Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Success Despite Emotional Turmoil Earns Huge Words of Praise From Andy Roddick

Aryna Sabalenka has weathered many storms this season. Be it her personal battles or professional challenges, the Belarusian’s struggles echo through the tennis world. Although her dream of a third title at the Madrid Open came to an end, Andy Roddick has her back. Through his uplifting words, Roddick sent a heartwarming message to World No. 2 in his latest podcast.

The two-time Madrid Open champion faced a heavy defeat against Iga Swiatek with a score of 7-5, 4-6, and 7-6 yesterday. Referring to this closely fought match, Roddick remarked, “Aside from getting one point further, this is a 10 on 10.” He further added that Sabalenka’s top game is well-known to all. And it is indeed true.

Referring to these difficult times on and off the court, Roddick further emphasized, “But you have to be able to play. You have to play matches you have to play with a bit of consistency. Obviously, she hasn’t gotten that post in Australia for extremely understandable reasons.”

Aryna Sabalenka, who turns 26 today, started the season with a bang by winning the second Australian Open title of her career. However, after that, she faced one of the biggest challenges in her personal life before her Miami Open tournament. Her ex-boyfriend, the late-ice hockey player, Konstantin Koltsov, met with a tragic death. Even though she experienced a lot of hard times owing to the incident, she did not give up. Sabalenka continued her performance at the Miami Open but fell short in the round of 32. And it further extended at the Stuttgart Open as well, where she only made it to the quarterfinals.

However, Roddick is hopeful that Sabalenka will be in full swing at her next tournament in Rome. Especially after she found her confidence in her form by qualifying for the first final after a stretch of hard times. And Aryna Sabalenka is hoping the same as well.

Aryna Sabalenka hopes to revive herself in the Madrid Open next year

While Aryna Sabalenka revealed her disappointment post the intense match that unfolded, she hopes to “forget it quickly” because of one thing. “It’s my birthday tomorrow. I hope I’m going to be in a good mood,” she said after the match. However, quite naturally, she further added, “But it’s a tough one. It’s a tough one to accept.” And why not?

Last year, it took Sabalenka one of her greatest performances to emerge victorious over Iga Świątek. But this time they already got to that level halfway through the match. However, Sabalenka’s luck did not suffice. But even after a disheartening loss, she accepted, “I gave my all today, and I can be proud of myself. And hopefully, like we spoke on the court, next year it will come to my side.”  

And as she progresses towards her next tournament, like Andy Roddick, we all hope she emerges stronger and better.