Novak Djokovic gatecrashes Aryna Sabalenka’s pre-Wimbledon press conference and awkwardly criticises her

NOVAK DJOKOVIC gatecrashed Aryna Sabalenka’s pre-Wimbledon press conference before offering some constructive criticism.

Women’s world No.1 Sabalenka was coming towards the end of her chat when Djokovic surprisingly entered before it was his turn to face reporters in SW19.

Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, was told Sabalenka was in the middle of her final response but cheekily informed the press officer that he was going to interrupt his friend’s conference.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner could be heard whispering: “Come on, let’s go, please” with a grin as he shocked Sabalenka with his entrance on Saturday.

Sabalenka smiled and said goodbye to the media, but then assumed the role of moderator and asked Djokovic about their recent hit at the All-England club.

The pair were filmed during a practice session earlier in the week as Sabalenka looks to win her first Wimbledon and Djokovic goes for an a record-equalling eighth title, alongside Roger Federer.

Sabalenka, 27, said: “You see guys, come in here then” before asking Djokovic to sit down in her seat, which he refused.

The US Open champion then asked Djokovic: “First of all, let me ask a question. What do you think about hitting with me? How do you see my level? Am I good?’

Djokovic jokingly responded: “I think you have the potential. You’re, like, a really talented player. You have nice strokes, good technique.

“Can I be honest? You’re lacking intensity on the court. You don’t have enough intensity.

“It’s too flat. You’ve got to lighten up a little bit, put some power in it.”

Sabalenka, holding in laughter, then said: “Really! That’s what you are going to say right now?

“Before this guy was my favourite player, but not anymore obviously!”

There could be some truth in Djokovic’s words of wisdom, as Sabalenka lost the French Open final to Coco Gauff last month.

The Belarusian said it “hurt to show such terrible tennis” in what she described as “the worst final I ever played” after losing in three sets to Gauff.

In her runners-up speech, the three-time Slam winner added: “‘I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic is seeking a record-extending 25 Grand Slam titles, but at 38 years old knows his time is running out amid the rise of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

The legendary Serbian said: “‘It’s great to be back. I love Wimbledon. I’ve always loved it. I think in the last six editions, I had six finals.

“I’ve been playing very well here, maybe it’s been the most consistent Grand Slam for me in the last 10 years.

“When I come here, I feel extra inspired to deliver the best tennis. Whether it could be my ‘last dance’, I’m not sure. My wish is to play for several more years.

“I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep on playing at the highest level. That’s the goal, but you never know at this stage.”