Andy Roddick’s new podcast has not been short of entertainment or insight despite being just one episode in.
The former world number one, who enjoyed a thoroughly successful 12-year singles career at the pinnacle of tennis, has traded the racquet for a microphone.
And with it has come his opinions on all manner of topics, including who he thinks is the sport’s most consistent player and how Jannik Sinner managed to beat Daniil Medvedev, among other things.
However, there is one young star who has left him truly blown away.
But who has caught his eye, even over Aryna Sabalenka? We take a closer look…
Which tennis player left Andy Roddick amazed?
In that aforementioned piece, Roddick outlines the Belarusian as ‘the most bankable player’ on the planet, such is her consistency.
The ease with which she strolled to the Australian Open title only emphasised this further, with Sinner also claiming history in the men’s draw after beating Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, much to Roddick’s shock.
But it was neither of these two that he admitted had left him ‘blown away’, but instead his 19-year-old compatriot Coco Gauff.
Speaking on the Andy Roddick Podcast, the American ace said: ‘I think Coco will be a dominant server, I was blown away by the two or three days we spent together, the feedback she’s able to give, what she’s able to take in, and the professional manner.
‘There are people who don’t work as hard… they’re not a household name like Coco Gauff is. For someone who hasn’t turned 20, I was absolutely blown away. I would show up for her anytime she asks, I was so impressed with her.’
2024 could be a huge year for Coco Gauff
Having been knocked out during Sabalenka’s unstoppable run to the title in Melbourne, she can be forgiven for the manner in which she was brushed aside by the 25-year-old.
After all, there are few players on the planet who could have competed with the Belarusian, given the mental fortitude she has recently acquired to match her petrifying physique.
It therefore makes Gauff’s 2023 US Open victory over her in the final all the more sweet and offers a glimpse into the talent that could well compete with Sabalenka for many years to come.
Having already now reached another Grand Slam semi-final, 2024 promises to be a huge year for the 19-year-old superstar who is already widely regarded as one of the WTA’s finest players.
Given she reached the final of Roland Garros in 2022, there will be hope that the world number three can maintain her fine form in the majors and compete for another title to further cement Roddick’s praise.
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