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An Exclusive Interview with Andy Roddick: Shapovalov’s Strategy and Opelka’s Serve Dominance






Moderator: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of Inside the Court! Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by former world No. 1 and US open champion,Andy Roddick. Andy, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. 





Andy Roddick: Thanks for having me! always great to talk tennis.





Moderator: Let’s dive right in. Denis Shapovalov recently secured a spot in the Indian Wells Masters 1000 after a tough three-set win over Davidovich Fokina. He’s now set to face Reilly Opelka, who’s been serving up a storm. First, what’s your take on Shapovalov’s performance in that match?





Andy Roddick: denis showed a lot of resilience. Coming back after dropping the first set against a player like Fokina, who’s got a solid all-around game, is no small feat. Shapovalov’s ability to adjust and raise his level when it matters most is a testament to his mental toughness. That’s a quality you need if you’re going to compete at the highest level.





Moderator: Speaking of competing at the highest level, Shapovalov’s next opponent is Reilly Opelka, who just steamrolled Lorenzo Musetti with only 10 points lost on his serve. How do you rate Opelka’s serve,and do you think it’s the best in the game right now?





Andy Roddick: Reilly’s serve is an absolute weapon. I’ve always believed that the serve is the most crucial shot in tennis, and Opelka has mastered it. his height gives him an unbelievable advantage, but it’s not just about power—his placement and variety are what set him apart. I’d say he’s definitely in the conversation for having the best serve in the game right now, alongside guys like Isner and Kyrgios.





Moderator: Shapovalov joked that he’d be working on his goalkeeping skills on the grass instead of practicing tennis to prepare for Opelka. What’s your take on his lighthearted approach? Is this a sign of confidence or just Denis being Denis?





Andy Roddick: Laughs That’s classic Denis. he’s always had that playful, carefree personality. I think it’s a bit of both—confidence and just his way of staying loose. But let’s not mistake his humor for a lack of seriousness.when he steps on the court, he’s all business.That saeid, you can’t underestimate the mental aspect of facing someone like Opelka. Maybe the goalkeeping analogy isn’t too far off—you’ve got to be ready to react quickly and be flexible.





Moderator: Captivating point. How do you think Shapovalov should approach the match tactically? What’s the key to breaking down opelka’s game?





andy Roddick: First and foremost, Denis has to hold his serve. Against someone like Opelka, if you’re constantly playing catch-up, you’re in trouble. He’s got to be aggressive on his return games, take chances, and try to get into rallies where he can use his athleticism and shot-making ability. Opelka’s movement isn’t his strongest suit, so if Denis can keep him on the run, he’ll have a shot.





Moderator: Great insights, Andy. Now, let’s open this up to our readers. what do you all think? Can Shapovalov find a way to neutralize Opelka’s serve, or will the "serving machine" prove too much? Drop your opinions in the comments below!





Andy Roddick: I’m curious to hear what the fans think. tennis is as much about strategy as it is about execution, and this match-up is a engaging one.





Moderator: Thanks again, Andy, for sharing your expertise. And to our readers, don’t forget to leave your thoughts and join the discussion. Until next time, keep your eye on the ball and enjoy the game!











Reader Interaction:






What’s your prediction for the Shapovalov vs. Opelka match?



Do you agree with Andy Roddick’s assessment of Opelka’s serve?



How important is mental preparation in facing a player like Opelka?









Let’s get the conversation started! 🎾