Saba talks about Djokovic’s mental coaching: He helped me get back on track after Wimbledon, not letting emotions control me.

The Riyadh year-end finals start tonight, and in a pre-tournament media interview, Sabalenka shared some mental lessons Djokovic gave her. She believes these tips greatly helped her recover after losing at Wimbledon and ultimately achieve a breakthrough at the US Open.

“He taught me to remain composed and look at everything inside and outside the court with detachment,” Sabalenka recently revealed when discussing how Djokovic helped her, sharing a lesson that changed her career.

“Learning to sit back and observe, as if seeing my situation through someone else’s eyes — that’s the most valuable lesson he taught me,” Sabalenka admitted.

As a 24-time Grand Slam champion, Djokovic’s mental strength has long been regarded as a model in professional tennis. Now, he is passing this wisdom on to rising stars.

Sabalenka emphasized that he told her the problem in finals often isn’t your technique but your emotional control. She confessed, “Only after that did I truly understand that losing control doesn’t help you win; you need to release emotions at the right moments but never let them dominate.”

The impact of this mental lesson has been fully proven on the court. Sabalenka reflected on her transformation after learning “Djokovic-style calmness.” She began to stay more composed during crucial points and could quickly regain focus even after unfavorable calls or mistakes.

“In the past, I was often carried away by emotions. Now, I imagine myself sitting in the stands watching the match, and this shift in perspective helps me think more clearly about tactics.”

Tennis commentator Robert wrote on social media: “Sabalenka’s words are truly moving; Djokovic’s philosophy of calmness is an art form. Being able to observe yourself as a bystander on court is a crucial skill. Hopefully, she can keep her composure and perform well at the Riyadh finals.”

News that Djokovic’s mental coaching is helping more players break through themselves has sparked widespread praise in the tennis community, showcasing a precious tradition among top athletes.

After the news broke, netizens shared their opinions.

One netizen remarked, “This is the true spirit of sports—legends helping the next generation, driving tennis forward. Sabalenka’s openness about Djokovic’s help shows her humility, and this learning attitude will surely take her far.”

Another commented, “Djokovic should hold a masterclass on how athletes can maintain mental strength; it’s just as important as technical training.”

As the WTA Riyadh year-end finals approach, Sabalenka’s ability to adjust her mindset will be a key weapon in her quest for success. Her transformation from a ‘powerful girl’ to a ‘smart player’ is unfolding, with enhanced mental resilience boosting her strong technical skills and providing solid support against tournament pressure.

On Riyadh’s courts, every deep breath Sabalenka takes carries Djokovic’s philosophy of calmness. When she can view the match as an observer at critical moments, the emotional swings that once troubled her have turned into clear calculations.

Ultimately, the battle on the tennis court is a dialogue with oneself — this is the most precious lesson Djokovic has taught her.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lu Xiaotian)