"Maybe there was a little bit of a hangover": Roddick believes Sabalenka Rome Open loss to Kenin doesn't affect Roland Garros chances

Former world No. 1, Andy Roddick, played down the significance of Aryna Sabalenka's early exit from the Rome Open.

The Belarusian player has had a strong 2023 season, which is gradually threatening Iga Swiatek's reign at the top of the WTA rankings. Sabalenka won the Australian Open earlier this year and defeated Swiatek in the final of the Madrid Open last week, closing the gap to the world No. 1. Despite her good form, she was surprised by Sofia Kenin in her debut at the Rome Open, losing in the second round of the WTA 1000 event.

Roddick shared his opinion on the confidence of Sabalenka after her early exit in the Italian tournament on Tennis Channel. For the former world No. 1 her loss doesn't affect Sabalenka's chance at the French Open.

"Maybe, there was a little bit of a hangover but those turnarounds have been done before and they used to be in a tighter schedule. So, it doesn't affect what I think as far as Sabalenka's chances at Roland Garros," the American said.

Roddick congratulated his compatriot Sofia Kenin, whom he considered a great rival for Sabalenka, and who also deserves credit for her victory.

"Well, first let's acknowledge what Kenin did really well. She stood inside the court on the second serve, was changing directions, so Sabalenka wasn't hitting 2 or 3 shots from the same position where she can kind of get that cumulative effect of her immense power," he said.

"All the credit to Sofia Kenin. She was on her game and it was great to see it again," added.