Former American player Andy Roddick had a great prediction this time. Ahead of the US Open, he had his clear favorite in front of his listeners. As Aryna Sabalenka lifted the trophy of the slam, Roddick was ready to send words of praise for her. The American legend, although saw his compatriot lose the final, could not ignore the hard work of Sabalenka.

Roddick chose Sabalenka as his “significant favorite” before the US Open final. When the Belarusian defeated Emma Navarro in the semifinals, this former ATP star remained firm on his previous decision mentioning Sabalenka’s incredible form. After Roddick’s prediction, the WTA no 2 defeated Jessica Pegula to earn her career’s third Grand Slam title at Arthur Ashe. Following this victory, Roddick tweeted complimenting the Belarusian.

“@SabalenkaA seems to get better and better w intentional work and grit. All without ever losing her sense of humor. Cheers to the champ,” Roddick tweeted. While he had great words for Sabalenka, this former ATP star didn’t forget his first favorite, finalist Jessica Pegula. “Also huge props to @JPegula. Someone who just keeps putting progress as the North Star. Class class class. As gracious as they make em. Thanks for the battle!” Roddick wrote. 

Previously, in an episode of his podcast Served with Andy Roddick, this former ATP star explained how the spectators love watching Aryna Sabalenka’s performance because she emotes so much. “she’s fun to watch because you always know what’s going on,” he said. While Roddick complimented Sabalenka, deep down he wished for Pegula’s success as an American. Despite Roddick’s unfruitful dream, the ATP star found Sabalenka’s quality admirable.

Roddick’s prediction about Sabalenka was made before the US Open. In an interview, the veteran player explains how this Belarusian player managed to clinch her maiden US Open title with sheer dedication.

Andy Roddick called Aryna Sabalenka his “favorite” on the hard surface

Before the 2024 US Open began, Roddick spoke about Sabalenka’s brilliance. “I think Aryna Sabalenka is the favourite on this surface. I picked her at Wimbledon, and then as soon as I talked about it, she pulled out three hours later, I don’t think it was coincidental that the two who really played well in Cincinnati – Sabalenka and [Jannik] Sinner – were the two who didn’t play the Olympics and had that extra week of focus and preparation,” he said.

Roddick’s statement expressed his faith in Aryna Sabalenka’s skills. While as an American Roddick cheered for Jessica Pegula, he was equally charged up to see how far Sabalenka could go. Now that she bagged the 2024 US Open title, Roddick is delighted, but he carefully remembers how Pegula’s strong attacks brought Sabalenka the much-needed platform to show her skills.

Nevertheless, Andy Roddick’s admiration for Sabalenka shows the potential in the WTA star. It represents the brilliance of Sabalenka as a tennis player and a performer whom the spectators love to see on the court.