Andy Roddick has now revealed which WTA star he has been helping recently.
The former world number one, who retired in 2012, has instead been focusing on delving into the world of punditry in recent months.
However, that has not stopped him from getting onto the court when possible and sharing his knowledge with other players still on tour.
But which WTA player is Roddick seeking to aid? We take a closer look…
Which WTA star is Andy Roddick helping?
Well, having first given his verdict on Holger Rune’s tumultuous coaching situation, speaking on Served with Andy Roddick, the 41-year-old would later move onto a more personal endeavour he was working on.
Roddick has been working closely with Jessica Pegula, and explained exactly what makes the world number four so special: ‘All I did with Jess and all I have done is just continue to ask questions that she knows the answers to already. I don’t think she needs anyone to dictate to her what needs to happen, she’s three or four in the world right now.
‘I think she’s excited or curious about different parts of her game. She’s taken advantage of different voices while she’s been off with specific parts of her game. It’s been fun for me because I’m a tennis nerd, so learning what someone else at the top of the game wants has been interesting.
‘So I said listen just because it’s my opinion doesn’t mean it’s right but hopefully it gives you something to think about.
‘We hit a couple of times last week, just to get to know each other a bit better, and I think all I am is a reference. It’s just incredibly fun for me to have a vested interest and say what I know but more importantly I can tell people what I got wrong.
‘We had an evening hit. Nothing intense, just a bouncing back and force of ideas. I just think she is awesome. She’s amazing, it’s really fun to wrap tennis on a high level and I’m humbled anyone would want my opinion. I see good things ahead of Jess, it’s probably going to be a little bit weird next couple of weeks, but I think she is doing a good job of being honest about what she wants and needs.’
Jessica Pegula is crying out for that killer instinct
Whilst it seems strange to criticise someone so highly ranked in the world of women’s tennis, it cannot be denied that the 29-year-old is sorely lacking the killer instinct needed to win the major titles.
After all, Pegula is yet to get past the quarter-finals in any of the four Grand Slams, and whilst she did reach the last round of the WTA Finals, she was brushed aside by Iga Swiatek with ease.
Across the last year, in which she enjoyed a brief stint as the world number one, she developed a reputation for struggling in the big moments.
Those tour finals were the most high-profile example, but a second-round exit in the 2024 Australian Open is indicative of a trend that persists.
Clearly one of the world’s best, if she can find some consistency when facing the tougher opponents and the tougher moments, then perhaps her late 20s could prove to be a profitable age. Roddick’s advice should certainly help.
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