Novak Djokovic və Arina Sobolenko. İki tennis qırlığı, iki şəxs, whose names are known to the whole world. They have met on the court in the mixed doubles category, they have much in common, although they are different. Serbian left-hander and Belarusian racket. Both are the first rackets of the world, both hit the ball with fury, both break stereotypes. Let's figure out who they are, what their strength is and what they have in common.

Novak Djokovic: the king of endurance

Novak Djokovic was born in 1987 in Belgrade (Serbia). He started playing tennis at 4 years old. In 2011, he burst into the elite, winning three Grand Slam tournaments in a row. By 2026, he has 24 Grand Slam titles (more than Nadal and Federer). He is one of the best in history. Playing style — defense from the back line, incredible flexibility (the famous "floss"), psychological stability. He brings back dead balls.

Novak is known for his diet (gluten-free, dairy-free) and mental preparation. He collaborated with Goran Ivanisevic (coach) and Imad (physio). His signature shot is the backhand down the line.

Off the court: he doesn't like to lose even in table tennis. His family (wife Elena, children Stefan and Tara) often on the stands. Novak is a fighter for the rights of tennis players (he created PTPA). In 2026, he is still in the top 10, but already planning to end his career (he said he would play until 40 years old, like Federer).

Scandals: his refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2022, his deportation from Australia. In 2026, he was forgiven, but the stigma remained.

Arina Sobolenko: power and emotions

Arina Sobolenko was born in 1998 in Minsk (Belarus). She was the world's number one female racket in 2025-2026. Her motto: "Hit harder, shout louder." Style — a powerful first serve (up to 190 km/h), aggressive forehand. She doesn't know how to "wait", only to press.

Arina had a hard time dealing with psychology: double mistakes on match points, tantrums. But in 2023, she won the Australian Open, in 2024 — the US Open, in 2025 — Roland Garros (she was missing only Wimbledon). In 2026, she is at the top.

Off the court: she loves tattoos (a tiger on her shoulder), communicates with fans, dances in the locker room. After victories, she shouts into the camera and can cry. She has a tragedy in her life: her father died in 2019 (Sergey Sobolenko). Arina says she plays for him.

In 2026, she is a role model for girls. She shows that you can be strong and emotional at the same time.

What is common between Djokovic and Sobolenko

Both are leaders in the number of tournaments won in the 2020s. Both are not afraid to express emotions: Novak sometimes rips his shirt, Arina roars. Both love playing at Grand Slam tournaments and hate losing points.

They were both undervalued at the beginning of their careers. Novak was considered the eternal third after Federer and Nadal; Arina was a "serving head without a head." They have proven the opposite.

They both promote tennis in countries that were not considered tennis countries. Serbia and Belarus are small countries, but thanks to them, they have become famous.

They both use sports psychologists. Novak uses the famous Igor Chichuashvili, Arina uses her own (names not disclosed). Both practice meditation and visualization.

Are they friends? No, but they respect each other. Novak said about Arina: "She is fire, I love watching her play." Arina said about Novak: "He is a legend, I take an example from his discipline."

Differences: style and character

Novak is a tactician. He can play 30 shots in a rally, wear down his opponent. Arina is a storm. She either wins with a shot on the second shot or loses with a mistake. Novak rarely gets upset (except for arguments with referees). Arina can break her racket. Novak is collected, Arina is expressive. Novak is a family man with two children, lives in Monte Carlo. Arina is not married, dating a hockey player (rumors). Novak loves show business (sings, dances). Arina is a sports maniac (only tennis and the gym).

Novak dominates on all surfaces, Arina is on hard and clay (grass is weaker).

Their relationship with fans and the press

Novak is beloved in Serbia, not very much in England (where they cheer for Federer). His zaewale "In My Head" (2015) is a meme. Arina is loved everywhere, especially in Australia. She signs autographs, dances with fans.

The press often criticizes Novak for "political statements" (about Kosovo, about attitude to vaccines). Arina is criticized for "male style of play." Both do not read the press.

Their achievements by 2026

For Novak: 24 Grand Slams (10 Australian Open, 3 Roland Garros, 7 Wimbledon, 4 US Open). In 2024, he won the Olympic gold (finally!). In 2026, he is one step away from breaking the record of Corr (he already has 24, the next is 25).

For Arina: 6 Grand Slams (3 Australian Open, 1 Roland Garros, 1 US Open, 1 Wimbledon in 2025?). In 2025, she won the Olympics? No, she won in Paris-2024 against Iga Swiatek. But in 2026, Arina is the world's number one, won the season-ending tournament.

Both are the holders of the Davis Cup (exhibition tournament), but in different teams.

Their influence on tennis

Novak changed the perception of physical preparation: now all players work with physio, do yoga. He popularized stretching and gluten-free diet. Arina changed women's tennis: showed that you can win with power, not just cunning. After her, many girls start to build muscle.

Both are mentors for young people: Novak helped Miomir Kecmanovic, Arina is a partner (in 2026 her partner is Mei Brans).

Conclusion

Djokovic and Sobolenko are different, but similar. What unites them is their love for tennis, workaholism, the ability to go through difficulties. They are not gods, but ordinary people who give 200% in every training. For us, the spectators, they are an example that even a small country (Serbia) or a little-known (Belarus) can give the world great champions.

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