Aryna Sabalenka takes credit for Novak Djokovic’s Shanghai surge: "I hope I was a great hitting partner"

Both Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have been tested in their first tournaments since the US Open this week. Sabalenka came from a set behind in her opening match against Rebecca Sramkova at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open on Wednesday, while Djokovic has been pushed to three sets twice in his three matches at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

🖥️📲The Match in 15 Minutes: Aryna Sabalenka def. Rebecca Sramkova, Wuhan 2R

But as far as the WTA world No. 1 is concerned, the two cut their teeth for such tests not on the tournament practice courts, but in a furious training session they shared in the weeks between their visits to New York and China.

While Sabalenka and boyfriend Georgios Frangulis vacationed in Greece over the last two weeks—where Djokovic now has a base—the pair had several competitive training sessions, and enjoyed a "dream double date" with their respective partners.

Read more: Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have "dream double date" with wife Jelena, boyfriend Georgios

"Well, he was really competitive, and he was screaming," Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference. "I did 'Come on!' when he was winning points against me, but I won a lot of points against him for the record. I hope he's gonna confirm that."

The on- and off-court bonding continues a trend for Djokovic and Sabalenka, who have spoken glowingly of each other, learned from each other, and spent time building a friendship while both have been at the top of the game.

"I love them, like him and Jelena. He's always open to give me advice," Sabalenka reasserted in Wuhan.

And now she hopes to influence the 24-time Grand Slam champion with her own perspective.

Djokovic is seeking his first hard-court title since 2023 in Shanghai, a tournament he's won four times. If he goes all the way to the title, extending a tournament record for victoria in the process, Sabalenka says her good buddy has her to thank.

"We practiced a couple [of] times. I hope I was great hitting partner," she said. "So far, he's winning in Shanghai. I guess I was, it was a good one. I really hope he's gonna go all the way. He's gonna win the tournament. And I'm gonna say it was all me."