Four months ago at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic crashed Aryna Sabalenka ’s news conference with playful advice: “You’re lacking intensity on the court.” Laughter erupted, a glimpse into their off-court camaraderie, echoed months before at Roland Garros when Djokovic mimicked Sabalenka’s iconic post-match stair dance, teasing, “Now what, Sabalenka?” And guess what? That banter has followed them to China, where Sabalenka now credits herself for Djokovic’s sensational Shanghai Masters run.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka made a triumphant return to the court, rallying from a set down to overcome Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in her first tournament since clinching the US Open title. Her comeback in Wuhan was a statement of dominance and intent, setting the tone f

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