Aryna Sabalenka launches passionate Novak Djokovic rant with retirement warning

told reporters: "Leave him alone" after being quizzed about 's longevity. The Serb turned 38 last week and picked up his . Now, he's through to the third round of the French Open.

However, the last year has been a rollercoaster for Djokovic, who won an Olympic gold medal but has suffered plenty of disappointing early defeats. But Sabalenka refused to comment on the world No. 6's chances of picking up the title this fortnight.

The world No. 1 has a good relationship with the 24-time Major winner and warned that people would regret talking about what's left of Djokovic's career if he did suddenly retire.

Asked how long she thought Djokovic could keep playing, the 27-year-old wasn't having it.

"You are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone. Look at him. He's fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he's ready to play, I don't know, another two, three years. I don't know," Sabalenka replied.

"He's doing really well, you know. Of course up-and-downs, everyone has it. You know, I believe the older you get, the tougher it gets to, like, stay consistent on the level.

"But we see whenever he's ready, whenever he's, like, healthy and fit, he's there, and he's playing the great tennis.

"So just leave him alone. Let him just be. Imagine if he gonna retire tomorrow, then everyone going to be sad, no? Don't you think so? Then there is another like 10, 15 years to Jannik [Sinner] and [Carlos] Alcaraz to become one of the greatest."

Djokovic on Sunday to honour his retired rival Rafael Nadal's career and 14 titles here, with Roger Federer and Andy Murray also in attendance.

And Sabalenka touched on the emotional tributes as she defended Djokovic.

She added: "But just, you know, let him be. You know, it was so sad to see the ceremony, big four were on the court and you understand that three of them retired. Everyone missing their games.

"So let's just let Novak to be there to show and fight and show his greatness and to inspire that generation."

Djokovic himself fuelled some retirement speculation when he confessed that Nadal's ceremony had him thinking about the end of his own career.

"Honestly I was thinking about my end of the road as well last night or yesterday when we were watching Rafa having his speech, particularly those moments when we were in the back room, the three of us," he admitted.

However, the 38-year-old hasn't set any expiry date on his career and was merely thinking about how his farewell would go. "But I didn't think about the exact date, if that's what you're looking for or a moment," he smiled.