Andy Roddick has given his verdict on the US Open women’s final between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula.
It was a sigh of relief for Aryna Sabalenka as she was able to right the wrongs of 12 months prior and win her third grand slam title.
Last year’s final saw Coco Gauff come back from a set down to stun the Belarusian and, once Pegula had won five games on the spin in the second set, it seemed as if it was deja vu for Sabalenka at the US Open.
The 26-year-old, however, was able to regroup and get the job done in straight sets, winning 7-5, 7-5 to cap off a truly remarkable three weeks on US soil, extending her win streak to 12 with triumphs in Cincinnati and now Flushing Meadows.
There is also a lot to be said for Jessica Pegula, who was able to muster up the bravery to play her part in an epic final.
Andy Roddick highlights turning point in US Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula
Andy Roddick has continued to make headlines in the tennis landscape, despite retiring from the sport in 2012.
The American has been very vocal about the promising resurgence of US tennis and was understandably delighted to see a man and woman contest both singles finals.
Analyzing the 2024 US Open on the ‘Served with Andy Roddick‘ podcast, the former world number one highlighted an important point in the second set of the women’s final that helped turn the screw in Sabalenka’s favor.
“It’s funny you mentioned the Sabalenka where she’s obviously like blunt-force trauma,” Roddick said. “Like she comes out of the gates. Her goal is to get as aggressive as possible as soon as possible. But there is that nuance.
“The shot that saved that going three sets for her was Jess was serving for the set at 5-4, second set. Sabalenka comes in with a couple of awkward shots and then hits this turnaround backhand high lob over the backhand side, and kind of lays it down short in the court… that’s not power.
“That’s a clutch shot where there’s a little nuance involved. It might’ve been the most important point of the match that kind of stopped Jess’ momentum in that second set and got to shush the crowd a little bit.”
Sabalenka must push on
Sabalenka has been the most consistent performer at grand slam level over the past two years, having reached at least the semi-final stage in seven of the previous eight majors she has played.
Her imposing run in New York this year, adding to the back-to-back triumphs at the Australian Open, has cemented her status as the hottest hard-court player on the WTA Tour.
READ MORE: Andy Roddick reacts as Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the US Open
Sabalenka is now presented with a golden opportunity to capitalize on her 12-match win streak. The world number two is yet to claim the prestigious WTA Finals event but has established herself as the favorite this year alongside in-form Pegula.
Sabalenka is hot on the heels of Iga Swiatek in the major titles count and the Belarusian’s all-court prowess might just be the key to success over her fierce rival in years to come.
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