‘Always Against Her Own Shadow’ – Roddick Addresses Aryna Sabalenka’s Form Ahead of the US Open

The US Open begins at the end of August, and the women’s field looks more unpredictable than ever. The World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who has been the safest bet for the last two years, has seen her form dip since the spring hard-court swing. Former US Open champion Andy Roddick recently gave his take on the WTA and how the two-time Grand Slam champion can restore her status as the clear favorite in Cincinnati.

Andy Roddick Backs Aryna Sabalenka to Restore US Open Favorite Status

After winning the Sunshine Double in March, Sabalenka has not made it past the quarterfinals in any WTA 1000 events or Grand Slams. According to Roddick, Sabalenka has looked uncharacteristically vulnerable on court, visibly frustrated and unhappy with her box.

Referencing her recent RO16 loss against Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Canadian Open, Roddick noted that the Belarusian is currently going through a temporary ‘valley’ phase. He also stressed that Sabalenka is not playing poorly but is simply lacking her usual precision.

“She is kind of searching a little bit, which happens,” Roddick stated in the latest episode of the “Served” podcast. “All top players [have] peaks and valleys. It’s weird how we’re digesting her performances now, but it’s always against her own shadow where she set three years of precedent of ‘I’m going to be in the semifinals at any point.’”

Among the rest of the top contenders heading into the US Open, Roddick admitted it is difficult to back any single player. Instead, picking a favorite feels like looking at who hasn’t stumbled recently.

“The women’s side, going into the US Open, it’s hard to actually point to someone and say they’re the favorite. If you do somehow get to a favorite, it’s almost by subtraction,” the 2003 US Open champion said.

He noted that in Toronto, World No. 2 Elena Rybakina has looked “pretty average” recently, while Jessica Pegula suffered an unexpected early loss. Iga Świątek, however, is getting back to her best, with her win over Marta Kostyuk standing out, while Coco Gauff continues to be reliable. Still, neither Świątek nor Gauff has done enough to become the clear favorite.

That’s why the narrative could shift entirely at the Cincinnati Open. Roddick believes that a title run in Ohio by any top player would instantly make them the odds-on favorite in New York. And Sabalenka holds a distinct advantage in this scenario because of her record on hard courts.

SEE ALSO: ‘Won’t Judge From Her Side’ – Elina Svitolina Opens Up About Iga Świątek Rivalry Ahead of Toronto Semifinal

“If Sabalenka goes and wins there, I think she instantly reestablishes herself as the favorite,” Roddick said. “She doesn’t need as much work to get back to favorite status as someone else… If she goes and wins something, you’re like, ‘Okay, great. We’re back.’”

The main draw in Cincinnati begins on August 13, and Sabalenka, Rybakina, Pegula, Gauff, and Mirra Andreeva comprise the top five seeds.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.