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The fact that Aryna Sabalenka was asked to dance after defeating Naomi Osaka at the French Open has one former American tennis star stumped.
It was an awkward scene at Roland-Garros when announcer and former player Fabrice Santoro asked Sabalenka, who beat Osaka in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, to dance with the crowd. He even asked for music to be played.
Sabalenka agreed despite hesitation at first, 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 the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, on June 1, 2026. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)
Roddick, who took home his only career Grand Slam title at the 2003 US Open, spoke about Santoro’s request on his “Served” podcast.
“I like it, but saying, ‘Will you dance for us?’ It’s a very strange thing to ask. “I don’t like it,” Roddick said. “And then when he does it a little bit and he’s almost done, asking him to do the moonwalk… I don’t know. Maybe people loved it, and I might be in the minority.”
TENNIS STAR MOCKS CROWD WITH PROVOCATIVE DANCE AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN WIN
The moonwalk request came from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” playing over the speakers of the Philippe-Chatrier Court.
Roddick said he understands “the personality side” of how postgame interviews are conducted, but he couldn’t get past this point.
“Congratulations on doing it, but I thought it was strange. I think it’s a very strange 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 the Chase Center in San Francisco, California on September 20, 2025. (Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
It’s worth noting that Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, who was surprisingly upset in their last match at Roland-Garros, appeared to be having a competition with post-match celebratory dances throughout the French Open.
However, that ended when Djokovic lost his third-round showdown with Spaniard Joao Fonseca, a 19-year-old phenom who came back from 2-0 down in the match to win in thrilling five-set fashion.
But there have been times in the past where viral reactions have been sought during these post-match situations, some of which seem awkward or awkward.
Roddick clearly found this to be the case, and Sabalenka will have at least one more match in the future 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 the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, on June 1, 2026. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)
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The 28-year-old current world No. 1 in women’s singles has four Grand Slam singles titles under her belt, including two victories at the US Open in 2024 and 2025. She also took home 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.
