Andy Roddick shares bold verdict on Iga Swiatek-Aryna Sabalenka Italian Open final

Former world No 1 Andy Roddick has previewed the 2024 Italian Open final between WTA rivals Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
The 2003 US Open champion argued Sabalenka has been “playing better in the lead up” to the final and feels the Belarusian will be “a lot more confident going into this one than Madrid.”
The Rome final will be a repeat of the Madrid Open title match a fortnight ago, where Swiatek defeated Sabalenka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) in an enthralling encounter. This will be the 11th meeting between the pair, with Swiatek holding a 7-3 head-to-head advantage.
Swiatek, the world No 1, is looking to win her third Italian Open title, while second-ranked Sabalenka is seeking a maiden crown at the WTA 1000 event.
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During a discussion on Tennis Channel, Roddick explained why he gives Sabalenka the edge in the latest clash between the two best players in the women’s game.
“We are starting to get a little spoiled in the best possible way by this matchup. They had a run of matches last year on clay. I think Stuttgart, Madrid we’ve already had,” said the American.
“The Madrid showdown… there was nothing between them in that match. I know Iga won, but I thought that’s where Sabalenka really showed her best tennis of that week by far and she’s continued it.
“There’s no questions about Iga’s form on clay right now, but I think Sabalenka is playing better in the lead up. Now, we’ll never know how the match is going to go on a given day, but I think Sabalenka’s form, she’s a lot more confident going into this one than Madrid.
“Sabalenka is now a great competitor, and she doesn’t get enough credit for it because she loses her sh**. You can simultaneously lose your sh** and be a great competitor.”
After her semi-final victory over world No 3 Coco Gauff, Swiatek gave her thoughts on facing her biggest rival for the second final in a row.
“Honestly, I don’t think it makes sense to think about these two matches as one continuing story because totally different tournament,” she said. “Different week, as well. It’s not like it’s going to be the same.
“I’ll try to, like, be in the present, not really think about Madrid. Obviously, I need to analyse this match in terms of the tactics. Not too much, as well, because it was pretty tight.
“I think we both could have done some things better. It’s a totally different story. I’ll just focus on being present.”