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With Aryna Sabalenka asked to dance after beating Naomi Osaka at the French Open, a former American tennis star is left perplexed.
It was an awkward scene at the French Open when Sabalenka, who beat Osaka in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, was invited by broadcaster and former player Fabrice Santoro to dance with the crowd. He even asked for music to be played.
Sabalenka agreed despite her initial hesitation, but it was a confusing situation for many in the tennis industry, including Andy Roddick.
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Aryna Sabalenka dances to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” during her post-match interview after defeating Naomi Osaka in the fourth round on day nine of Roland Garros 2026 at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 1, 2026. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)
Roddick, who has won just one Grand Slam title in his career at the 2003 US Open, spoke about Santoro’s request on his “Served” podcast.
“I like him, but saying, ‘Will you dance for us?’ It’s 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 ask her to do the moonwalk. … I don’t know. Maybe people loved it, and I might be in the minority.”
TENNIS STAR MAKES CROWD WITH PROVOCATIVE DANCE AFTER Australian Open VICTORY
The request for the moonwalk came from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” broadcast on the speakers of the Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Roddick said he understands “the personality side” of how postgame interviews are conducted, but he couldn’t get past this one.
“I applaud him for doing it, but I just thought it was weird. I think it’s such a weird thing to ask someone to do it in a professional setting.”
Former tennis player Andy Roddick hosts the Served podcast live from the Fan Zone during day two of the 2025 Laver Cup at Chase Center in San Francisco, California on September 20, 2025. (Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Note that Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, surprisingly upset during his last match at Roland-Garros, seemed to be competing with each other with post-match celebratory dances throughout Roland-Garros.
That ended, however, when Djokovic lost his third round match to Spaniard Joao Fonseca, a 19-year-old phenom who came back from 2-0 down in the match to win in thrilling five sets.
But there have been times in the past where viral reactions have been sought during these post-game situations, some of which seem uncomfortable or awkward.
Roddick clearly found this one to be the case, and Sabalenka will have at least one more match to go as she seeks her first French Open victory.
Aryna Sabalenka dances to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” during her post-match interview after defeating Naomi Osaka in the fourth round on day nine of Roland Garros 2026 at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 1, 2026. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)
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The 28-year-old current world number 1 in women’s singles has four Grand Slam singles titles to her name, including two victories at the US Open in 2024 and 2025. She also won the Australian Open crown in 2023 and 2024.
Sabalenka will face No. 25 Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 6:10 a.m. ET.
