Aryna Sabalenka turned the tables on Roger Federer during her post-match interview following a commanding 6-4 6-1 triumph over French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the Australian Open first round.
When interviewer Jelena Djokic mentioned the Belarusian could become the first player since Martina Hingis to reach four consecutive Melbourne finals, Sabalenka immediately directed her attention to the six-time champion watching from the stands.
"Did you do it?" she asked with a laugh.
The Swiss legend appeared caught off guard, shrugging and laughing while mouthing back to the world number one, seemingly unsure of his own record.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
However, that was not the only request Sabalenka had for the retired star.
Asked if she had noticed Federer and fellow tennis icon Rod Laver seated in the front row, the four-time Grand Slam winner switched into fan mode.
"Yeah! I'm a huge fan, guys, can I take picture with you, please?" she asked, addressing both legends.
Sabalenka taking a pic with Roger Federer and Rod Laver after her win at the Australian Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2026
Hard to get a more iconic selfie than that. pic.twitter.com/SkE17ueMfa
The top seed confessed the presence of such illustrious spectators had affected her nerves throughout the contest.
"I got a little bit tight, I wanted to show great tennis so you guys enjoy watching me play," she explained.
"But, oh my god, what a privilege."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PASabalenka admitted she spent the entire match telling herself not to glance towards their seats, describing the experience as "definitely a lot of pressure."
Federer happily agreed to the photograph request, with the world number one heading to the baseline for a selfie with both legends before departing the court.
The Belarusian is pursuing her third Melbourne Park crown, having claimed back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 before falling to Madison Keys in last year's final.
Should she reach the championship match again, Sabalenka would achieve something that has eluded even Novak Djokovic, whose longest run at the Australian Open stands at three consecutive finals.
The world No 1 recovered from an early break down against Rakotomanga Rajaonah to secure her place in the second round on day one of the tournament.
Roger Federer pictured in the crowd at the Australian Open
|GETTY
Federer had returned to Melbourne Park this week for a proper farewell to supporters following his 2022 retirement.
The Swiss maestro's presence also appeared to influence Sabalenka's tactical approach during the match.
She ventured to the net on 22 occasions against her French opponent, later joking that her aggressive style was designed to catch Federer's eye.
"Yes, of course, I just wanted to impress Roger with my game. I just couldn't do tweener, but it's okay. Next time," she smiled.
The world No 1 revealed she had been honing her serve-and-volley game in practice and expressed satisfaction at executing it under match conditions.
"I prefer to be unpredictable," she said. "I'm really proud I'm able to show this tennis."