Andy Roddick has been left stunned by Aryna Sabalenka’s unrelenting pursuit to continue progressing.
After all, there was one decision she made right before the US Open that, to many looking from the outside, seemed unnecessary.
However, it has since clearly proved pivotal, with the Belarusian storming to the title in New York. In doing so, she has become the first woman since Serena Williams to successfully defend a US Open title.
Aryna Sabalenka is keeping good company, and deservedly so given the quality and mental fortitude she so often shows.
But what impressed Andy Roddick most was that persistent desire to keep on improving.
Andy Roddick left stunned by Aryna Sabalenka’s work ethic
Speaking on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast, the former world number one admitted that, despite the triumphant nature of her win, he did feel bad for Amanda Anisimova.
But, he also rationalised it by admitting: “Listen, you can feel badly for someone and also, like, your respect and, you know, Aryna Sabalenka is just a bad—-.
“Like, she’s so good, she’s so tough, you know, People are like, ‘Oh, she lost a Grand Slam final!’ Okay, she’s one of like, you put yourself in that position and you deliver, even if you miss sometimes. She’s so good. Number one in the world, all the success.
“Now she’s kind of marching along. I mean, we mentioned with the Iga with Six. Like, she’s marching up on, like, some massive names for all-time slam count. Like, she’s kind of entering history. It’s great to see props to her.
“Also, like, making adjustments, losing a couple of close ones, like, I say it all the time, sometimes our biggest strengths are also our biggest weaknesses. Fresh set of eyes. I’m number one in the world. Current. And I bring in a fresh set of eyes. I need some help. Props.”
Roddick also outlined what he noticed about Carlos Alcaraz upon seeing him in the locker room just yesterday, ahead of his upcoming US Open final against Jannik Sinner.
Aryna Sabalenka proves why she is the best player in the world
Whilst she will finish 2025 with just one Grand Slam title, Sabalenka has still proven why she is the best player in the world by some distance.
After all, the fact that she reached three Grand Slam finals and another semi-final alone should indicate that she was comfortably the most consistent.
However, to convert at the last time of asking, under such huge pressure, takes incredible mental fortitude.
Adding to that the fact that she brought Max Mirnyi onto her team right before the US Open, in a move that could have had its risks, and it’s clear why she remains the dominant figure on the WTA.
She is smart and supremely talented, and has a desperate drive to continue improving. This should help her continue dominating for many years to come.
