Sabalenka is upset: Leave Djokovic alone! Don't ask when he's retiring

Recently, Sabalenka openly expressed her opinion on how long Djokovic can play. Novak Djokovic ushered in his 21st French Open appearance, beating Mutai in straight sets in the second round to advance to the third round. A week earlier, he had just written a new chapter in his history, becoming only the third man to win 100 ATP titles after Connors and Federer.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, showed her dominance in the third round, beating Danilovic 6-2 6-3. In her post-match press conference, when asked by reporters how long Djokovic's career would last and whether he had a chance of winning another title at Roland Garros this year, the 27-year-old replied resolutely:

"You put pressure on Novak to calm down. Look at him, how good he is and how strong he is. I think he can play for another two or three years, both physically and mentally, and he's doing very well now. Of course, everyone has ups and downs, and the older you get, the harder it is to stay consistent. But let him play quietly by himself. ”

Sabalenka also added that young players like Sinner and Alcaraz still have a long way to go to reach Djokovic's heights, and it will take time to grow into tennis legends and reach Djokovic's level.

Asked how long Deyo could play, she added: "You imagine if he retired tomorrow, everybody would be sad, wouldn't they? Of course, Sinner and Alcaraz still have 10 to 15 years to become one of the greatest players. But let Novak be himself. ”

She also said that Djokovic's goal now is no longer to prove himself, but to inspire a new generation of players to continue to work hard despite setbacks. She also singled out Nadal's farewell ceremony as an emotional moment, with the "Big Four" on the stage and only Djokovic still holding on.

"It's really sad to see that ceremony. ' The Big Four's are all on the field, but you realise that three of them are retired. Everybody misses their game. Let Novak continue to be there, to fight, to show his greatness, and to inspire the next generation. ”

Djokovic set another impressive personal record last night when he beat Austrian qualifier Misolic 6-3 6-4 6-2 to advance to the fourth round of the French Open.

With the victory, Djokovic's total number of wins at the French Open reached 99, tying his best record for a single Grand Slam tournament. He also won 99 matches at the Australian Open and was a 10-time champion in that tournament (all-time record).

In the 2-hour-9-minute match at the Philippe Chartier, Deyo controlled the pace of the game throughout. He skillfully coped with the 23-year-old Misolic's striking speed and aggressively stepped forward to play an attacking style on key points, and finally reached the last 16 of the men's singles in Paris for the 16th consecutive year. Djokovic, a three-time French Open champion, is on his way to his 25th Grand Slam title and is aiming to break the men's tennis record again.

Djokovic, who has not dropped a set at the French Open, will next face British left-hander Norrie, who beat compatriot Fearnley 6-3 7-6(1) 6-2 to reach the fourth round of the French Open for the first time in his career.

Djokovic is 5-0 in his head-to-head record against Norrie, with the most recent meeting coming in Geneva last week, where Djokovic also won.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Spark)