Aryna Sabalenka is fast becoming one of the greatest players of her generation.
The Belarusian star has now held the WTA number one ranking for 45 consecutive weeks and has spent over a year total atop the world rankings.
She is also a three-time Grand Slam champion and has come close to adding to her tally in 2025, losing in the final of the Australian Open and French Open.
Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Undeniably one of the best players in the women’s game, Sabalenka’s stock continues to rise.
She may well be some fans’ favorite player already, but who did Sabalenka pick as her top-five favorite tennis players of all time?
Aryna Sabalenka names Serena Williams and Roger Federer in her top-five favorite players
During a sit-down interview with ‘Boardroom’, Sabalenka named her top-five favorite tennis players of all time.
“Definitely [Roger] Federer. [Rafael] Nadal, the hard work he put in is crazy,” she said.
“Of course, Serena [Williams], the way she dominated.
“Steffi Graf, I love her so much. And [Andre] Agassi. That family is the best!”
Aryna Sabalenka’s favorite playersRoger FedererRafael NadalAndre AgassiSerena WilliamsSteffi Graf
Sabalenka’s list is strong, naming five of the greatest players to have ever set foot on a tennis court.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
All five won multiple Grand Slam titles and held the number-one ranking for over a year, a feat very few can say they’ve accomplished.
PlayerGrand Slam singles titlesWeeks at #1Career titlesOlympic medalsSerena Williams2331973Gold x 4 (2000 doubles, 2008 doubles, 2012 singles, 2012 doubles)Steffi Graf22377107Gold x 1 (1988 singles), Silver x 1 (1992 singles), Bronze x 1 (1988 doubles)Rafael Nadal2220992Gold x 2 (2008 singles, 2016 doubles)Roger Federer20310103Gold x 1 (2008 doubles) Silver x 1 (2012 singles)Andre Agassi810160Gold x 1 (1996 singles)Comparing the career achievements of Aryna Sabalenka’s top-five players
The only notable omission from Sabalenka’s top five is Novak Djokovic, arguably the greatest tennis player of all time.
Winning more Grand Slam titles than anyone in history (24) and holding the number-one ranking for more weeks than anyone (428), the numbers certainly point to the Serb deserving a place in anyone’s top five.
Her decision to leave out Djokovic is particularly shocking, as they seem to have a strong relationship on tour.
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic’s 2025 antics
After Sabalenka went viral for dancing down the stairs following her wins at Roland Garros earlier this year, Djokovic replied with a dance of his own.
“What about that…. [Aryna] Sabalenka,” he said.
Stealing Sabalenka’s thunder once more… Djokovic interrupted the Belarusian’s pre-Wimbledon press conference a month later, as the pair joked about their practice session.
“First of all, let me ask you this question: what did you think about hitting with me? How do you see my level? Good?” asked Sabalenka.
“I think you have the potential, you’re a really talented player, you have nice strokes, good technique, but can I be honest?” replied Djokovic.
“You’re lacking intensity on the court, you don’t have enough intensity, it’s too flat, you need to liven up.”
“Really, that’s what you’re going to say right now?” said Sabalenka as the media room laughed at the exchange.
“Before, this guy was my favorite player, but not anymore, obviously.”
Leaving the room, Sabalenka had a message for the journalists before they questioned Djokovic.
“Have fun, please be hard on him,” she said.
Perhaps that exchange saw Djokovic slip out of Sabalenka’s top-five…
From the outside, it certainly looks like Sabalenka and Djokovic get along, with both players full of laughter whenever they meet on and off the court.
They’d surely love nothing more than to celebrate together with the US Open title next month, although both players will be more than aware of the task at hand.
Who will Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic play next at the US Open?
When Sabalenka beat Masarova and Djokovic beat Learner Tien in their opening matches, they advanced to the round of 64.
There, Sabalenka and Djokovic will play two more lower-ranked opponents and will be expected to win in straight sets.
US Open 2R – Aryna Sabalenka v Polina Kudermetova (WTA #67)US Open 2R – Novak Djokovic v Zachary Svajda (ATP #145)
Both players will contest their second-round matches on Wednesday, August 27, as they continue their bid to win the US Open title.