"It all comes down to Emma Navarro": Andy Roddick sees pressure point in U.S.–Italy clash for the BJK Cup title

Andy Roddick doesn’t mince words when it comes to the Billie Jean King Cup Final. With the United States set to face defending champions Italy, the former world No. 1 believes Lindsay Davenport’s squad has the edge. “USA is going to win this thing,” Roddick declared on Served with Roddick, as he broke down the matchups and the storylines surrounding Sunday’s showdown.

The Americans booked their place in the final after a hard-fought tie against Great Britain. Jessica Pegula came from a set down against Katie Boulter to win 6–2 in the decider, while Emma Navarro survived a stern test from Sonay Kartal. “Navarro has now won two straight tough three-setters,” Roddick pointed out, adding that those gritty performances were key in giving Taylor Townsend – the doubles world No. 1 - the chance to rest.

Italy, meanwhile, knocked out Ukraine in a deciding doubles rubber, with Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani proving once again that they thrive under pressure. Roddick stressed that there are no surprises in the final pairing. “These are the two best teams this week,” he said. “The only weakness you might point to is Italy’s second singles position with Elisabetta Cocciaretto. She’s ranked around No. 91 in the world, while Navarro is just outside the top 10 and Pegula is firmly in the top five. Paolini is consistently in the top 10, and Errani is one of the best doubles players in the world. If she’s not the best, then Taylor Townsend is.”

Still, the U.S. comes in with a sense of urgency. Roddick reminded listeners that the Americans have lifted the trophy 18 times but only once since 2000, back in 2017. “That’s surprising,” he admitted. “For Lindsay Davenport, for Jess Pegula, for Emma Navarro—this would mean the world. Italy won it last year. Who cares? The U.S. needs this one.”

If there’s one thing Roddick emphasized, it’s that Davenport’s team must do everything possible to keep the tie from being decided in doubles. “I don’t think Lindsay is going to say, ‘we have to win the first two singles matches,’” he explained. “But in the back of her mind, she doesn’t want it to be a flip of the coin where Errani is involved. If you gave Italy the choice, they’d take doubles for the title every time.”

The former U.S. Open champion sees the second singles match as the real tipping point. “If Navarro wins, I like the U.S.,” he said. “If she gets upset, it’s a lot to ask to beat Paolini in singles and then Paolini and Errani in doubles. So it comes down to Navarro. I think she’ll win, and if that happens, the U.S. wins the title.”

The U.S. played back-to-back days in Seville, with both singles matches going the distance, while Italy had an extra rest day. Roddick acknowledged the imbalance but dismissed it as decisive. “Italy probably has a little bit more in the tank. While USA was playing GB, Italy was chilling out. But Jess Pegula is in incredible shape. You never really see her tired. Same with Emma Navarro. Taylor Townsend got the day off, which was advantageous.”

Even so, Roddick praised the Italians’ resilience. “They may not be big in stature, but they’re big as far as their hearts,” he said. “They are just monsters in this competition.” Pressed to make a pick, the 2003 US Open champion didn’t hesitate. “USA is going to win this thing,” he repeated. “I said it before and I still believe it. Navarro’s tough three-set wins have put them in this position, and I think it not only helps here but sets her up well for the rest of the season too.”

Whatever the outcome, the showdown promises to be a battle of contrasting strengths: America’s singles firepower against Italy’s doubles mastery. For Roddick, the message is simple—win the singles and don’t give Errani and Paolini the chance to decide it all.