Roddick backs Lebakina to win a Grand Slam next year, while Rune’s mother fiercely rebukes former cyclist’s criticism of Rune

Recently, former American tennis player Roddick spoke highly of Lebakina and predicted she would win a Grand Slam championship in the next season.

“When Lebakina is in top form, I consider her serve to be among the very best worldwide. Frankly, I don’t think anyone can match her standard.” Former world No.1 and American star Andy Roddick recently gave high praise to WTA current star Elena Lebakina’s serving technique.

Roddick’s commendation of Lebakina’s serving skills is not baseless. As one of the greatest servers in history, his opinion carries significant weight.

“Lebakina can score points from any spot on the court—whether it’s at deuce or advantage points,” Roddick emphasized in his comments. He even suggested that only Sabalenka, when fully performing, might rival Lebakina’s serving level.

Roddick also boldly predicted a breakthrough for Lebakina in 2026: “I believe she will have an extraordinary season next year. This year has been full of setbacks for her due to various personal reasons and the search for a coach; it’s been a year full of distractions.”

Lebakina’s recent performance has indeed been impressive; she came from behind in three sets to defeat Alexandrova in the Ningbo final, securing the title and laying a foundation for her bid to qualify for the year-end finals. Her strong resurgence currently appears likely to continue into the new season.

Roddick is confident about Lebakina’s future: “She showed great form before the US Open, and I even predicted she would reach the final. Maybe I was too impressed by what I saw, but I still bet on her winning a Grand Slam in 2026.”

In response, a Twitter user wrote: “Lebakina’s performances this year in Ningbo and Cincinnati prove why she is highly regarded. If she can maintain consistency, a Grand Slam in 2026 is definitely within reach.”

Lebakina’s current competitive form is indeed on the rise. Her season win count has increased to 41 matches, ranking just behind Sabalenka and Swiatek. After winning the Ningbo Open, her career titles have reached a milestone of 10. Having won Wimbledon in 2022, can she break her Grand Slam curse next year?

In stark contrast to the praise for Lebakina, controversy surrounds Holger Rune’s physical preparation.

Former professional cyclist Mikkel Rasmussen bluntly criticized Rune on social media yesterday: “It’s unforgivable that a professional athlete was not physically prepared for conditions like those in Shanghai.”

Rasmussen was referring to Rune’s suffering from cramps during the Shanghai Masters under conditions of 35 degrees Celsius and 80% humidity.

Rune’s mother, Aneke, quickly issued a statement fiercely rebutting: “I find it completely unacceptable that former cyclist Rasmussen claims Rune’s cramping in Shanghai indicates inadequate physical preparation.”

“I must respond: considering this ex-Tour de France rider’s 12-year history of systematic doping, I am convinced that if he had played in Shanghai tennis, his physical preparation would have been thoroughly adequate.”

It is worth noting that Rasmussen’s history of doping is well documented. He admitted to using banned substances between 1998 and 2010, including EPO, insulin, growth hormones, and receiving blood transfusions. Ultimately, he was permanently banned from the Tour de France in 2007 for failing to report whereabouts for drug testing.

Regarding the dispute involving Rune and his mother, public opinion is divided. Some netizens support Rune’s mother’s bold remarks: “Someone who admitted to doping clearly has no right to criticize a young athlete’s physical preparation.”

However, others believe: “Rune’s mother’s rebuttal doesn’t change the fact that Rune’s fitness is lacking. Rasmussen’s criticism might be valid; while a mother’s protective instincts are understandable, Rune truly needs to improve his physical condition.” What do you think?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)