The 2025 US Open main draw kicks off on August 24 at Flushing Meadows, with fans around the world watching to see which of tennis’ top stars will shine on the hard courts. As defending champions loom, World No. 1s Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka look to defend their titles in New York, while a surprise prediction from a former champion adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Former US Open champion Andy Roddick sparked chatter on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast by predicting Elena Rybakina would reach the singles semifinals, ahead of defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. Roddick’s reasoning centers on a hypothetical path: for Rybakina to get to the semis, she would likely have to beat Elisabetta Paolini and Sabalenka in consecutive rounds. He admitted he’s hedging a bit, saying he’d rather see Rybakina in the semis than Sabalenka in that scenario.
The playful twist in his prediction came with a joke: Sabalenka should be pleased, because he’s picked her to win every Slam this year but she hasn’t won one yet. “Last time I picked against her, she won, so Congratulations, Sabalenka, you just won the tournament I picked Rybakina,” he quipped, highlighting a pattern this season.
Sabalenka, the World No. 1, has had a strong 2025 with a 50-10 record and three titles—Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid—and enters as the defending US Open champion. Rybakina, seeded ninth this year, has shown form as well. She captured Strasbourg in May, defeating Liudmila Samsonova, and most recently beat Sabalenka in Cincinnati’s quarterfinals, underscoring why some view her as a real threat on hard courts. While Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 7-5 across 12 battles, Rybakina’s aggressive serve and baseline power on fast surfaces keep her in the conversation.
Rybakina’s hard-court game is well-suited to the conditions at Flushing Meadows, and her Wimbledon semifinal run in 2024 demonstrates she can challenge the world’s best when she’s healthy. Sabalenka’s consistency and top ranking remain a major hurdle, even as Rybakina’s form gives fans a potential upset scenario to watch for once the tournament starts.
Looking ahead, the storyline is clear: Sabalenka will aim to defend her title with the support of a busy season and a track record of deep Grand Slam runs, while Rybakina seeks to translate recent wins into a deep run in New York. Roddick’s bold pick adds a storyline that could echo through the early rounds, as fans anticipate whether Rybakina’s momentum or Sabalenka’s experience will prevail in the biggest matches.
Additional notes for fans:
– The field features prominent contenders beyond the two, with several top seeds aiming to stake their claim in a crowded women’s draw.
– The Cincinnati head-to-head result between Rybakina and Sabalenka serves as a recent barometer of form and confidence, particularly on hard courts.
Overall, the US Open is shaping up to deliver high-stakes drama as the world’s best race toward a new chapter in a season packed with powerful performances and surprising twists. The anticipation around which semifinalist emerges—from Sabalenka’s steady excellence to Rybakina’s aggressive surge—adds extra buzz to the fortnight of intense competition.