Andy Roddick is calling out what he calls a 'weird' request made of Aryna Sabalenka after her French Open victory over Naomi Osaka.
Sabalenka defeated Osaka in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, at Roland-Garros. During the post-match interview, broadcaster and former player Fabrice Santoro asked her to dance for the crowd. He even requested music be played. Sabalenka initially hesitated but eventually obliged.
Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, discussed the incident on his 'Served' podcast. 'I like him, but saying, 'Will you dance for us?' is just such a weird thing to ask. I don't like it,' Roddick said. 'And then when she does it a little bit and it's kind of over, to then ask her to moonwalk. I don't know. Maybe people loved it, and I might be in the minority.'
The moonwalk request came as Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' played over the stadium speakers at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Roddick acknowledged understanding 'the personality side' of post-match interviews but couldn't get past this instance. 'Props to her for doing it, but I just thought it was weird. I think that's such a strange thing to ask somebody to do in a professional setting.'
Sabalenka, the world No. 1, will face No. 25 Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals Wednesday.