“Unnecessary thing to do”: Andre Agassi on the aspect of Aryna Sabalenka’s game he would change
Andre Agassi Weighs In on Naomi Osaka vs. Aryna Sabalenka Ahead of MGM Slam Showdown
Former world No. 1 Andre Agassi took part in the pre-event launch of the MGM Slam in Las Vegas, an exhibition match featuring a blockbuster clash between current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. The high-profile showdown serves as a warm-up before Indian Wells and is expected to deliver a thrilling battle between two of the most powerful hitters in women’s tennis.
Agassi and Mardy Fish Set for Mixed Doubles Match
Before Osaka and Sabalenka take center stage, fans will be treated to a special mixed doubles match featuring eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi alongside American silver medalist Mardy Fish from the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Agassi Breaks Down Osaka and Sabalenka’s Strengths
Speaking ahead of the event, Agassi shared his thoughts on the playing styles of Osaka and Sabalenka, praising their powerful shot-making and unique approaches to the game.
“I love watching them both play. I think they are both incredibly great ball strikers,” Agassi said. “They are both easy to root for. One hides their emotions incredibly well, the other probably reveals them a little too much.”
On Osaka’s strengths, Agassi highlighted the stability of her backhand and the potency of her forehand attack:
“Naomi’s backhand is such a solid, reliable shot in both directions. Her forehand from the center of the court to the left side is probably her biggest weapon. Defending her forehand is a little bit harder for her when it comes to handling that shot.”
For Sabalenka, Agassi acknowledged her tremendous power but suggested she could refine certain aspects of her game for even greater effectiveness:
“Aryna’s power is remarkable. Her backhand is very solid, and her forehand is a bomb. I think she swings at it 100%, which is great to watch, but an unnecessary thing to do because at 85%, she would get even better direction, and it would still be incredibly effective.”
Agassi Analyzes Sabalenka’s Serve
Agassi also weighed in on Sabalenka’s serve, an area that has fluctuated in consistency over the years:
“She has changed her toss and put it down a lot, but this year, it looks like it has crept back up a bit. So I don’t know what is going on—I’ll check that out! But watching these two big hitters go at it is very fun.”
Head-to-Head History: Osaka Leads 1-0
Despite their individual dominance on the WTA Tour, Osaka and Sabalenka have only faced each other once—at the 2018 US Open Round of 16, where Osaka emerged victorious on her way to winning her first Grand Slam title.
Both players have built their legacies on hard courts, with Osaka winning four Grand Slam titles and Sabalenka claiming three. Their showdown at the MGM Slam promises to be a fascinating battle of power, precision, and mental fortitude.
