Andy Roddick and Aryna Sabalenka recently shared a lighthearted and humorous exchange, bringing laughter to the tennis community. The former American tennis champion jokingly called out the Belarusian star for “ruining” his Wimbledon prediction earlier this year. Roddick had confidently picked Sabalenka to win Wimbledon, only for her to withdraw from the tournament at the last moment due to injury.
At the beginning of 2024, Sabalenka was riding high on the momentum from successfully defending her Australian Open title. Her impressive form, coupled with a strong clay season showing, made her one of the most talked-about contenders for the Wimbledon title. The fast-paced grass courts of Wimbledon seemed tailor-made for her powerful game. However, her campaign took an unexpected turn when she suffered a shoulder injury during her Berlin round-of-16 match against Anna Kalinskaya. Sabalenka was forced to retire from that match, but there was still hope that she could recover in time for Wimbledon.
When Sabalenka arrived at Wimbledon, optimism surrounded her potential performance. She looked ready to compete and continue her stellar season. Unfortunately, during her pre-tournament press conference, Sabalenka revealed that her injury was more severe than initially thought. She was dealing with a rare shoulder injury known as “teres major,” which significantly impacted her ability to serve. With this revelation, the Belarusian ultimately decided to pull out of the tournament, leaving fans and pundits, including Roddick, disappointed.
Roddick had confidently predicted that Sabalenka would face American Jessica Pegula in the Wimbledon final. His choice seemed logical given Sabalenka’s recent performances and strong track record. “I have Sabalenka beating Pegula in the final,” Roddick declared at the time. But when Sabalenka withdrew, his prediction went up in smoke.
### A Humorous Podcast Exchange
The amusing story resurfaced during a recent podcast episode featuring Roddick and Sabalenka. The two stars used the moment to poke fun at each other, creating a light-hearted exchange that resonated with tennis fans. Roddick, never one to shy away from humor, couldn’t resist bringing up how Sabalenka’s injury thwarted his prediction. “I do have a bone to pick with you. I was angry with you for… well, you didn’t even know this because we don’t know each other,” Roddick joked. “I was angry with you earlier this year. We had to get a preview show for Wimbledon out, and I thought I knew who was going to win. It was obvious to me. And then, you had to pull out six hours after I made my call!”
Sabalenka, always ready with a quick comeback, took it in stride. Laughing, she responded, “I’m so sorry. But thank you so much for picking me. Probably for the next Grand Slams, can you not pick me so I actually make it to the final? Deal?”
### The Nature of Sabalenka’s Injury
At the time of her withdrawal, Sabalenka’s injury was a frustrating and unique challenge. During her pre-Wimbledon press conference, she explained how the injury affected her game. “It’s teres major. Like, shoulder,” she said. For someone not fluent in medical jargon, she simplified it as just a “shoulder injury.” What made it even more frustrating was the rarity of the injury. “It’s a very specific injury, and it’s really rare. Probably I’m just the second or third tennis player who has had this,” Sabalenka noted.
The injury allowed her to continue practicing groundstrokes and performing in the gym but severely hindered her ability to serve. “The most annoying thing is that I can do everything else,” she lamented. “I can practice, I can hit groundstrokes, I can lift weights. But if you tell me to serve, the pain is unbearable.” Despite undergoing MRIs, extensive rehab, and countless treatments, Sabalenka had to face the reality that she couldn’t compete at Wimbledon. “There is always a chance [of missing Wimbledon], yeah,” she admitted when asked about her participation.
### A Resilient Comeback
Although missing Wimbledon was a setback, Sabalenka showcased her resilience by making a triumphant return later in the season. She captured her first US Open title, marking her third Grand Slam overall, and dominated in other tournaments as well. Her victories at the WTA 1000 events in Cincinnati and Wuhan further established her as one of the sport’s elite. She also edged out Iga Swiatek for the coveted Year-End No. 1 title, a significant milestone that underscored her incredible 2024 season.
Despite her strong year, Sabalenka couldn’t clinch the title at the WTA Finals, falling to Coco Gauff in the semifinal. Nevertheless, she reflected on her accomplishments with pride. “I’m extremely happy with my success this year,” Sabalenka said, emphasizing her gratitude for what she had achieved despite the challenges and injuries.
### Reflections on Humor and Resilience
The playful banter between Roddick and Sabalenka is a reminder of the human side of professional athletes. While injuries and setbacks are part of the journey, moments of humor and camaraderie offer a glimpse into the resilience and good spirits that drive champions forward. Sabalenka’s ability to find humor amidst challenges, combined with Roddick’s lightheartedness, made for a memorable exchange that resonated with fans and showcased why tennis remains a beloved sport.