name was noticeably absent. She spoke about Serena Williams, who remains a towering role model for many women’s players due to her unmatched dominance and groundbreaking impact. She included Victoria Azarenka, another Belarusian star who paved the way for Sabalenka by reaching the pinnacle of women’s tennis earlier in the decade. She referenced a few ATP players as well, applauding their intensity and charisma.

However, when fans and analysts waited for her to mention Novak Djokovic, especially given his open support, Sabalenka instead listed others such as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Her omission of Djokovic immediately caught attention, sparking widespread discussion online. Why would she leave out a player who not only defined an era but also personally uplifted her through his public remarks?

Fans’ Reaction: Disbelief and Debate

The tennis world reacted instantly. On social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram, fans expressed their shock. Some called Sabalenka’s omission a snub, pointing out that Djokovic’s legacy and kindness should have secured his place in any contemporary player’s list of top inspirations. Others speculated that her choice reflected broader sentiments in the locker room, where Djokovic has often been a polarizing figure despite his achievements.

While many fans expressed disappointment, others defended Sabalenka, arguing that inspiration is personal and subjective. Her Top 5 list may have been shaped by the players she grew up watching or those who impacted her directly, rather than a reflection of current relationships. Still, the fact that Novak Djokovic—a man with 24 Grand Slam titles, countless weeks at world No.1, and vocal support for her—was left out, left a lingering sting.

Djokovic’s Place in Modern Tennis Legacy

The controversy also reignited a familiar debate: where exactly does Novak Djokovic stand in the pantheon of greats? Statistically, his dominance is undeniable. He holds more Grand Slam titles than both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and his longevity at the top has redefined what is possible for an athlete in their mid-30s. Beyond numbers, Djokovic’s ability to reinvent his game, recover from adversity, and adapt to new generations of opponents cements his greatness.

Yet despite his unmatched record, Djokovic has often found himself overshadowed by the romanticized rivalry between Federer and Nadal. Many fans grew up idolizing the elegance of Federer’s game or the relentless grit of Nadal’s clay-court dominance. By contrast, Djokovic’s story has sometimes been cast as that of an outsider, the spoiler who disrupted their duopoly. This perception may explain why even players like Sabalenka might instinctively gravitate toward Federer or Nadal when citing inspiration, even if Djokovic’s influence is equally monumental.

Sabalenka’s Persona and Independent Streak

Another layer to this story lies in Sabalenka’s personality. Known for her fierce independence and unapologetic style, she has built her career on forging her own path rather than following conventional narratives. Her candid interviews and emotional on-court presence demonstrate that she is not afraid to go against expectations. By excluding Djokovic from her Top 5, she may have been signaling her individuality—her inspirations are deeply personal, not dictated by public opinion or the sport’s hierarchy.

Sabalenka has also spoken about drawing strength from resilience in difficult times, especially during political tensions that affected Belarusian athletes globally. To her, role models may not just be measured by titles, but by the way they navigated challenges similar to her own. This could explain why she leaned more toward figures like Azarenka and Serena Williams, who exemplify resilience in different ways.

The Power of Perception in Tennis Rivalries

The uproar over Sabalenka’s comments underscores how perception shapes tennis culture. Fans expect players to echo the reverence they themselves hold for champions like Djokovic. When someone breaks from that script, it feels like a disruption to the sport’s unwritten code of respect.

However, this also illustrates the richness of tennis as a sport. Not every player has to idolize the same figures. Just as some men’s players cite Serena as their greatest inspiration, women’s players are entitled to craft their own unique pantheon. Sabalenka’s omission of Djokovic might sting for his fans, but it also highlights that greatness is not always universal—it is filtered through personal experiences, cultural contexts, and emotional connections.

Djokovic’s Silence and Possible Response

Interestingly, Novak Djokovic himself has remained silent on the matter. Known for his composure and his ability to address controversy with grace, he has not publicly commented on Sabalenka’s omission. Those close to Djokovic suggest that he is unlikely to take offense, as he understands that personal inspiration varies for each athlete. His history shows that he prefers to let his tennis do the talking rather than dwell on off-court drama.

Still, some observers believe this incident could deepen Djokovic’s determination to continue proving his worth. Throughout his career, he has used slights—whether from fans, media, or fellow players—as fuel to push himself to new heights. If Sabalenka’s snub serves as added motivation, the tennis world may witness yet another chapter in his extraordinary journey.

A Reflection of Tennis’ Evolving Generations

This episode also reflects the broader generational shift in tennis. Younger stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff are forging their own identities in a sport that has long been dominated by the Big Three. For them, the players they admire may not always align with the conventional hierarchy of greatness. Instead, their influences may come from figures who resonate with their personal stories, playing styles, or even off-court struggles.

In Sabalenka’s case, her choices highlight a deep respect for women’s tennis trailblazers and a connection to her national heritage through Azarenka. Her focus on Federer and Nadal may also stem from the era in which she matured as a player—years when those two icons were at the peak of their powers. Djokovic, despite being equally dominant, may not have held the same personal resonance for her in that period.

Fans Can’t Believe It — But Should They?

The phrase that dominated headlines after the revelation was simple: “Fans can’t believe it.” But perhaps they should. Tennis is a deeply personal sport, and inspiration cannot be dictated by statistics alone. While Djokovic’s absence from Sabalenka’s Top 5 may feel like a snub, it ultimately reflects her authenticity. She chose honesty over expectation, revealing more about her individuality than if she had simply repeated the names everyone anticipated.

For fans, this moment serves as a reminder that admiration is not universal, and that even the greatest champions may not resonate equally with every player. Djokovic’s legacy is secure regardless of whether Sabalenka places him in her Top 5. What matters is the impact he has had on the sport as a whole, inspiring countless others—fans and professionals alike—to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Conclusion: The Complexity of Respect in Tennis

The saga of Aryna Sabalenka omitting Novak Djokovic from her Top 5 inspirations reveals much about the complexity of respect, admiration, and legacy in tennis. It underscores the reality that greatness is multifaceted. Djokovic’s extraordinary record and consistent support of women’s tennis remain undeniable, yet personal inspiration is not bound by those facts.

As Sabalenka continues to carve her place among the sport’s elite, her choices will reflect her unique identity. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s journey as one of the greatest to ever step on a court continues, unshaken by omissions or controversies. Together, their stories enrich the tapestry of modern tennis, reminding us that shockwaves often emerge not from matches, but from the unexpected honesty of those who play them.