In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, elite players are constantly seeking an edge. For world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, that competitive advantage has come from an unexpected source: hitting sessions with the very best of the ATP Tour. Over the past year, the powerful Belarusian has shared the practice court with legends and rising stars alike, including Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, gleaning invaluable lessons that have sharpened her formidable game.
These crossover sessions are more than just casual hits. Last year at Wimbledon, Sabalenka trained with Sinner, Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz before powering her way to the semi-finals—a testament to the intensity of those pre-tournament workouts. For Sabalenka, who regularly trains with male hitting partner Andrei Vasilevski, practicing against the top men offers a unique and brutal physical challenge that directly translates to on-court strength and resilience.
In a recent interview, Sabalenka opened up about the experience, highlighting the sheer difference in intensity. "That was fun and I love doing this because the intensity is different," she explained. "You play against them and you automatically start copying their moves... They do a lot of great things that I have to learn from them." This mimicry of elite technique and footwork is a key benefit, allowing her to absorb the habits of champions.
The sessions were not for the faint of heart. Sabalenka revealed that one practice with the 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic lasted a marathon three hours, while another went for two. "The intensity of the practice was really high," she said. "It was a great experience and good for me—I got really strong physically." This kind of grueling, high-paced training is what builds the explosive power and endurance that defines Sabalenka's game and the performance-driven apparel designed for it.
Beyond the baseline, Sabalenka also offered a glimpse into her life on tour. While she gets along with most players, she admitted her off-court social circle is small. When asked about going out to dinner with fellow competitors, she named just two: her close friend Paula Badosa and, notably, Novak Djokovic and his wife Jelena on a double date. It’s a reminder that even in a fiercely individual sport, the bonds forged through mutual respect and shared sacrifice can be powerful.
Sabalenka’s story underscores a universal truth in sports: to be the best, you must learn from the best. By embracing the challenge of practicing with the top men in tennis, she hasn't just built physical strength—she's adopted a champion's mindset, proving that growth often happens just outside your comfort zone.