Former world No. 1 "Andy Roddick" commented on a hypothetical clash between "Serena Williams" and "Aryna Sabalenka" in the first round of the "Wimbledon 2026" singles tournament. The American is adamant that such a draw would not give any advantage to the top-seeded Belarusian tennis player.
"She has the same chances as any other tennis player in the world to be drawn against Sabalenka in the first round," says Roddick regarding the possibility of Serena facing the top seed at the very start. "I looked at it from the other side: if you are Sabalenka and you play against Serena, who hasn't stepped on the court for four years, and she comes out and wins three or four of her service games... There is no advantage in playing against Serena, none whatsoever."
Roddick emphasizes that the psychological pressure in such a situation might be on Sabalenka rather than on Williams. "Moreover – Sabalenka has quite a few doubts in her game and, like the other seeds, she will be crossing her fingers not to draw Serena in her first match," he adds, hinting that the name and aura of the American legend carry weight, regardless of the hiatus.
We remind you that "Serena Williams" received a "wild card" to participate in "Wimbledon 2026", thus returning to the grass-court "Grand Slam" after a four-year absence from the tour. At the same time, "Aryna Sabalenka" will be the number 1 seed in the main draw, which makes a potential duel between the two one of the most discussed possible meetings even before the draw takes place.
Andy Roddick's words add more intrigue to the expectations surrounding Serena's comeback and put under the spotlight not only her physical readiness but also the mental resilience of the favorites in the draw, led by Sabalenka.