Aryna Sabalenka vows to keep up Roland Garros dance battle with Novak Djokovic

Aryna Sabalenka put in the hard work to win her second round at 2026 Roland Garros on Thursday. Now she’s ready to dance.

Draped in Material Good diamonds, The world No. 1 edged through a tricky first set to knock out home favorite Else Jacquemot, 7-5, 6-2, paving the way for her to respond to a bourgeoning dance-off with Novak Djokovic.

Both Djokovic and Sabalenka have been giving their all in their post-victory trips down the Stade Roland Garros stairs, Djokovic paying tribute to Michael Jackson after his second-round win over Valentin Royer on Wednesday.

“I guess we’re bringing it old school, so we’ll have to see what I’m up to,” teased Sabalenka to Caroline Garcia on-court.

Known for her fluency when it comes to the latest Tik Tok dances, Sabalenka was reluctant to preview what she planned to unveil for the tournament’s official social media after booking a third-round meeting with Daria Kasatkina.

“Wait a little bit, it’ll make everyone more excited,” promised Sabalenka. “I need to remember the dance in my head. I hope I can perform it!”

Sabalenka is looking to win her first Grand Slam tournament of the 2026 season after falling just short of the Australian Open title in January. A finalist in Paris last spring, Sabalenka praised the French crowd for their respect as she navigated two sets with Jacquemot, a former junior Roland Garros champion.

“I know you wanted her to win, but thank you for your respect.”

The top seed is closing in on a potential blockbuster fourth-round meeting with either No. 17 seed Iva Jovic or former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, who face off in the third round over the weekend. Can she dance her way into the second week?