Whole America is on the edge of their seats, as they get ready for the championship showdown between the home favorite Jessica Pegula and the Belarusian star, Aryna Sabalenka, who promised drinks for all the New York spectators a few days back! Though the local fans would back Pegula, the American legend Andy Roddick shares a diverging view, as he compares Sabalenka with a heavy-weight boxer and reckons she is a serious threat to Pegual’s dream to lift the title at home. But is there a way for Pegula to turn the tables?

Roddick is one of those former players who always speak their mind. Analyzing the US Open semi-final on his podcast, Served with Andy Roddick, dated September 6th, he came up with an honest assessment again. While every American might be rallying behind Pegula and backing her to clinch the trophy, Roddick thinks that the task might prove to be a very difficult one for Pegula. Why? He has shared a few reasons.

Praising Sabalenka’s run at the US Open, where she has displayed her sheer power on the court, the American legend said, “She is an absolute powerhouse. Pure raw power, minus the movement.” Roddick drew an analogy from the 23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams. The Belarusian star has showcased a few features similar to Serena, according to Roddick. “As far as pure raw power. And I know she gonna come up and you know get the first strike in on me and then I’m kind of rattled from there is Serena Williams. That the game, you know she is gonna come out, do what she gonna do and you can’t do anything about it,” the 42-year-old said.

Serena’s power left her opponents helpless on countless occasions, which was evident from the fact that she lost to Sharapova only twice in 22 encounters over the years. And Roddick thinks the same is the case with Sabalenka. He further added, “Sabalenka is gonna come out, gonna rip and tater, and what are you gonna do about it? Like when someone comes in, like a heavyweight boxer comes in, and lands the shot, you are guessing where the next one is going to come. You are trying to get out of trouble.”

Getting such high praise from the former pro, and being compared to Serena Williams, is no mean feat for Sabalenka. Even Chris Evert was in awe of Sabalenka’s raw power. Jessica Pegula will surely not have it easy in her maiden outing in a Grand Slam final. But what is the solution for Pegula? How can she get the better of Sabalenka? Well, Roddick has an answer for that as well.

Jessica Pegula’s serve could come to her rescue during her clash with Aryna Sabalenka

According to Roddick, Pegula has to serve her best, because if she gives any leeway to the Belarusian star, it will be game over for the American. He said, “Serve well, that’s nonnegotiable. If Jess Pegula serves 45% in the first set. She ain’t winning that set.” Furthermore, the crowd will be on Pegula’s side, like they supported Navarro against Sabalenka. However, this may not help her a lot, as Sabalenka is a “Mental marvel,” according to Roddick.

Roddick highlighted Sabalenka’s mental strength by discussing her time when she was suffering from serving yips. For the unversed, there was a time when Sabalenka missed even the simple serves due to yips, which usually stem from nervousness. However, the Belarusian recovered in just 3 months, shocking the tennis community! “She is a mental marvel… Last night against Emma, everyone cheered against her. She just went to work. It’s not a Borg thing, it’s not a Federer thing. She is tough, she is just so tough.” – Roddick remarked.

Can Jessica Pegula demolish Sabalenka’s threat to win her first Grand Slam title? From Roddick’s words, it seems that there is a very slim chance for the American. However, Pegula has defied odds at Flushing Meadows this year. Can she do it one more time in the final? Only time will tell!