Andy Roddick claims there’s a WTA player with an even superior serve compared to Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka, hailing from Belarus, faced difficulties with her serve for a significant period, often hindering her chances in Grand Slam events.
After dedicating herself to improvement, Sabalenka‘s serve has transformed into one of her prime assets, helping her secure four major titles and ascend to the world number one spot.
Although most fans acknowledge Sabalenka’s serve as among the best in the WTA Tour, she isn’t without competition.
Roddick believes Elena Rybakina boasts the ‘best serve in the world’
On a recent episode of ‘Served with Andy Roddick’, the former US Open champion shared insight about Elena Rybakina, who just claimed the Ningbo Open.
“When she’s in top form, I contend she has the best serve globally,” Roddick stated. “While it’s not a close comparison, perhaps Aryna [Sabalenka] might rival it when she’s serving exceptionally. However, [Elena] Rybakina can target all four corners from the same toss consistently.”
Roddick commented on Rybakina’s potential for a remarkable year in 2026, following a tumultuous 2025. “The previous year brought about numerous distractions, both personal and professional,” he mentioned. “Yet she has shown promise, playing well ahead of the US Open.”
Determining the Best Server on the WTA Tour
While Roddick advocates for Rybakina’s serve, stats appear to validate his perspective. This year, she has registered nearly 100 more aces than any competitor.
In addition to her ace count, Rybakina also excels in various serving metrics.
Rybakina’s Serving Statistics for 2025
- Aces – 457 (1st on WTA Tour)
- 1st Serve % – 57.4
- 1st Serve Points Won % – 74.4 (2nd on WTA Tour)
- 2nd Serve % – 49.8
- Overall Serve Points Won % – 63.9 (2nd on WTA Tour)
- Break Points Saved % – 64.5
- Service Games Won % – 81.6 (2nd on WTA Tour)
These figures strongly support Roddick’s assertion regarding Rybakina as the premier server on the WTA Tour.
Steps for Rybakina to Secure WTA Finals Qualification
While Rybakina has an eye on a great 2026, immediate concerns lie in 2025. Currently ranked ninth in the WTA Race, she can clinch WTA Finals qualification this week in Japan.
With eighth-ranked Mirra Andreeva not participating in Tokyo, Rybakina’s future is in her hands.
As the number-one seed in the Pan Pacific Open, Rybakina receives a bye to the second round and only needs to win two matches to qualify for the WTA Finals.
She faces a challenging road, starting with a match against in-form Leylah Fernandez in round two.
Rybakina’s journey in Tokyo begins against Fernandez on October 23, and the outcome remains to be seen.
