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Roddick and Rybakina at US Open
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Andy Roddick said Elena Rybakina's first-round win was 'strange' because she hit well but moved little.
Rybakina is one of four players who can leave New York as world number.
Background
At the 2026 US Open, Elena Rybakina is a top contender for the world number one ranking, which will be decided on September 12. She won her first-round match against Thea Frodin in straight sets, dropping only five games in 1 hour 14 minutes. However, former champion Andy Roddick noted on his podcast that her movement seemed limited, leading him to speculate she might be injured.
How it unfolded
- Sep 1, 2026Elena Rybakina defeats Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the US Open.
- Sep 2, 2026Andy Roddick comments on Rybakina's performance on the Served Podcast, saying it was 'strange' and that he thinks she is hurt.
- Sep 3, 2026Rybakina is scheduled to play her second-round match in the night session at the US Open.
Who’s saying what
- Expert
- Andy Roddick said, 'It was strange. She hit the ball amazingly well. Was kind of not moving for balls. I think she is hurt.'
- Analysts
- ESPN notes Rybakina had an ankle injury that forced her to retire in Cincinnati and withdraw from mixed doubles, but it wasn't serious enough to keep her out of the US Open.
Still unverified
Roddick's speculation that Rybakina is injured is not confirmed by any official statement.