{"id":13823,"date":"2026-06-05T05:42:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T05:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/13823\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T05:42:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T05:42:32","slug":"aryna-sabalenkas-viral-french-open-dance-moment-draws-backlash-from-andy-roddick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/13823\/","title":{"rendered":"Aryna Sabalenka’s viral French Open dance moment draws backlash from Andy Roddick"},"content":{"rendered":"

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka<\/a>\u2018s dominant run at the 2026 Frenc<\/a>h Open<\/a> produced another highlight after her fourth-round win over Naomi Osaka<\/a>. However, it was her post-match interview rather than her tennis that became the talking point.<\/p>\n

Following Sabalenka\u2019s 7-5, 6-3 victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier, former player and broadcaster Fabrice Santoro referenced the Belarusian\u2019s popular warm-up dance videos and asked her to perform for the crowd. With Michael Jackson\u2019s \u201cThriller\u201d playing through the stadium speakers, Sabalenka initially responded with a surprised, \u201cHere?\u201d before agreeing.<\/p>\n

MORE: Aryna Sabalenka\u2019s Roland Garros Nike kit spotted on Oksana Selekhmeteva<\/a><\/p>\n

Sabalenka then said, \u201cOnly if everyone is dancing,\u201d and proceeded to do two dance steps and stops. However, Santoro then asks her to do a moonwalk, which she immediately does flawlessly on the clay as fans cheer.<\/p>\n

Aryna Sabalenka does Michael Jackson\u2019s moonwalk on court after beating Naomi Osaka at Roland Garros<\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02 pic.twitter.com\/H14wlQ7erx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The moment soon went viral across social media, but not everyone viewed the exchange positively.<\/p>\n

Former US Open champion Andy Roddick<\/a> criticized the segment on his Served<\/a> podcast<\/a>, arguing that it crossed the line between entertainment and professionalism.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always got along with Fabrice Santoro,\u201d Roddick said. \u201cNot a lot of the veterans, when you come out, are super nice. He was always great. I like Fabrice Santoro. And saying, \u201cWill you dance for us?\u201d is such a weird thing to ask. I don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also took issue with Santoro asking Sabalenka to do the moonwalk after the initial dance.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then when she does it a little bit and it\u2019s kind of over, and then being like, \u2018Moonwalk,\u2019 I\u2019m like, \u2018F**k.\u2019 I don\u2019t know. Maybe people loved it. I might be in the minority.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roddick talked from Aryna Sabalenka\u2019s perspective<\/p>\n

\"\"May 30, 2026; Paris, France; Aryna Sabalenka returns a shot during her match against Daria Kasatkina of Australia on day seven at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Roddick\u2019s main concern was the position it placed Sabalenka in. He described it as a \u201close-lose situation\u201d because declining the request could have made her appear uncooperative despite having just completed a physically demanding match.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Sabalenka\u2019s like, \u2018No thank you,\u2019 then everyone\u2019s like, \u2018What, you can\u2019t play along? That\u2019s no fun.\u2019 It\u2019s a lose-lose situation. You\u2019re either kind of corny,\u201d Roddick explained.<\/p>\n

His co-host Mike Hayden echoed that view, suggesting valuable interview time with one of the sport\u2019s biggest stars could have been used for more meaningful discussion about her performance.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a valid argument. Modern tennis increasingly promotes player personalities to connect with fans, and Sabalenka has become one of the WTA\u2019s most marketable figures because of her authenticity and energy. At the same time, post-match interviews traditionally focus on tactics, preparation, and performance.<\/p>\n

MORE: French Open makes suprising decision about Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka match<\/a><\/p>\n

What should not be lost in the debate is Sabalenka\u2019s tennis. The four-time Grand Slam champion handled Osaka with authority and continued a season that already included titles at Indian Wells and Miami. The dance generated headlines, but her ability to deliver under pressure remains the real story behind her success.<\/p>\n

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