Andy Roddick recently shared a hilarious and candid confession with Aryna Sabalenka about a moment of frustration that left him both amused and slightly annoyed during the 2023 Wimbledon tournament. The former World No. 1, who won the US Open in 2003, had boldly predicted that Sabalenka would win Wimbledon and reach the final, where she would face American player Jessica Pegula. Roddick’s prediction, made with confidence, seemed like a safe bet, especially considering Sabalenka’s status as the world’s No. 2 player at the time. However, just hours after making his bold forecast, Sabalenka dropped a bombshell announcement: she would be withdrawing from the tournament due to injury.
“I was angry with you earlier this year,” Roddick said to Sabalenka on the *Served with Roddick* podcast, recalling the days leading up to Wimbledon. “I have to get a preview show for Wimbledon out. I mean, I know who I think’s going to win—it was pretty obvious to me at that point—and then f*** it, if you didn’t pull out six hours after I made my call.” Roddick’s frustration was palpable as he humorously reflected on how the withdrawal had thrown off his predictions, leaving him feeling a bit unlucky and annoyed at the timing.
Sabalenka, known for her sharp sense of humor, responded with a laugh and good-naturedly thanked Roddick for his prediction, though she jokingly advised him to avoid picking her for future Grand Slam predictions. “Thank you so much for betting on me; it means a lot, thank you,” Sabalenka said, laughing. “Maybe for the next Grand Slams, don’t pick us so we make it to the final? That’s a deal.”
Roddick, not one to shy away from a bit of self-deprecating humor, continued, “I chose you and Jess (Pegula) to reach the Wimbledon final. And then, once the US Open came around, I thought, like, I can’t go through this all over again. I’m just going to be lazy and pick the two players who screwed me over at Wimbledon—and this time, it actually worked out.” The remark was met with laughter from Sabalenka, who joked, “Probably for the next Grand Slams, don’t pick us, so maybe we’ll actually reach the finals. Please remember that for every Grand Slam. I’m not the player to pick.”
Despite the Wimbledon setback, Sabalenka’s season turned out to be nothing short of spectacular. After withdrawing from Wimbledon, Sabalenka went on to have one of the best stretches of her career, dominating the WTA tour in the latter half of 2023. She registered an impressive 26 wins in her next 29 matches, capturing two prestigious Masters 1000 titles and, most notably, winning the US Open in September. In a dominant display in the final, Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets, proving that she could bounce back from setbacks and continue to shine on the biggest stages.
Her triumph at the US Open, where she clinched her first Grand Slam singles title, marked a pivotal moment in Sabalenka’s career. It was a culmination of hard work and perseverance, and the victory over Pegula in the final further cemented her status as one of the game’s elite players. It was also a powerful statement of redemption, as Sabalenka had shown that she could overcome her earlier Wimbledon withdrawal and still thrive in the biggest moments.
Not only did Sabalenka win the US Open, but she also finished the season with a remarkable feat—she secured the year-end World No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career. This achievement came after an intense race with Iga Swiatek for the top spot. Sabalenka’s strong finish to the year, including victories at the WTA Finals and her consistent performance in the second half of the season, saw her reclaim the No. 1 ranking from Swiatek after 50 weeks at the summit.
However, Sabalenka’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. Although she ended the season as World No. 1, Sabalenka faced consecutive losses at the WTA Finals to Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff, which prevented her from finishing the event with a title. Nonetheless, the losses did little to tarnish her overall achievements, and the world took notice of her rise to the top of women’s tennis. The WTA Finals may have been a disappointing end to her season, but it did not overshadow the many accomplishments she achieved throughout the year.
Sabalenka’s incredible rise to the top has made her one of the most popular and exciting players on the WTA Tour. Known for her aggressive baseline game, powerful serves, and fiery intensity, Sabalenka has captivated fans worldwide. Her on-court persona, combined with her off-court charisma, has made her one of the sport’s brightest stars. Her rise to the World No. 1 ranking in 2023 was a testament to her consistency, mental toughness, and growth as a player. Sabalenka’s ability to stay focused despite the ups and downs of the season, including the frustration surrounding her Wimbledon withdrawal, was key to her success.
Roddick’s humorous confession to Sabalenka serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of tennis, where injuries and surprises can derail even the most carefully planned predictions. It’s also a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect between players, who often share lighthearted moments off the court despite the fierce competition on it. In the case of Roddick and Sabalenka, their friendly banter has only added to the charm of their relationship, showcasing that even in the highly competitive world of tennis, there is room for humor and camaraderie.
As Sabalenka moves forward into 2024, her sights will surely be set on continuing her dominance in women’s tennis. With her confidence at an all-time high after securing the World No. 1 ranking and a Grand Slam title, she will enter the upcoming season as one of the favorites to win major titles. While Roddick’s Wimbledon prediction may not have panned out as he had hoped, his decision to pick Sabalenka for future Grand Slam predictions might just turn out to be the right one after all, considering her upward trajectory in the sport. For now, Sabalenka and Roddick’s humorous exchange will be a reminder of the unpredictable and often amusing nature of tennis.