Tennis news: Novak Djokovic snubbed by five players as Aryna Sabalenka in frosty exchange

Express Sport brings you up to date with the latest tennis news.

Novak Djokovic was denied his 100th career title at the Miami Open, with the veteran Serb losing to Jakub Mensik in the championship match. It was his first final of the year and also the first with Andy Murray by his side as coach. Djokovic has not claimed any titles since winning gold at last summer’s Olympics and will need to wait even longer to end his trophy drought.

The monster serve of Mensik simply proved too strong, with the 19-year-old securing a famous win to announce himself on the world stage. It came after Aryna Sabalenka secured the WTA title on Saturday evening with victory over Jessica Pegula. It saw her make amends following her defeat to Mirra Andreeva in the Indian Wells final.

In a surprising turn of events at the recent tennis tournament, world-renowned player Novak Djokovic found himself on the receiving end of a notable snub from five fellow competitors. The incident unfolded during a post-match ceremony, where tensions were palpable, particularly between Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, the current women’s singles champion.

Djokovic, who is known for his competitive spirit and sportsmanship, approached the group of players to congratulate them after their matches. However, in an unexpected twist, five players—who had previously expressed their admiration for Djokovic—chose to ignore his gestures. This snub has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, questioning the dynamics of player relationships in the sport.

The situation escalated when Aryna Sabalenka, who has been vocal about her views on Djokovic in the past, engaged in a frosty exchange with him. Eyewitnesses reported that Sabalenka appeared dismissive during their interaction, further fueling speculation about the underlying tensions between the players. Djokovic, known for his resilience on and off the court, maintained his composure, but the incident has left many wondering about the implications for future tournaments.

The fallout from this incident has been significant, with social media buzzing with opinions. Fans have taken to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their support for Djokovic, while others have sided with Sabalenka and the players who chose to snub him. This division highlights the complex relationships that exist within the professional tennis community, where rivalries and friendships often intertwine.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Djokovic and how he responds to this unexpected snub. Will he address the incident in future press conferences, or will he choose to focus solely on his game? One thing is for sure: the tennis world will be watching closely as the drama unfolds. The incident serves as a reminder that, despite the camaraderie often displayed in sports, rivalries and personal differences can create tension that resonates far beyond the court.