“I'm actually doing her a favor”: Andy Roddick makes a shocking prediction choosing Elena Rybakina over Aryna Sabalenka before US Open 2025

Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, made a bold call just days before the 2025 US Open begins in New York. On his “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, the former player said he believes Elena Rybakina will reach the semifinals instead of defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Roddick even joked that Sabalenka should be happy about this prediction.

He said that every time he chooses her to win a Slam, she ends up losing. The playful remark left fans amused and added spice to the pre-tournament chatter.

Andy Roddick explains why he picks Elena Rybakina over Aryna Sabalenka

With co-host Jon Wertheim, Andy Roddick professed his admiration for Elena Rybakina. Rybakina would have to get past Jasmine Paolini and Aryna Sabalenka in consecutive matches in order to reach the semifinals, he explained. Roddick confessed he still wants to choose Rybakina despite the draw appearing to be difficult. When Jon Wertheim asked in surprise, “Over the defending champion?” Roddick smiled and gave a cheeky answer.

“That should make Aryna’s day,” he said. “I’ve picked her to win all the Slams so far, and she hasn’t won. Last time I picked against her, she won. So congratulations Sabalenka, you just won the tournament I picked Rybakina for.” The light-hearted comment showed Roddick’s humor while keeping the debate alive.

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Elena Rybakina’s recent form gives strength to Andy Roddick’s prediction

The latest cutting-edge play of Rybakina, of course, represents Roddick's point of view: During the August 2025 Cincinnati Open quarterfinals, she defeated Aryna Sabalenka.

It was an unexpected victory, given that Sabalenka usually came out hitting wins against her in the preceding Grand Slam events. Having made the semifinals, Elena fell to eventual winner Iga Swiatek. Still ahead 7–5 in their head-to–head series dating back to the Wuhan Open in 2019, Sabalenka leads them. Sabalenka additionally eliminated Rybakina to reach Wimbledon 2021 finals and in 2023 Australian Open championship. Given her recent win and apparent excellent motion, Roddick feels Rybakina has a reasonable chance of reaching deep at the US Open this year.