Roddick: One Big Cincinnati Result Could Make Sabalenka the US Open Favorite Again
The US Open race is wide open, but Andy Roddick believes Aryna Sabalenka has the edge—if she delivers in Cincinnati.
Andy Roddick believes Aryna Sabalenka can quickly regain her favorite status ahead of the US Open.
After her surprise elimination at the WTA 1000 in Toronto, the world No. 1 has left more room for doubt as the season's last Grand Slam approaches.
Several players can claim the favorite status in New York, while Sabalenka will aim for a third consecutive title.
'It's Completely Open'
In his Served podcast, the former world No. 1 first highlighted the uncertainty currently prevailing on the WTA tour as the US Open approaches:
'On the women's side, as the US Open approaches, it's really hard to pick someone as the favorite. And if you do manage to pick one, it's almost by elimination. You know what I mean?'
Rybakina has looked pretty average. Pegula has already proven she can do it, but she suffered an early loss. Swiatek seems to be doing better.
Her win against Kostyuk, which I consider a big win, is important. Gauff is reliable at this stage. But is she the favorite for the US Open? It's completely open.'
Cincinnati Could Make the Difference
Andy Roddick believes, however, that Aryna Sabalenka has an advantage over her main rivals.
The Belarusian would only need a big result in Cincinnati to immediately regain her favorite status.
'Unless someone does something exceptional in Cincinnati, it's completely open. But if Sabalenka goes there and wins, I think she immediately re-establishes herself as the favorite.
She doesn't need as much work as the others to become the favorite again. If she wins something, you think: 'Here we go again.'"
