Why Aryna Sabalenka says Novak Djokovic 'needs to be more free' amid French Open challenge - 'Not that good!'

World No. 1 Sabalenka has developed a strong relationship with 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, the pair having practised together on occasions before tournaments, and the Serbian re-ignited a battle between them this year at Roland-Garros.

After beating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round, Djokovic celebrated with "a little wiggle" on Court Philippe-Chatrier, and carried his moves onto the stairs beyond the tunnel, before challenging Sabalenka to "beat that"!

"He challenged me," Sabalenka said in the TNT Sports US studio. "I couldn't ignore that."

The four-time major winner, though, was not overly impressed by the challenge laid down by Djokovic.

"He could do a little bit better, it's not that good," Sabalenka said. "He needs to be more free and go for it."

The challenge is a rehashing of previous dance battles between the pair in Paris - and Sabalenka feels Djokovic revived the duel as he has more to prove.

"I think he felt he didn't show everything he could do, so he brought it back," Sabalenka said. "I was happy to accept that, let's see if he can come up with a cool dance next round."

But the 39-year-old will be hard-pushed to beat Sabalenka's effort following her first-round win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. She even removed her racquet bag in order to allow full mobility, taking on a routine which objectively blew Djokovic out of the water.

"I had to throw everything I have at him," Sabalenka laughed.

Amid the light-hearted duel, Djokovic and Sabalenka are chasing top honours at this year's Roland-Garros.

Sabalenka began in strong style - despite dropping serve three times against Bouzas Maneiro - to progress with 6-4 6-2 victory and set up a second-round clash against Elsa Jacquemot.

The Belarusian is hunting a fifth major title, and her first on the Paris clay, having lost out in last year's final to Coco Gauff.

Djokovic, meanwhile, is still searching for the record 25th Grand Slam title, which would pull him clear of Margaret Court in the all-time record books.

With Carlos Alcaraz - who beat Djokovic in the Australian Open final - absent for the French Open and Wimbledon, the Serbian has been presented with two big opportunities to clinch the feat.

But such has been Jannik Sinner's dominance in recent months that Djokovic's route to silverware remains highly difficult. Sinner clinched his 30th consecutive match victory by beating Clement Tabur on Tuesday.

Djokovic's victory over Mpetshi Perricard marked his 82nd appearance at the French Open, the most of any man in history, moving clear of Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez's joint record.

On that record, he said: "Yeah, I was not aware of the amount of appearances.

"It's nice. When it comes to the match, it was very challenging, obviously mentally and, you know, for me to hold my nerves in the important moments.

"Hasn't happened first set, but then after, it was great because I was able to read his serve a bit more and anticipate better.

"First set, zero chance really on his serve, he has one of the most tremendous serves in terms of precision and speed that I have ever faced in my career.

"So kudos to him, and good luck. I think nobody wants him in the draw, to be honest. You know, if he puts certain things together, he can have a really bright future."

---

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream every court from the 2026 French Open exclusively live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.